Help: Buying a bike
 

I was just wondering if anyone on here could help me with a few cycling questions. I was dumb enough to sign up for the BRW corporate triathlon in March and am in search of a bike. While fitness shouldn’t be a problem I might struggle with the bike leg, basically because I don't have one.

I know pretty much nothing about road bikes and have hardly ridden a bike since I got my driver’s license nearly 10 years ago.

I’ve got a fairly modest budget and don’t want to pay top dollar for something that I might never use again. I wouldn’t say no to a used bike as long as its fit for the job.

Any comments, suggestions on buying a bike or offers to sell me a 2nd hand bike would be welcome.

I have a Masi bike ridden 3 times you can have for $1500

you can go to Bike Force or any cycle shop and pick up a decent road bike for around $1000.

When buying a bike the fit is the most important. Most good bike shops should be able to get a right sized bike to fit you.

Also tell the bike shop what you intend to use the bike for and your estimated budget. If you are going to use it in a triathlon, make sure you get the gearing that will be suitable for the event.

You are also right in not wanting to spend top dollar, esp if you have not cycled for sometime or don't know if you will make much use of your bike after the event. My guess is something mid range would be suitable and you do not have to buy a bike with full shimano gear. You can mix and match depending on what's appropriate and what the bike shop recommends.

Also google this:
[url]http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=how+to+buy+a+triathlon+bicycle&spell=1[/url]

Hope this info is useful to you. I'm more of a moutain bike guy so can only offer limited info/advice for triathlon bikes :)

I got my Trek 1000 road bike from Bike Force a couple of years ago. They go for about $1000 and are a pretty good bike for the price. Light as buggery, most of the goodies on there that you'd need.

Ace,
If you go to many of the bike stores they may have a small assortment of 2nd hand bikes which have been traded in when people have upgraded. Also for 2nd hand bikes, have a look every couple of days on the triathlon WA website ([url]www.triwa.org.au[/url]) and go to chat site, there are usually a few bikes for sale there.
For new bikes, most bikeshops have basic brands which start at about $800, but realistically you would need to look at spending at least $1100 to get something that won't fall apart in a few months.

hope this helps, and good luck on race day. I will also be flying the flag for my company.

I have a Wheeler triathlon bike, all shimano 105 components, only ridden 4 times, tri-bars. Smaller frame though so no good if you are much taller than 5;10. Its been sitting in my garage for 2 years gathering dust so u can have it for 150 if u want it. I can upload some pics.

Very quick crash course in road bikes.

They have a minimum weight of around 17 pounds. You can spend $30k if you really want to.
You have to break them down into three parts:

Frame
Wheels
Components

Frame:

For less than about $3500 you will not get a full carbon fibre bike. This means you will get an alloy frame and more than likely carbon front forks. This is not necessarily a bad thing.

Wheels:

These are often overlooked but they vary sooo much in weight. For around $1000 you are going to be pretty limited but the groovy looking full discs that a lot of the try boys have are great ...... till it starts to blow.... Pick up a couple of wheels and you will very soon see the difference.

Components:

Basically everyone makes what they think is the best frame and then puts someone else components and wheels on it. There are a few different makes out there but the two most established ones are shimano and campagnolo. Campi dont do a lot of the cheap stuff so dont worry about that.

That leaves shimano. They do their cheap cheap stuff which is called tiagra. If you can stretch your budget get as far away from this as possible. Mate of mine bought one and destroyed the rear cassette and derailer within 2000km. Basically the shimano gear starts at 105 and then ultegra and then dura ace. Lance armstrong had dura ace so it gives you an idea.

Another mate of mine bought a real nice cannondale bike (last years model) with 105 crank / brakes / levers etc and ultegra front and rear derailuer. He paid $1500. I would suggest something like this would be ideal. The wheels on it are pretty crap but as he can afford it he will buy some decent ones.

Hope this helps.

oh.. by the way. the one above sounds great.

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