First tri bike - help!!!
mattalfie
Posts: 1
in General Chat
I've just finished my first tri season. I live in Dubai and getting gear is both a little difficult and expensive. The LBSs are few and very expensive - they try to flog what they have rather than give proper advice.
Until now, I've been riding an old, third-hand road bike with clip-ons which I'm fairly sure is a little too small for me, making getting forward really uncomfortable. Cycling is my weakest discipline and I know that I need to work hard and a new bike won't make much difference, but it's getting to the point where I'm having to spend money on my old bike and I think a new one might better instead.
My budget (including shipping etc) is modest - around GBP 1200-1400 (US$2,500). I've seen these bikes (one online and one to be shipped in by a local dealer):http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Culebro_Tria_2010/5360045310/ and http://www.probike.ae/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=210
The Focus gets awesome reviews while the Planet X is a carbon frame. Which should I opt for or is there something else you'd recommend above these?
As someone still fairly new to cycling, I obviously want something primarily comfortable, that'll also not be found wanting when it comes to power and speed, as I improve my cycling. Next season (due to the heat here in Dubai the summer is the off-season), I'm planning to start with an Oly and work up to a 70.3 (and the Abu Dhabi International short course) at the end of the season, so it also needs to be up to these challenges.
Any advice would be majorly appreciated.
Until now, I've been riding an old, third-hand road bike with clip-ons which I'm fairly sure is a little too small for me, making getting forward really uncomfortable. Cycling is my weakest discipline and I know that I need to work hard and a new bike won't make much difference, but it's getting to the point where I'm having to spend money on my old bike and I think a new one might better instead.
My budget (including shipping etc) is modest - around GBP 1200-1400 (US$2,500). I've seen these bikes (one online and one to be shipped in by a local dealer):http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Culebro_Tria_2010/5360045310/ and http://www.probike.ae/webshaper/store/viewProd.asp?pkProductItem=210
The Focus gets awesome reviews while the Planet X is a carbon frame. Which should I opt for or is there something else you'd recommend above these?
As someone still fairly new to cycling, I obviously want something primarily comfortable, that'll also not be found wanting when it comes to power and speed, as I improve my cycling. Next season (due to the heat here in Dubai the summer is the off-season), I'm planning to start with an Oly and work up to a 70.3 (and the Abu Dhabi International short course) at the end of the season, so it also needs to be up to these challenges.
Any advice would be majorly appreciated.
0
Comments
I'm a fellow Dubai resident and triathlete.
The PX is a great bike and as there are a few people in Dubai riding them you can find them and get their feedback at the next golden tulip event on 30th April, but if I was spending my own money, that would be the one I'd go for. I have SRAM Rival on my tri bike and it's very solid (if a little noisier than the Shimano 105 I have on my road bike).
Adrian from Probike will also most likely be there taking photos and I think he has some frames on the way in so you may well be able to get sized up before you buy. Have a chat with him after the event, I'm sure he'll take good care of you. You'll also have the benefit of having bought from a local dealer if you do have any problems (although everyone I have heard of who has a PX has always had good things to say.
Many thanks