10 replies to this topic

[clarke45]

Hi everyone

Im just starting to get into triathlons, and have the goal of working to a HIM by the end of next year.

However, i dont currently have a bike, so i am in the market but i am unsure whether i should get a road bike or a tri-bike (they are expensive)

i few people have suggested that i try to get one second hand, but the chances of finding one are very slim
i have a budget of max $1500

any help would be appreciated

[Mouse]

I say definitely get a roadie and buy some clip on aero bars if you want them. You will probably be riding with friends or just doing long training rides a lot more than you will be racing. Lots of people do IM's on road bikes anyway.

NTR bought a new Vivente Lugano (with 105 groupset) for $1500 so that price range will get you a great second hand or pretty good new bike.

Check out bike exchange, it's fab

[Suzy]

Go the road bike and fit some aero bars as Mouse said. They're much more versatile than a tri bike (and more comfortable).

[TynoMite]

For $1500 max, try 2nd hand roadies.
If it's your first bike, you'll be better off with a roadie anyway.
As Mouse said - BikeExchange has heaps of stuff.
What location are you in?
Check Tri websites like Transitions - they have a buy/sell section where people unload bikes fairly regularly.
If you're around Brisbane, RoadGrime has a fairly active selling section too.

[blkbox]

Buy a road bike no question.

Specific tri bikes are not the best for training on day after day.

You might surprise yourself with what you can get for your budget - most manufacturers are in the process of releasing their 2010 range and will be selling this years models off a little cheaper.

[Goughy]

Tri bikes aren't as safe for group riding either; on a roadie with your hands on the hoods you have immediate access to braking and gear changing. On a tri bike you have to shift our hands for gear changes or braking and when your one foot off of someones wheel that's not safe. Some clip on's like the profile t2+ or t1+ are incredibly adjustable and you should be able to get into a good position easily enough.

Also, as you've seen, you'll get a better spec roadie for those dollars than what you'll get in a tri bike. An if where you live is hilly, then the roadie is a must. Nothing worse than standing while climbing a hill on a tri bike and realising you're in the wrong gear. Pretty much have to grin and bear it.

[Hutchoman]

Would definitely go the road bike to get going. If you're going to be doing half IMs then the clip on aeros would be a good investment, but these can come later as you build up your distance.

[thomo]

Road bike for sure. Much safer and practical.

I ride around Parramatta Park in Sydney and if I was riding a Tri-bike I would of had numerous stacks caused by morons in their cars sometimes reversing a couple hundred metres up the road, coming out of their parking spot without looking and on Tuesday by an idiot who looked me in the eye and decided to walk across the road as I was almost on top of her and I almost did end up there.

The irony is I ride around this Park because of the safety aspect.

End of rant.

[rohan]

thomo, on Nov 11 2009, 10:34 PM, said:

Road bike for sure.

dan empfield would not approve.

i would go the tri-bike, but everything is a compromise.
possibly the best option would be a tribike with standard drop handlebars, STIs and clip-on aero-bars.

[thomo]

QUOTE (thomo @ Nov 11 2009, 10:34 PM)
Road bike for sure.

rohan, on Nov 12 2009, 09:40 AM, said:

dan empfield would not approve.

Dan wouldn't approve your bike either.

[Stonewalled]

I too have added short triathlon's to an otherwise exclusibe running program. In a similar predicament not having a suitable bike (only a MTB) I recently bought a new Cell road bike with Sora groupset as a first bike to get me up and away, although for your budget you could probably do a little better (105's). The bike I have is currently well suited to my needs, however I suspect that an upgrade will be needed if more focus is placed on riding.

My point being, consider getting a lower spec road bike to begin with decent clip ons that you will keep, which will be more adaptable overall to your current needs with the view to upgrading to a better road bike, tri-bike, race bike etc as your later needs shift.

Best of luck though and hope your HIM plans pan out.

Thanks for reading

Stonewalled