Hi - I'm brand spanking new to this forum. I've done a grand total of 2 sprint triathlons so far, with aspirations to go long - possibly ironman within 12 months. I have ultra-distance running experience, so feel like I have the fitness base. Just need to build up those "other 2" disciplines.
So I have a million questions, but the most pertinent at this moment is what bike do I buy? I have never owned a road bike of any kind. I have been an avid mountainbiker at times, and my sprint tris were done on moutain bike slicks. I've been shopping around the last couple of days, checking out Ebay. I would like to pick up a good bike for around $1000. Used is okay. It looks like, with a little patience, that is do-able.
I've seen a lot of references to "making sure it fits." This is not easy for me, as I live in Hong Kong. I am not aware of a single bike shop that fits bikes, or allows test rides here. I'm making some assumptions about fit based on what I'm reading. I am 6'1" with a 34 3/4 inseam (to the floor). From my reading, I figure I need a 58-59cm frame. Can I be relatively sure that if I buy a 58-59cm frame, that I'll be able to modify it in some way (stem, seatpost, etc.) so that it will fit me?
In my searching at Ebay, I've come accross a few 1-4 year old bikes that look pretty good:
So the Motobecane intrigues me. For $787 including shipping to my home in the US I can have a partially Dura-Ace equipped Tri bike? What's the catch? I'm not familiar with all of the components (Tektro brakes??). Are the wheels half-decent? If it's 2005, why are the shifters 9 speed? Are they old? Does it make any difference.
In comparing the frame geometry of the S22 and Nemesis, they are nearly identical. For a 58cm size, both have 58 cm top tube, 76 seat tube angle, etc, etc. The only difference I saw (in measuremnt) was standover height (13mm less for the Felt). Not sure how that's possible.
Gotta admit, I'm tempted to just click away and buy the Nemesis. Does anyone have anything bad to say about the bike/components? Does anyone know anybody who's actually bought this bike? I'd like to hear some first-had experience (seems to be scarce). For entry-level, it doesn't seem like you can go wrong for $787. Thoughts?
cheers,
hillrunner
So I have a million questions, but the most pertinent at this moment is what bike do I buy? I have never owned a road bike of any kind. I have been an avid mountainbiker at times, and my sprint tris were done on moutain bike slicks. I've been shopping around the last couple of days, checking out Ebay. I would like to pick up a good bike for around $1000. Used is okay. It looks like, with a little patience, that is do-able.
I've seen a lot of references to "making sure it fits." This is not easy for me, as I live in Hong Kong. I am not aware of a single bike shop that fits bikes, or allows test rides here. I'm making some assumptions about fit based on what I'm reading. I am 6'1" with a 34 3/4 inseam (to the floor). From my reading, I figure I need a 58-59cm frame. Can I be relatively sure that if I buy a 58-59cm frame, that I'll be able to modify it in some way (stem, seatpost, etc.) so that it will fit me?
In my searching at Ebay, I've come accross a few 1-4 year old bikes that look pretty good:
- 2003 Felt S22 (currently $860) - stock set up (mostly Ultegra), but seem to have replaced bar-end shifters with standard road bike STI. A little wierd?
- 2001 Cannondale 600 ($1000 buy it now) - Rolf Vector wheels, full Ultegra, triathlon seat...
- 2005 Motobecane Nemesis ($747 buy it now) -
Shimano Dura Ace 7800 Rear Derailleur / Dura-Ace SL-BS77 SIS Shifters 18 Speed / Shimano 105 Front derailleur, TruVativ Elita ISIS 55/42T Crankset / FSA ISIS Sealed Cartridge BB / FSA Integrated Threadless 1 1/8 Headset, Easton/Velomax Vista Precision Handbuilt AeroSection 700c Wheelset with Precision Bearing Hubs, Shimano HG-50 12-23T 9 Speed / Continental UltraSport 700x23c tires, Tektro RX40 Brakeset with 4.0 levers, Syntace C2 Clip Aero Bar System, Ritchey Comp Stem and Seatpost.
So the Motobecane intrigues me. For $787 including shipping to my home in the US I can have a partially Dura-Ace equipped Tri bike? What's the catch? I'm not familiar with all of the components (Tektro brakes??). Are the wheels half-decent? If it's 2005, why are the shifters 9 speed? Are they old? Does it make any difference.
In comparing the frame geometry of the S22 and Nemesis, they are nearly identical. For a 58cm size, both have 58 cm top tube, 76 seat tube angle, etc, etc. The only difference I saw (in measuremnt) was standover height (13mm less for the Felt). Not sure how that's possible.
Gotta admit, I'm tempted to just click away and buy the Nemesis. Does anyone have anything bad to say about the bike/components? Does anyone know anybody who's actually bought this bike? I'd like to hear some first-had experience (seems to be scarce). For entry-level, it doesn't seem like you can go wrong for $787. Thoughts?
cheers,
hillrunner