Help...
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Iron Dan posted 44 weeks ago.
You are lucky with the time of the year that is coming up. You should be able to get a good deal on a new bike because the end of the year is coming and newer models are coming to the stores. You should be able to get a good deal on a 2007 bike.
Things I would look for on that budget is a carbon fork (really smooths out the ride) and a bike with a tri bike frame geometry (advanced setpost angle). It is tough with a budget like that to really be able to be too specific with components, you are kind of stuck with what comes on the "economy" bike of the brand you choose. I would suggest looking into brands like Fuji. You get a little bit more bike per dollar in my opinion than if you go with a more expensive name brand.
Another thing that you could do, depending on your level of cycling knowledge. You could look for used bike stuff on ebay, which is what I have done. This can be a little risky because you can get stuck with crap if you are not careful.
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CGroth posted 44 weeks ago.
for the price range that you are looking at, i think the best buy is the cervelo dual ultegra. http://www.cervelo.com/bikes.aspx?bike=Dual2007
you are getting a very high quality bike with very good components at a great price.
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danaz posted 44 weeks ago.
Thank you guys so much for the help. I am fortunate that my dad and my brother are very knowledgeable cyclists and are always helpful when making purchases and other decisions. However, I like to form my own opinion, too.
I really appreciate all your input.
A couple more questions...
Where is the best place to buy, look at tri bikes. My local bike shop that I love just carries road bikes. I live in Southern Ca and from what I am learning the best place is the internet. I am hesitant about that because I want to see what I am getting. Also, I would like to get properly fitted.
Sorry I am so spazy about all of this!
One more question... Is it better to buy higher end used or lower end new? Any feedback on that would be great!
Thanks
dana
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Triguy98 posted 44 weeks ago.
To be honest, in your budget range, youre looking at "lower" end tri bikes. I put that in quotes because the low end of tri bikes isn't too shabby. $1400 is typically the entry point for a new bike. for $700, you would HAVE to get used. Now, triathletes (especially those with more money than sense) are pretty fickle and can go through grear like crazy, spending more and more money in their misguided quest to go faster. So used mid range bikes in your price range are possible.
But are those bike actually faster? Not really. You say you live in So Cal- you're in triathlon heaven and shouldnt be hard to find a solid shop that stocks tri bikes and gear. As another poster mentioned, we're coming to the new model year, so shops should now be discounting their 2007 bikes.
The Trek Equinox 7, Cervelo Dual, QR Kilo, Felt S32, Giant Trinity Alliance, theyre all great bikes. But all with slightly different geometries, fit, and quirks. Youre right on not to buy a tri bike blind. The test ride is very important on these things, and the best part of tri bike shopping. Have fun.
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kylie posted 44 weeks ago.
Where are you in SoCal? I can help direct you to some places I know of for tribikes if you are near any of them... or if you want to try out a bike I love but that no local shop carries just let me know -- they are around your price range :)
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azstinger11 posted 44 weeks ago.
Just another option http://trisports.com/fly-n-fit.html
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danaz posted 44 weeks ago.
Hey Kyillee
I am in ventura, little beach town just before santa barbara. I don't mind traveling a bit and would love some shop recommendations! Thanks
dana
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MNGoldGo4 posted 44 weeks ago.
CGroth;78929 wrote:
for the price range that you are looking at, i think the best buy is the cervelo dual ultegra. http://www.cervelo.com/bikes.aspx?bike=Dual2007you are getting a very high quality bike with very good components at a great price.
I second that...I just purchased a Cervelo Dual DuraAce for $1300...normally runs $1800. This model comes with a sprinkling of DuraAce, Ultegra, Easton, VisionTech, FSA parts. Other than the DuraAce parts, most of them are towards the lower end of each of the aforementioned manufacturers lines...but for your price point you are looking at an entry level bike to begin with. One site that I would recommend is competitivecyclist.com. They are located in Little Rock, AK...if you happen to be in the area. Currently, they have both a 48 and a 56 in stock, and they are still offering the same $1300 price. Reason for the big drop off is (1) bike buying season is coming to an end and (2) Cervelo is discontinuing the Dual next year. One word of advise...at this time of the year, you will be seeing a lot of "great deals" on bikes, but don't let a great deal override the number one priority...fit. Saving a few hundred dollars short term on an ill-fitting bike will be worse than spending more money on a good-fitting bike in the long run. Good luck!!!
