Hi!
I did my first tri a few years ago, but really started to get into it this summer. I’ve been racing on a Gigi motobecane road bike, but am looking to upgrade to something better, probably a tri bike. So far I’ve only done sprint distances, but am training for an Olympic and ‘light’ half ironman in the fall. I’ve been doing pretty well, winning my age group, but want a bike that will take me to the next level. Any advice?
Thanks!
Hannah
First off, nice job on age group performance.
Now, the bike. The advice you will get in this forum is get the bike that fits. I would recommend going to a shop that does either retul or FIST fitting. If you do that, and it works, look at a cervelo p2. New or old style (new is like the new p3, it is blue and white. Great bike for the money, as is the old one though). Fast enough for ironman world champ titles, affordable enough for pretty much anyone. Had one, have since upgraded, but a fantastic bike. I would also look at a lower spec’d specialized shiv.
Lots of great options out there. I’m a Trek Speed Concept fan. Lot’s of people love Cervelo. Really depends on what you want to spend. Keep in mind that helmet, frame, and wheels are all in the same general ballpark for drag reduction. Body position is the biggest factor.
Forgot about that. Speed concept 7.0 was a contender for me for awhile.
Look at felt and Quintana Roo as well … They have a good pedigree in triathlon. The QR bikes are typically a great value/expense. They “get” triathletes and what we’re after. CD0.1 if your budget permits and it fits you.
Test out lots of bikes and see which is the most comfortable for you.
A major factor in your decision is your budget…which you have not identified. Also, do you prefer a new bike or is used okay? Do you have several retailers that are close to you where you can shop and compare? Some bike shops may have a leftover from last year or two where they might make you a great deal. I’d avoid buying online unless you have a high degree of knowledge of what to look for in a bike…no matter how good the deal appears. There seems to be a school of thought on this site to get fitted first but most fitters work at bike retailers and will (obviously) want to sell you their brand(s) of bikes…which could be okay if you have a close by retailer who can show you different options. With newer bikes now being so adjustable, you should be able to choose from many brands once you determine correct frame size. You’ll hear the same brands, Specialized, Trek, Felt, Cervelo, Scott, Quintana Roo, Cannondale being the most mentioned. No one should tell you one is better than the other. But a good source for you is just look at the KONA bike counts…it’s usually the same top 4. I have a 2011 Cervelo P4…my sister has a 2013 Specialized Transition…two different budget ranges but both get the job done…depends on how high your goals (make the overall winner top 3 podium) or be a FOP age grouper. And remember to include in your budget the extras…a good set of aftermarket wheels will make any bike go faster…but they are not cheap. Good luck.
Thank you all so much for the helpful advice! I’m not looking to spend over $2000 yet as I’m still getting into all of this and learning (and also paying for grad school). I would love to get a used bike if I could find the right one. Unfortunately, there are not many options of local retailers to go to. I live in a very small town in PA so I will have to travel to find what I need.
One other question: I recently found out that I qualified for the USA triathlon age group (20-24) nationals in 2 weeks and would love to go as I believe it will be a great opportunity! Will I be totally out of my league riding my road bike for that?