Which road bike model for triathalon

[John Middleton]

Hi
I am looking to take part in a triathalon (a beginners one!!)next june/July. Trouble is the last bike I sat
On was 20 years ago and was an Eddie Merck? Racing bike. I don't want to spend a fortune but am looking for a good beginners bike. I have had the trip to halfords where the salesman wanted me to spend £1000 but also looked at Viking, giant and apollo on eBay as well as carerra. I suppose I would like some advice as to a good start bike and what to look for and maybe more importantly what to avoid.are carbon forks really worth it at a beginners level? Thanks

 

[vickster]

How much do you really want to spend ideally? Are you planning on cycling a lot? If just the one tri, presumably around 20k of cycling, you could borrow a bike

If you can wait (limited stocks) and £300 is your budget, the Decathlon Triban 3 is excellent vfm and there are many happy owners

Giant Defy 2 is very popular and well specced at £700-800

I wouldn't ride on UK roads without carbon forks myself, much more comfortable

You will get more for your money if you go used, this is worth considering if you aren't very tall

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/scott-s50-speedster.110665/

 

[smokeysmoo]

A bike that fits, as obvious as that sounds, will be the best bike for any situation.

Make sure you try as many as you can, as what suits in one brand may very well not feel right in another.

As for Viking, a mate of mine did the Ironman UK this year on one, a Viking Tri-Race.

He used it for around 10 months before hand while training, stuck a new BB in prior to the IMUK, and it never missed a beat.

It's not a natural choice for such an undertaking, but it's what he could afford and it served him well.

His was also the only Viking there and he got a mention in some Yorkshire rag where Viking are based afterwards as well.

 

[Pauluk]

My son has just bought a second hand road bike to train for triathlons. As he's not sure if he will take to the sport he's just spent £100 on a bike that fits and works reasonably well.

 

[John Middleton]

I probably would be happy spending around £300.00 for a first bike, but having said that have no problem with second hand. I will take a look at the decathlon . I have no idea of sizing, I am 5 10 with a 30 inch leg, do
Maybe a bike shop visit is required to get this sorted out.

 

[vickster]

Decathlon Triban 3 then - no contest - although stocks are very short

http://www.cyclingscotland.org/news/cycling-active-btwin-triban-3-review/

5'10 with shortish legs, probably a 55cm (although the tribans do come up a little small)

 

[Old Plodder]

I have no idea of sizing, I am 5 10 with a 30 inch leg,
Maybe a bike shop visit is required to get this sorted out.

I'm about 5'7" & I'm finding a 51cm or 52 cm is right for me the way they size bikes these days, (inside leg about 29").

 

[John Middleton]

i like the look of the decathalon and the link you sent is a great write up. at least i have a good idea of what to look for. i think i will probabaly go for a second hand bike for now, and see how it goes for a while. then i can always resell it and upgrade if required. your help has been good and its much appreciated

thanks

 

[fossyant]

You can make any road bike good for time trials or tri, just put tri bars on. I did this when racing many moons ago. It is by far the best aero to £ advantage.

Get the road bike to fit properly, then fit tri bars. You will need a fair number of rides out on them to get used to the position. Don't use in traffic, sharp bends etc.

So go get a road bike, then spend £ 50 or above to get tri bars.

 

[Sca1ey]

For a first Tri use any type of bike and never mind about fitting Tri bars or any of that nonsense - keep things simple and enjoy.

Tim

 

[John Middleton]

cheers guys get advice

 

[John Middleton]

great advice even!!

 

[stephen.rooke]

I'm about 5'7" & I'm finding a 51cm or 52 cm is right for me the way they size bikes these days, (inside leg about 29").

same as me and i have a triban 3 . get the 54cm frame. if you go into decathlon they have some already built you can have a go on

 

[Berties]

the ride on a tri is what 20kms,so buying a specialist bike for a starter is a luxury not a necessity,a good lbs will advice you to your needs,will you be doing more riding?i personally wouldn't go to halfords the best thing i have ever done is go to a lbs,mine specialises in tri/road bikes so advice is always available,set up and kit advice is there,you should get a defy in your budget,lbs will always do their best to get you the best bike for your needs and set it up then when you win your first tri you return and buy the top kit for the iron man