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First road bike

After signing up for my first Triathlon (September), I now need to get myself a (half)decent road bike.
I've never owned one before and to be honest, not too sure what I should be looking for in regards to gears, brakes, saddle etc etc.
My budget is £500.
Any brands to aim for or steer away from..? (I've looked at Giant, Trek, Claud Butler, Raleigh).
Also, as I will be using it for triathlon (and training) is it best to go for a drop handlebar or a flat bar..?

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

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    willtriwilltri Posts: 436
    Any chance the company you work for does the tax free cycle scheme? get up to 50% off your bike....

    Could you persuade them?
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    MaxPowerMaxPower Posts: 9
    Don't think that's an option unfortunately as I am a consultant, travelling up and down the country to different client sites. Would be hard to cycle to work.
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    willtriwilltri Posts: 436
    you don't actually have to ride to work....no one checks!!

    But on bikes, i've got the 2009 version of the trek 1.5 i love it - got some good reviews as well.

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TREK-1-5-2008-BON ... tsupported

    this is the '08 version - prob get it for cheaper than £500 - then can buy tri bars etc etc etc
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    MaxPowerMaxPower Posts: 9
    In that case, I might look into it. Thanks.

    Trek bike looks good but I'll need a bigger frame than that. Think I'll need one around 59".
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    willtriwilltri Posts: 436
    Best best your local bike shop - get measured and make sure your comfortable!

    Can you get to http://www.btownbikes.com/
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    MaxPowerMaxPower Posts: 9
    Not really as I'm in Reading.
    I'll pop in to the local bike shops and see what they say.
    Was just after some general recommendations on brands for my budget really.

    Cheers.
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    Ron99Ron99 Posts: 237
    Max,

    What height are you? I've got a 52cm Scott that's for sale as of next week. Based in London, so not a massive journey to check it out.
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    MaxPowerMaxPower Posts: 9
    I'm 6'2" so I think your bike will be a bit too small for me. Thanks anyway.
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    SwizzlenapSwizzlenap Posts: 160
    Triathlon plus mag this month reviewed the Pinnalce Sentinal 1.0, the own brand from Evans and really rated it. They said it stands up to some £700-£900 bikes.

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pin ... e-ec018113
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