I am getting ready to embark into the world of olympic distance triathlon and need a bike. I am a swimmer (junior @ Kalamazoo College, a d3 school. i’m looking at qualifying for nats this year in the 400im and 1650 free), I have ran as cross training in the past, and have my dad’s old road bike that i think might be solid steel.
I am looking for a strong entry-level bike. I have spoken to Chris at Nytro extensivly about the X-Lab Hawi (it was on sale for awhile) and decided against it mostly because the wheelset was 650c instead of 700c. Chris told me that according to my measurements (Inseam: 80.6cm; Torso: 66.3cm; Height: 5’10; Weight: 170-175) the X-Lab medium would fit me. My price range is as close to $1000 as possible (or less than!). That said, I have heard that the Cervelo One is considered a great entry level bike.
So, my question to the knowledgable out there is this: based on my measurements, desire to have an entry-level bike that will allow me to discover how good I can get at triathlon, and my price range, what bikes do you recommend that I look at? I want to avoid paying for a bike fit, so although I know that you will recommend that I do that first, I am hoping that I will be able to purchase this bike over the internet based on my measurements. If you believe this is a REALLY bad idea, please make an argument as to why. I live with a triathlete on the national u-23 team and he has told me that it is really not necessary, so I am inclined to believe him.
I assume that you want a tri bike, since you already have a road bike. A general recommendation in most cases is to get a road bike first, ride with roadies and learn some basic biking skills. Then buy a tri bike.
Having stressed that point, there are a number of OK entry level tri bikes but for a grand or so, you will find a much better deal on the secondhand market at that price. You should know your size however, in any given model bike, before you start to shop. For about a grand you should be able to find something like a used Quintano Roo Kilo with race wheels or something similiar on ebay. If you’re familiar with the bike you want and know your size there is nothing wrong with buying over the net. It’s best to support the LBS, but not everyone lives near a good bike shop.
The get the maximum performance out of your bike proper fit is of utmost importance. If your frame size is right, you’ll have to worry about things like seat height, stem length, pad drop height, etc. Read over the articles on bike fit on Slowtwitch as well as Tom Demerly’s site. For the basics of bike fit go to the Colorada Cyclist site as a place to start.
i think if possible you should ride some friends tri bikes and se what feels best. This will give you a better ballpark idea. That being said it is easier to make a bike that is too small bigger by increasing stem length, seatpost height, etc than it is to make a bike too big smaller.
Hey, I live just up the street from you (or campus at least).
I might try heading down to Alfred E Bike downtown. They do carry some tri bikes and might at least give you some ideas for fitting. They don’t have a lot of inventory, but they can order anything of course, and if you can get them to commit to their internet price for in-store goods, you will probably get a decent deal.
Derek, get fitted by someone experienced in Triathlon bikes. Please. Pay for it if you must. That one thing alone can save you loads of money. The fitter may tweak your new bike position once for you for no more charge…check this out before you pay for your fitting.
Sometimes, the cost of the fitting is included in the price of the new bike, but, not always. If not, buy a used bike that fits. You can do this for under a grand, AND get a very good bike. When you buy a used bike, set enough aside to buy a new saddle (if needed) and an overhaul. Also, learn how to do some of the wrenchwork yourself. You either need friends that know this stuff, or to make friends with a bike shop that you can learn some of this stuff from. That will save you loads of money in the future, too. I do most of my work myself, but, there are things I’d rather leave to a professional (such as cutting a carbon-fiber steerer tube!).
I just asked my roommate and he said that you helped him get his Felt. What can you help me with? I am certainly interesed in the Felt if it is the right bike. I am a little leery of the Tiagra components though.
my lowest score is -2. Wait till spring quarter, I’ll bring it down.