Where to Start (VERY NEW)
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bluetri posted 2 years ago.
Here's a link to a beginners checklist for triathlon gear:
http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_id=2185&sidebar=571&category=give_tri
If you're going to be swimming in cold water I suggest practicing in your wetsuit under the conditions you'll be swimming in. That is, if you're swimming in the ocean make sure you practice a few times in the ocean. Also, if you don't want to buy a triathlon wetsuit you may be able to find a company that rents them.
Good luck!
Personal site: [url=http://www.triathletestuff.com]www.triathletestuff.com
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vats posted 2 years ago.
ok so what bike should i start out with? cheap road bike around $500
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1499 days
Retrogrouch posted 2 years ago.
When you buy a bike, the most important thing is proper fit.
Most bike shops will do a professional fitting for free if you buy the bike, and most will refund the price of a fit if you buy within a month.
For your price range, you should be thinking about this bike as a road/training bike. Comfort and durability are the prime considerations. True tri-bikes will not be in your price range.
After fit, the things you should look for is the components on a bike. Try to get at least Shimano sora. The less expensive shimano components such as Sora are fine components, but will not be as durable as 105 and better. An any case, Sora should last you at least 4 years. The more expesnive shimano components are about the same in terms of durability, and the real difference between 105 and dura-ace (or campy record) is the weight. For a beginner, one pound of extra weight in the components is not going to matter.
In this price range the frames will all be comparable, and it is not worth debating all the frame variations since it would cost about $400 more to really improve the frame. Most frames in this range will be all aluminum, which is a good, durable material.
Don't get an aero-bar set up. Shorty clip-ons are more appropriate to a road bike due to safety and handling concerns.
Trek, Cannondale, Giant, Specialized, Fuji and LeMond all make fine bicycles in this range. after a proper fit, just go with the one that looks best or whatever is on sale.
If you pay for a fit, then you may be able to save by buying online or on ebay - but make sure you know your fit before you do.
Have fun.
Edit: cannondale does not have a bike in this range right now
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AaronK posted 2 years ago.
What I did is start going to all the bike shop websites in my area to see what older bikes they have in stock(but still new) and which ones are they really trying to get rid of. Once you find some go to roadbikereview.com and see what others say about that bike and that company for that year.
I got an awesome deal on a brand new giant ocr 2003 and now i'm upgrading because i'm hooked.:)
86
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1037 days
bluetri posted 2 years ago.
I agree with Aaron you can even look around for a used bike if you're just getting started I did. Shop around as a beginner almost any bike will do. Once you build up your engine and you discover you enjoy the sport more you can always upgrade later. Good luck.
Personal site: [url=http://www.triathletestuff.com]www.triathletestuff.com
Work site: [url=http://www.onetri.com]www.onetri.com
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Retrogrouch posted 2 years ago.
Used is a great way to go.
Get a fit, then shop online or at places like play it again sports. Bring your tape measure.
The things to look for when shopping used are obvious damage to the frame, including dents, bends and rust. The components should be in good shape, and a higher-end component set will usually indicate a higher end bike.
Make sure to ride the bike before you buy. A bike should shift easily and track in a straight line. If you feel comfortable doing this, take your hands off the bars and see if you are having to lean to one side to keep it in a straight line - if so, the frame may be out of true.
But by buying used you should be able to get a good bike at about one third the cost of a new one.
Good luck.
Hey I'm interested in doing my first sprint triathlon and I was wondering where do I start for training. My running is good. I normally run 10k's and my 5k time is around 17 min so for a sprint I should be fine for the run portion. I swim on occasion but the race I'm interested in it is only a half mile swim so i dont think that it will be very bad if I swim often. I need a bike preferably around $500 and I dont know what other gear I will need. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot!