Ok, so last week up here in the Great White North, Canadian Tire had a special on their Supercycle Tourna Road Bikes. Normally $400, they were 60% off for a week. That's right - $160+tax for a new road bike. That is virtually free.
I have been teaching a Summer Triathlon Clinic for a few years now, and I often run into beginners on a tight budget who find buying a road bike a big investment for a sport they aren't even sure they want to do seriously. I spread the word about this deal, and one of my clinic members was willing to give it a shot. I joined her to the store to make sure the bike roughly fit before she bought it (eyeball fitting) and then she took it for a spin to see how it handled, and so did I. Afterward, my roommate and I made some adjustments on the bike (surprise surprise it wasn't built to perfection!) and I snapped a few quick pics. The pics don't seem to be posting properly tonight, but here are my thoughts:
- This bike rides like a road bike. Sure it handles a bit sluggish, has less than stellar grip shifting, and sports 28mm tires, but I feel I could teach road skills safely and effectively on this bike. It is also much faster than a MTB with slicks.
- The bike only comes in one size, which I am ashamed to say I did not take the time to actually measure. Standing over it, I would guess it would be a 53 centre to centre, but that is only a guess. For my clinic athlete (5'5"-5'6"), this was a touch on the big side, but she actually looked better on the bike than I expected, and was not stretched out too much on the hoods.
- I wasn't surprised to find the chainrings riveted together, the wheels held by bolts instead of quick release skewers, and other components requiring a wrench to adjust instead of an allen key. But hey, did I mention that this thing was <$200 taxes in?
In short, this was a good opportunity for a beginner on a budget to safely enjoy the sport this season before deciding if it is for them. If so - time to invest in a better fitting and better performing road or tri machine. If not, well at least they didn't drop a fortune.
Are YOU in the Zone?
http://www.discomfortzone.com
I have been teaching a Summer Triathlon Clinic for a few years now, and I often run into beginners on a tight budget who find buying a road bike a big investment for a sport they aren't even sure they want to do seriously. I spread the word about this deal, and one of my clinic members was willing to give it a shot. I joined her to the store to make sure the bike roughly fit before she bought it (eyeball fitting) and then she took it for a spin to see how it handled, and so did I. Afterward, my roommate and I made some adjustments on the bike (surprise surprise it wasn't built to perfection!) and I snapped a few quick pics. The pics don't seem to be posting properly tonight, but here are my thoughts:
- This bike rides like a road bike. Sure it handles a bit sluggish, has less than stellar grip shifting, and sports 28mm tires, but I feel I could teach road skills safely and effectively on this bike. It is also much faster than a MTB with slicks.
- The bike only comes in one size, which I am ashamed to say I did not take the time to actually measure. Standing over it, I would guess it would be a 53 centre to centre, but that is only a guess. For my clinic athlete (5'5"-5'6"), this was a touch on the big side, but she actually looked better on the bike than I expected, and was not stretched out too much on the hoods.
- I wasn't surprised to find the chainrings riveted together, the wheels held by bolts instead of quick release skewers, and other components requiring a wrench to adjust instead of an allen key. But hey, did I mention that this thing was <$200 taxes in?
In short, this was a good opportunity for a beginner on a budget to safely enjoy the sport this season before deciding if it is for them. If so - time to invest in a better fitting and better performing road or tri machine. If not, well at least they didn't drop a fortune.
Are YOU in the Zone?
http://www.discomfortzone.com