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kylie posted 44 weeks ago.
Ok I don't know too much in your area, but for what it's worth:
I tend to go to Incycle (they are getting more Tri experience and carrying more and more tri gear), and their closest location for you would be Pasadena. I've also visiting Bicycle Johns (in Burbank) and they had some tri selection, but less in the way of bikes.
The larger (from my understanding) SoCal tri shops I have heard a lot about but haven't really checked out are Nytro (down by San Diego), Ladera Cyclery (Ladera Ranch area), Edge Cyclesports (in south Orange County -- I can't find their website right now, but I can find 949-472-9497), and Triathlete Zombies.
And a plug... I ride a Planet X bike which isn't in stores in this area yet (there is a US dealer: Zedsports -- so you'd want to call them for pricing details). They have some great deals right now and can put any line of components that you want on your frame, mixing and matching as you want, which can get you to a lower price. They might be outside your range, but I really like mine, and it might be worth giving them a call as the season is ending. If you are interested in those and want to check out fit, I have both small and medium frames (mine and my boyfriends) and just let me know :)
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Riverbrady posted 44 weeks ago.
While there are a number of nice low-end tri bikes, my overriding suggestion would be to try out a number of brands before anything else, to determine what is going to fit you best, and work your way from there, rather than pointing to a specific bike without knowing any variables.
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kylie posted 44 weeks ago.
I agree with riverbrady -- what works for one doesn't work for another person. Incycle carries QR and Cervelo I believe... I'm not sure what Bicycle John's carries. If you call them they should be able to let you know, and then if you pick a day you could head to the area and try out a bunch.
How tall are you? We do have one tri bike that might be for sale, but it is probably big for you.
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danaz posted 44 weeks ago.
Thanks so much for the bike shop suggestions, Kyillee! My road bike is 50cm. Is that the size bike you may be selling? Wishful thinking! My brother rides a QR and my dad a Cervelo and they both LOVE their bikes. I know it's a personal thing and I just really want to make the right decision. In fact, I am more concerned about buying a new bike than when I got a new car! :)
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bluebirdbiker posted 44 weeks ago.
My 2 cents. I too have rigid spending requirements for bikes. I try and save where I can. A TT/Tri bike is great for the legs compared to a RB. May I suggest eBay but also look at the lower end cost bikes. Leader. I and a few other trifuelers have Leader bikes and really like them. Hope you find what you are looking for.
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kylie posted 44 weeks ago.
danaz;79080 wrote:
Thanks so much for the bike shop suggestions, Kyillee! My road bike is 50cm. Is that the size bike you may be selling? Wishful thinking! My brother rides a QR and my dad a Cervelo and they both LOVE their bikes. I know it's a personal thing and I just really want to make the right decision. In fact, I am more concerned about buying a new bike than when I got a new car!
dana
Nope the maybe for sale tri bike is much bigger (it was my boy's). Well if you come to the area to shop for one best of luck! :) And let me know if I can help any other way. I'm also way pickier about my bikes than my car (although I love my car, too). I scratched my car (in fact, with my bike) long before I scratched the bike ;)
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OK, here is the deal. I am a cyclist turned marathon runner turned triathlete! I have a Trek roadbike that has served me very well over the years but she's getting a little old. I baby her and love her dearly but as my tri distances are getting longer I think I need a tri bike.
So, my question to you all is this. WHERE THE HELL DO I START? I am looking for something from about $800-$1500. I really need some advise on what is the most pertinent in a tri bike. Since I am on a budget I realize I will be limited so with that in mind what is high priority?
Thanks so much!
Dana