Question:1.Hi all; I've been looking for an entry level triathlon bike for a while;
I've come across a few that seem like decent investments, and I'd like to solicit some of
your thoughts to help me make a decision. To give you some background, I just became
interested in the sport this past summer. Being a decent runner, I proceeded to dutifully ride
my mountain bike around town and I signed up for a swimming class. Unfortunately, since
I started training late in the summer, I didn't have an opportunity to race in triathlons
last season. So I kind of feel guilty about wanting to buy a triathlon bike now, having
not actually done a triathlon yet, but on the other hand this is winter, and from what I can tell its
the best time to buy a bike.
I'd appreciate any thoughts any of you have about these bikes. In
particular, if you were in my position would you be looking for a used cheap bike, a new entry
level road bike, or a new entry level triathlon bike?
2. Could someone recommend a quality but low cost road bike
for recreational triathlon? I'm thinking of something
where the components are halfway decent and where buying
the next better alternative requires substantially more
money.
Answer:1.Take a look at http://www.elitebicycles.com. U can get a full tri bike from
$999 and up with thier S series and a 105 tri kit, aero bars etc.
Definately a better deal to get started on!
2.Keep looking. I've always recommended a road bike as a first good
bike. You can ride a road bike in a triathlon, but a tri-bike in
recreational groups is not ideal. They don't work as well unless you
are in the aerobars, which is not where a beginner should spend most
of his time.
But the road bikes you mention are not ideal. The Trek bonded carbon
bikes have a reputation for coming, ah, unglued. Wait a minute--you
said it was new. If you are buying it new, then Trek's warranty will
be in force. In that case, you can consider it. It would have cost
about $1500 new.
3.Mike SI bought a Ross Signature last year around 349.00 This is a decent bike
even though it weighs 24#. The same frameset is used on their more
expensive triathlon model 799.00.
