Where do I start? I've not got a clue. Guess i need a bike but have no idea about where and how to get one.. and what I should be looking for? People tell me second hand.. but where do you start with that one?
any advice would be very appreciated!
Ben
0 ·
Comments
I'm really keen on taking up triathlon as well. Just got myself a new road bike - nothing special, but a good price nonetheless. If you go to www.discountbicycles.co.uk and click on "road racing bikes" and then "Claude Butler" there's a bike available for £169.99 Obviously if you want something with a better spec, then they are available as well.
Hope this helps!
http://www.triandrun.com/trikit.htm
I see from your profile you’re a marathon runner so you should have no trouble with the stamina, I guess the key to what you need and spec wise is how competitive and serious you are re competing at Tri. The initial outlay can vary quite a bit depending on this.
If you just want to see what its like id go for a cheap bike (you can always relegate it to a training bike and get a better one later). As Sparks pointed out there are reasonably priced new bikes about. I would suggest you get a new one rather than second hand, also go to a good bike shop because the fitting is the key, e.g. correct alignment and distance between the pedals/handlebars.
On the other higher spec bikes (Giant, Cannondale, Specialised, Airbourne etc) start from £400 - £500 and the component specs, weight etc changes accordingly.
Along with the bike your going to need about £100 - £300 of other cycling kit – shoes, helmet, gloves, shorts, top, lights?, spare tube, pike tool, pump, tri bars?, bottle & cage etc.
You probably don’t need to worry about a wet suit for the time being as a lot of Tri’s have pool swims and you can also hire them otherwise.
Good luck.
these are both more expensive than i was hoping (399 and 349), but they both have aliminum frames which, apparanty, is important. (?)
Now, the ridgeback only has flat handles, but the giant comes with a choice of flate or drop... ? any suggestions?
(and what about this aliminum stuff?)
Aluminium is just one of many different frame materials - and comes in all shapes and grades.
Steel can also be very good for more expensive bikes though.
so i'd get a cheap one for now were i you
as for aluminium, pretty much all the frames in your price range will be aluminium with steel forks. the next step up is alu w/carbon forks (a little more comfort) then you get into carbon/alu hybriud frames/titanium etc etc.
i'd stay away from steel, you don't see anyone riding steel bike near the front of the race in a tri. they are good for comfort not for speed.
finally if you want a bike that you can go to work and back on and use for the odd tri the genesis would be fine. it just has a less 'aero position'. you can add clip on tri bars too it if you need to in the future also...
a few people have suggested Lemond bikes
in particular: Reno (£699) and Nevada City (£499) and views on these?
B
HELP!