Got a friend that wants to do a tri and needs a new bike. he might not race a lot so I thought he should stick with a road bike and slap on some aero bars. Thoughts for a guy with a budget or a grand or less?
something used with 105 10 speed grouppo or better.
pick the best color after that gruppo consideration =)
something used with 105 10 speed grouppo or better.
pick the best color after that gruppo consideration =)
What Jack said, but I’d swap SRAM Rival for the 105 as the minimum acceptable componentry 
something used with 105 10 speed grouppo or better.
pick the best color after that gruppo consideration =)
What Jack said, but I’d swap SRAM Rival for the 105 as the minimum acceptable componentry
I’ll agree with that =)
Got a friend that wants to do a tri and needs a new bike. he might not race a lot so I thought he should stick with a road bike and slap on some aero bars. Thoughts for a guy with a budget or a grand or less?
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/sprint_x.htm - Hard to beat an ultegra equipped bike with a carbon seat stay and fork for $1000.00
Dave
Specialized Allez & Cannondale CAAD are good places to start.
I think 105 / Rival would be a perfect minimum as it would likely be an indicator of a better frame for those that are not bike savvy. I think you are more likely to come across 105 though. I just sold my 2008 Scott CR1 Team, full carbon, full 105 throughout, for $1,000 (although I do think it was a bit of a bargain) Aim for a 2007-8 full carbon with 105 in pretty good condition I would say.
Does not even need aerobars. I bought an '07 Specialized Allez with full Sora (8-speed, baby) as my first bike - $799, and within a year was riding drops and destroying fools with carbon aero setups at the local sprints and olys. It really does not matter much the bike if you are willing to work hard at it. All of my stupid-ass friends always told me how terrible my bike was, but those comments stopped when they started getting dropped on our rides.
Tell him to get something simple. A stock Allez would be my recommendation.