What size are you

Buy the new one before selling; you don't want to have no bike. But then you'll start to come up with excuses for not selling the old one (I need a bike to ride in the rain, I won't get what it's worth if I sell...)

I think you'd be really happy with Felt. Go test ride one of the Tri Bikes.

Sell your old one on craigs list by the way. I am avid user of ebay and noticed you actually get more with bikes on craigs list because people like to be able to come ride them ,etc.

I've had good success selling bikes on Craigslist. Just be sure to at least get a license before they take a test ride... I also usually meet people at the local Starbucks, but that's just 'cause I don't want strangers in my house.

In the DC area used bikes move fast, I've never had to sit on one more than a day w/o multiple offers. Ebay can be sketchy but good deals can be found, I picked up a really nice Cannondale frame for under $200 then built it up myself. ( I placed a bid I never thought would get it, and it did)

for craigslist bike sales, ask for a license to hold and TAKE A PHOTO OF THEM ON YOUR BIKE BEFORE THEY LEAVE ON A TEST RIDE

if they object, then pass on the sale politely or they can pay without a test ride

[quote=SBH]Last year when I first started tris I purchased an entry level bike (Felt S32) to make sure I did not overspend only to discover that triathlon wasn't for me. My wife seems willing to allow the purchase provided I sell the current bike for something.[/quote]

Both points sound very reasonable.

[quote=xc800runner]Buy the new one before selling; you don't want to have no bike. But then you'll start to come up with excuses for not selling the old one (I need a bike to ride in the rain, I won't get what it's worth if I sell...)[/quote]

The 'no bike' point is valid, especially if you (SBH) expect a lenghty search process or are getting something custom. I have also found it hard to sell the 'old' bike when the new one joins the stable. For me, its purely nostalgia. The bikes I have now aren't even compatible (9spd vs. 10spd vs. Shimano vs. Campy), but I have them anyways. I just can't pull the trigger. You may consider selling first to ensure that you actually part with the bike. It will also help raise some cash to ease the pain of the new bike.

Craiglist is so shady. "Hey, look at this sweet bike. Now you can find out where I live!" In most states, the license plate on your car (which you drove and parked at the grocery store to meet them in public because you thought it was 'safer') is public record and can be traced for $5. I'm probably paranoid, but I steer away from Craigslist. I've never heard of anyone "getting killed by someone they sold to on eBay."

That would be "WORST BUYER EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Try them both out and see which one is the best fit. I am in the same position you are and that is the advice I consistently get!