So, I am looking to buy a P2, but I don’t know if I am going to be able to scrape up quite that much money. What would be your opinion on what to get that is cheaper than the P2 but still a quality bike, like still higher end then the P1? Also, I don’t know ANYTHING about which pair of bike cleats to buy and what to look for. I know that sounds ridiculous considering what bike I am looking to buy, but I really don’t know, can anyone help? Also, is there anything major that I am forgetting to include in my budget as far as a complete package for T1?
With questions like these, I hope you are purchasing at a local bike shop and getting a good fit with the bike. This will be as important as the bike itself! Yes, you are forgetting shoes, helmet, tires, spares, tools, lube, degreaser, etc.
The P2 is a great buy with very good geometry for most people, but not all.
As for “value”: can’t beat used. ebay is full of em’ I’d also look at the Planet X stealth carbon pro (would save a few hundred)
What would be your opinion on what to get that is cheaper than the P2 but still a quality bike, like still higher end then the P1?
Good grief. Mate, there’s nothing more satisfying than winning your AG in an IM on an “lower end” bike…like the P1. Seriously…
If you’ve never had clipless pedals before, take a look at the Look KEO line. Lots of price points, large foot platform and nice and easy to clip in and out…
Brad
I’m in the process of helping my brother-in-law get a road bike and all of the accessories. I would say allow youself at least $150.00 to pick up things like a helmet, shoes, flat kit, etc. It is amazing how quickly it adds up even when trying to stay within a budget. As rroof said, get your bike from a good local dealer who knows what she/he is doing- that will end up saving you $$ over the long run. You may even be able to get discounts on the extras at the time of your bike purchase. Good luck.
I would say allow yourself at least $150.00 to pick up things like a helmet, shoes, flat kit, etc
If you can you might want to set aside more than this - particularly for shoes/pedals. I find it odd that people will spend huge amounts of money on the bike, but on this critical interface with the bike - where the power is literally transferred too the bike - the go cheap, both for product and for getting fitted properly with the right shoes, pedals and fitting for you.
Fleck-
After running a couple of numbers through my head, you are absolutely correct. I forgot that my brother-in-law had about $100.00 in gift certificates to the LBS, so my first numbers were off. Probably best to set aside at least $250.00 for the accessories. I’m with you on shoes as well- I finally spent some significant bucks on a good pair of shoes and really notice the difference.
To the OP, sorry for underestimating the start-up cost on the accessories. Fleck is right.
90-110 dollars for shimano spd sls
at least 90 for good shoes + 15 for cleats
40-80 dollars for a good helmet
less than 20 for a flat kit.
yeah 250-300 sounds about right
The P1/P2SL is a great bike. A lot of people think that it is probably the best bang for the buck out there. If you buy a P1 instead of a P2, you will have enough money left over to spend the $150 on a decent set of pedals, $200 on a decent pair off shoes and whatever else you need.
Could try the P3W…
Later!
Brian
If you are small enough, you can’t get a better deal than this: