Any cyclists or triathletes in here

[one slow 5.0]

Motoman now is the time to buy a bike I picked up a 2009 cannondale six 5 last year in March sticker was $1800 payed $1200 cash. Also look at Jamis my riding buddie bought one about the same time for around $900 both bikes have over 1500 miles on them with no issues. Josh

[Beej]

I'm 235lb right now, close to the heaviest I've ever been. When I first started riding back in 02/03 I was about 205 and the sales guy at RBM advised me to stay away from a carbon frame due to my weight. He told me that in the Texas heat it's more likely to warp over time. Granted I have no clue how far carbon technology has come over the years and I'm not opposed to a carbon bike, just figured it'd be too expensive.

Luckily the frames now a days frames are very strong. You should have no issues at that weight. Frames wont warp or have any problems like that.

Not to mention if you keep riding hard and loosing weight you will be golden.

Weight is really only going to be a problem on wheels. You just won't be able to ride any of the super light low spoke wheels.

[motoman]

I doubt your too heavy for Carbon. It is surprisingly strong. I think for $1k you should be able to get yourself in a nice aluminum bike with carbon fork, new 5700 105 components.

I'm 235lb right now, close to the heaviest I've ever been. When I first started riding back in 02/03 I was about 205 and the sales guy at RBM advised me to stay away from a carbon frame due to my weight. He told me that in the Texas heat it's more likely to warp over time. Granted I have no clue how far carbon technology has come over the years and I'm not opposed to a carbon bike, just figured it'd be too expensive.

You are buying the frame really. Components are easily swapped. Back in my poor days I'd buy the frame I wanted with the cheapest group and over time swap things out.

Budget is the key. Are you looking for a sub-1000 bike? A 1000-1500? A 1500-2000? 2000+?

I'd say if you are looking for a sub-1000 bike your best bet might be to find a used bike that someone has decided to sell because they are upgrading. There are plenty of them out there.

I'm trying to stay under $1000 for the bike. Aside from the used sections of local bike shops, any recommendations for used bikes online? I've checked craigslist and I'm finding bikes out of my price range and bikes that are too small.

[SlowLX]

Trying to stay under $1000, which I know isn't much. I know for a fact I need an aluminum frame, I'm too heavy for carbon fiber. Components is the biggest concern, if possible I'd like to find something with Shimano 105's or Ultegra components. Doubt I'll be able to find something with Durace.

I picked up a Trek 2.1 brand new from RBM with full 105 components for about 900 on sale this summer. As mentioned above there's lots of sales right now or craigslist is always a good option.

[OldGuysRule]

Anyone have recommendations on some of the "off" brands of road bikes out there? I've been looking at getting another road bike but I don't want to shell out the money just for a name like Specialized, Trek, LeMond, etc. Don't get me wrong, they make good stuff but I know that brands like Giant and Scatante have similar bikes built with practically the same components.

You are buying the frame really. Components are easily swapped. Back in my poor days I'd buy the frame I wanted with the cheapest group and over time swap things out.

Budget is the key. Are you looking for a sub-1000 bike? A 1000-1500? A 1500-2000? 2000+?

I'd say if you are looking for a sub-1000 bike your best bet might be to find a used bike that someone has decided to sell because they are upgrading. There are plenty of them out there.

The reason I suggest that is if you decide to continue on and get more involved you'll already have an intermediate bike you may want to swap out a few components on and be set for another couple of years.

My first year of triathlons (ok, ok, were talking late 80s!) were done on my 70s 10 speed steel Schwinn that probably weight 30 lbs. It wasn't until I hit the upper of the middle pack/lower of the upper pack that I spent money on my first Cannondale road bike because I felt "my engine" was being held back by the bike.

[Beej]

Trying to stay under $1000, which I know isn't much. I know for a fact I need an aluminum frame, I'm too heavy for carbon fiber. Components is the biggest concern, if possible I'd like to find something with Shimano 105's or Ultegra components. Doubt I'll be able to find something with Durace.

I doubt your too heavy for Carbon. It is surprisingly strong. I think for $1k you should be able to get yourself in a nice aluminum bike with carbon fork, new 5700 105 components. The wheelset is usually what really drives up the prices.

Try going to your local bike shop and giving this info you gave here. Aluminum frame with 105.

Cannondale Cad9 or cad10
Specialliazed Alez
Trek 2.1
Scott Speedster s30


Do some looking around for 2010 models, they will be marked down.

My first road bike came from Sun and Ski. It was Masi. Nice bike, my wife still rides one. Great beginner bike and a little less expensive due to a generic tawain frame.

Also take a look at Sram Apex, great groupset and less expensive. Its going to be comprable to 105.

The last place I would look is www.bikesdirect.com

Lots of inexpensive bikes, but they will all have generic frames. Good side is you get good components and good wheels for less. Just do your research and get fit and know what size bike you need to get before ordering.

[motoman]

Well it all just depends.

What is your Budget. That really wil help get it in what you can afford.

You will be surprised what you can get. There are still lots of 2010 models for sale at all the shops.

The good thing about name brand bikes that are supported by local shops is warranties. If you buy a bike from the internet, or from a place like bikesdirect.com you are stuck if you ever have problems with it.

That is just my advice.

Trying to stay under $1000, which I know isn't much. I know for a fact I need an aluminum frame, I'm too heavy for carbon fiber. Components is the biggest concern, if possible I'd like to find something with Shimano 105's or Ultegra components. Doubt I'll be able to find something with Durace.

[Beej]

Anyone have recommendations on some of the "off" brands of road bikes out there? I've been looking at getting another road bike but I don't want to shell out the money just for a name like Specialized, Trek, LeMond, etc. Don't get me wrong, they make good stuff but I know that brands like Giant and Scatante have similar bikes built with practically the same components.

Well it all just depends.

What is your Budget. That really wil help get it in what you can afford.

You will be surprised what you can get. There are still lots of 2010 models for sale at all the shops.

The good thing about name brand bikes that are supported by local shops is warranties. If you buy a bike from the internet, or from a place like bikesdirect.com you are stuck if you ever have problems with it.

That is just my advice.

[chuckacosta]

TMBRA is Texas. DORBA is local.

TMBRA is at: http://www.tmbra.org

I think Borderland Mountain Bike Association is local to you. I've rode Franklin Mountain State Park before. Fun stuff.

Thanks man!!

I've been wanting to ride that park pretty badly. But my bike is in desperate need of a tune up. I will do that before I ride those trails!

[OldGuysRule]

Mind you that I'm in El Paso. Not sure if it's the same sanctioning bodies here.

TMBRA is Texas. DORBA is local.

TMBRA is at: http://www.tmbra.org

I think Borderland Mountain Bike Association is local to you. I've rode Franklin Mountain State Park before. Fun stuff.

[motoman]

Anyone have recommendations on some of the "off" brands of road bikes out there? I've been looking at getting another road bike but I don't want to shell out the money just for a name like Specialized, Trek, LeMond, etc. Don't get me wrong, they make good stuff but I know that brands like Giant and Scatante have similar bikes built with practically the same components.

[chuckacosta]

Good stuff, Chuck. Yes, DORBA holds a lot of events as well as TMBRA. Good luck.

Mind you that I'm in El Paso. Not sure if it's the same sanctioning bodies here.

[OldGuysRule]

I've been riding consistenly since May 2010. I started out with a used mountain bike that my BIL lent me. That basically kick started my cycling lifestyle. In September I bought my very own. I ride a mountain bike. Since I started, I am blown away by how much stronger I am. How I am able to stay on the saddle longer. How much weight I have lost. And just how much stamina I have. Last night I did a 15 mile ride mixing mountain trails and road as well. It was freaking cold and I wanted to quit a few times when the winds would whip up. But I refused!!

With all that said, in the new year I am going to look into entering into some amateur events. I want to test myself more and see how much I can take. I know that there are many events in this area. This is going to be the year I reach my weight loss goal and maintain the healthy lifestyle that I have been dreaming about for SO LONG!! Good luck to all you! May you all reach your goals as well!

One thing I always say is....KEEP RIDING!!

Good stuff, Chuck. Yes, DORBA holds a lot of events as well as TMBRA. Good luck.

[chuckacosta]

I've been riding consistenly since May 2010. I started out with a used mountain bike that my BIL lent me. That basically kick started my cycling lifestyle. In September I bought my very own. I ride a mountain bike. Since I started, I am blown away by how much stronger I am. How I am able to stay on the saddle longer. How much weight I have lost. And just how much stamina I have. Last night I did a 15 mile ride mixing mountain trails and road as well. It was freaking cold and I wanted to quit a few times when the winds would whip up. But I refused!!

With all that said, in the new year I am going to look into entering into some amateur events. I want to test myself more and see how much I can take. I know that there are many events in this area. This is going to be the year I reach my weight loss goal and maintain the healthy lifestyle that I have been dreaming about for SO LONG!! Good luck to all you! May you all reach your goals as well!

One thing I always say is....KEEP RIDING!!

[AnthonyS]

You can definitely do your first triathlons on a road bike. Most people do. I've even seen a few hybrids on race day.

I just got my first tri bike, and my next tri will be my 5th. Make sure you like it and are going to do it often before you buy a dedicated bike for it.

Hours in the saddle will help more than buying a new bike anyway. Just ride!