I will be doing IM training, and hopefully do IMUSA next year but right now I dont have the right bike. I have only gone as far as an oly and that was made uncomfortable on my TREK1000 (road bike, but I put aerobars on). I did OK with the bike, I just feel that it will be a bad idea to go further with that bike.
So…I need a new bike. Problem is: I know little.
**Questions: **
-I’m looking to spend under or around $2500. Will I get a comfortable/fast ride for an IM with that money spent?
-Should I get racing wheels?
-Where should I purchase from?
I think the only question is - Where should I purchase from?
If they are good they will find a bike that fits your anthropometrical and biomechnical attributes. They will find a bike that meets your riding style.
Perhaps you should use this website to look at the FIST certified shops in your area. For the cost of the bike and price of making bad decisions - I would travel further afield if required.
-I’m looking to spend under or around $2500. Will I get a comfortable/fast ride for an IM with that money spent?
Yes, I have an '04 QR Caliente that was around that price and I just used it to complete my first IM, and will be using it again for IMAZ.
-Should I get racing wheels?
If you can afford 'em, why not. But I don’t think they are a necessity. I used the stock wheels on my bike without a problem.
-Where should I purchase from?
Check out your LBS, or somewhere you or someone you know trust. Try browsing the FIST certified list as a starting place.
“It’s not about the bike.” There are plenty of people (including me) who have done IM-USA on a road bike with clip-on aerobars. Nevertheless, far be it from me to dissuade someone from purchasing a bike for whatever reason. Not that you need it, but if you want it, go for it. $2500 is more than enough to get something really nice.
The cost of the bike, and the fit of the bike are independant. Find a good shop that knows how to fit you, and start trying on bikes. You can post position pics here and get some quality feedback from some of the forum members (not me) as well.
Do not forget bike accessories – depending on where you live - you may need to protect yourself during long training rides (this can be removed for the race)
Also this will give you extra weight while training – when off for racing you will feel very light.
First point is that your bike might be ok and that maybe it’s your position that is not.
Racing wheels? OK if you can afford them but you sure don’t need them. Personnaly, I prefer to invest in doing an IM somewhere else in the world over buying racing wheels. If you’re going for the win, or maybe a Kona spot, it can help, but if not, why bother spending all that money for one race? Some places rent them so you might try that first.
Where to buy? Bikesport Michigan if your close by (I mean less then 12 hr drive or so)
**-I’m looking to spend under or around $2500. Will I get a comfortable/fast ride for an IM with that money spent? – **Most definitely!
-Should I get racing wheels? – If you can, get a bike that is specced out with good wheels and save some bucks.
-Where should I purchase from? – Do you have a good shop near you? It is generally best to buy local if there are any problems and it will give you the opportunity to meet the folks at your LBS. Fit is almost universally recommended, so if you find a shop that does a fit as a part of the purchace, you’ve saved yourself at least $100!
I would talk to Tom about your questions, he’s definitly the man to answer them. Maybe he can adjust your bike position or, if need be, sell you something that will fit! I live in Quebec city and drove there for a fitting for IM Lanzarote and it more than worth it. You can also ask Julian who flew from England!
Go to Tom and bikesportmichigan. Go now, he is having quite a sale. He will only sell you something that fits you though. Let us know where you go and what you end up with.
Get a SoftRide. Preferably a Rocket TT or TT7. You won’t regret it. Read Dan’s comments. You can find one used or on clearance inside of your budget. The older style are easily within your budget.
I have a friend who has a large TT set up as a Road bike for a really good price. He is out here in California.
