Typical Newbie Bike question!!
mini__C
Posts: 44
in General Chat
Hi
Got the Tri bug, trainning hard in Loughborough UNI. Basically I would like to have some suggestion on entry road bikes for beginners like me! I heard alot of opinions about getting a dirt cheap bike, but I don't really want to do that, I would like to have a DECENT bike that isn't expensive, and that I can use it to race competitively!
Thanks
Chris
Got the Tri bug, trainning hard in Loughborough UNI. Basically I would like to have some suggestion on entry road bikes for beginners like me! I heard alot of opinions about getting a dirt cheap bike, but I don't really want to do that, I would like to have a DECENT bike that isn't expensive, and that I can use it to race competitively!
Thanks
Chris
0
Comments
I bought a hybrid bike (Specialized Sirrus) three years ago for exactly that reason. I could use it for racing AND for around-town riding, and upgraded a few components here and there once I started to get a bit more serious. I haven't traded up to another model yet, but I probably will some time this year.
If I had it to do over again, I suppose I should have bought a lightweight racing bike, because the biggest obstacle I now face is that the Sirrus has flat handlebars, not drop handlebars, and the frame won't take the lighter racing brakes on the rear brake. Sirrus (Allez), Trek (the 1000), Ridgeback (Genesis Day 5) all make good lightweight entry-level racing bikes in the £400-500 range and there are some good sales on right now. If you have the time, patience and knowledge of all the jargon, there are some decent 2nd hand bargains out there (these forums, eBay, etc).
Also, make sure to set aside some money for accessories. Chain(s) and lock(s), helmet, lights, shoes, reflective clothing, comfy cycling shorts, sweat-wicking shirt, can all make your riding and training experience more comfortable and safer, but can add over £200 to your budget.
But, as Lance said, "It's not about the bike, it's about the biker." I see people putting in very respectable times on heavy-ass mountain bikes with too much weight and suspension, just because they are hard-working, motivated cyclists.
Rob
i am not the only one who thinks this juding by the amount trek 1000's that were in transition at the michlob london tri this year.
So many questions!!
Someone once told me unless you ar a pro don t spend more than £1000 on the bike you get more effect on time reduction by loosing body weight!
The main difference between tri and road bikes is to do with the angle of the seat post. Supposedly the difference makes the transition into running easier as the angles on a tri bike engage more of your running muscles (or this is at least how I understand it).
Never having done any serious road cycling before now or used a regular racing bike (I went straight to a tri bike) I can't offer an opinion on how much of a difference it makes. I suspect if you start taking the sport seriously then it could be worthwhile.
Jus did some window shopping and I was wondering what you guys thought of the Raleigh Airlite 300?? its quite cheap on ebay!
Thanks
Chris