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Need recommendations for a bicycle...

Posted on 10/16/17 at 7:53 am
Posted by bee Rye
New orleans
Member since Jan 2006
33961 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 7:53 am
I will be mostly riding on the bicycle path in Jefferson Parish along the lake.

I am mainly going to be riding for exercise. The end game is to eventually try and do some triathlons, as in my younger days I was a swimmer and a distance runner. My budget is $200-$400.
Posted by SabiDojo
Open to any suggestions.
Member since Nov 2010
83933 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 8:05 am to
I went to a bike shop once and the cheapest bike they had was a used one for $600.

It's crazy how expensive they are these days.
Posted by KG6
Member since Aug 2009
10920 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 8:55 am to
quote:

The end game is to eventually try and do some triathlons, as in my younger days I was a swimmer and a distance runner. My budget is $200-$400.


I'm not going to lie......that's tough. Bike's are stupidly expensive. You can get something in that price range to exercise with no doubt, but if you get into triathlons, it's going to suck riding it. Half the deal with expensive bikes is going fast, but the other half is making it easy to ride after you swim and still have to run.

For example, entry level tri bikes typically start around $1800 new. It's stupid expensive, but it is what it is. You certainly do not need a tri bike to do a triathlon, but it can make the bike A LOT easier and shave 20 minutes off your time in long distance events.

I'd look for a used aluminum frame road bike on craigslist. Or, there is bikes direct online. I typically would not say they measure up to "name brand" bikes, but at that price point, it might be a good option. They aren't going to be terrible or anything. Just expect that if you really catch the bug, it's not going to be worth just upgrading components. You are going to be buying a new bike. But at that price, it's not really a big deal. I just personally wouldn't buy a $1k bike from that site.
Posted by bee Rye
New orleans
Member since Jan 2006
33961 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 9:12 am to
the triathlon end game is pretty far away though, I need to shed some weight that I have put on since my running years, and the weight has been a hindrance for running that off. I would think that it would be an exercise bike for 2 years, and maybe be used for some halfs first. If i am able to complete those, I would probably look for a new bike at that time as it becomes more serious.
Posted by Buck Dancer
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2008
4680 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 9:46 am to
A lot of the local places in New Orleans will allow you to trade in a bike and use the money for a new one. So, you could start off with a basic bike knowing if you progress you can always use it to go toward the next upgrade.

That way if you don't go forward with it more, you wouldn't have spent a bunch of money now on a specialized bike.
Posted by KG6
Member since Aug 2009
10920 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 9:47 am to
Like you said, if the tri thing is in the semi-distant future, then I'd probably look at hybrid bikes in addition to those on bikes direct/craigslist. I personally think a person can be just as comfortable on a road bike as they would be on a hybrid, but the fact is, road bikes are more expensive, so you can possibly get started on the hybrid at a better price.

No shame in riding that bike in a sprint or olympic triathlon. You'll see people on mountain bikes and stuff. Yes, they'll be people on insanely expensive bikes with their aero helmets and stuff, but I know I do these events for me and if you are meeting your personal goals, who cares?

Now if you are talking about doing a half iron distance, 56 miles on a hybrid isn't going to be fun. I'd probably search for a road frame you can afford if you see yourself using it for that. It's about body position. If you are sitting upright like a sail, it will have a huge affect on the amount of effort required and time you are out there.
This post was edited on 10/16/17 at 10:07 am
Posted by bee Rye
New orleans
Member since Jan 2006
33961 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 10:35 am to
quote:

hybrid bikes


I think this is the route I am going to go at first. Any brands that are reputable in my price range? what about frame material? I would like something relatively light
Posted by onelochevy
Slidell, LA
Member since Jan 2011
16534 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 12:44 pm to
I have a single speed 29er mtn bike from bikesdirect.com that I am extremely happy with. They have various other road bike models as well. May want to check them out. Mine was around $350
This post was edited on 10/16/17 at 12:45 pm
Posted by KG6
Member since Aug 2009
10920 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 1:02 pm to
quote:

I think this is the route I am going to go at first. Any brands that are reputable in my price range? what about frame material? I would like something relatively light


For frame material, you are really only going to see aluminum in that price range. Maybe steel, but aluminum is going to be lighter, and you really don't see that many steel bikes (it's kind of a niche thing).

In terms of brands, I don't think it's probably that big a deal. To be honest components are more important and that's pretty much going to be shimano on any brand bike at this level. I think you can find specialized/trek type brands with hybrid models that your local bike shop will have. And that's probably the key thing. A good bike shop is a nice thing to have if you get into it. Place near me where I usually buy from works on my bikes for free as long as I own them.

I will say, this time of year is usually good times to buy. It may not be quite as big a deal at the lower end of the price spectrum, but I have gotten mega deals on bikes being cleared out for next years models. Like over $1k off of what was posted on the bike's website as MSRP. Again, that's when I was spending a good bit on a bike and I shopped hard getting places to basically quote against each other, but there's a good chance you could get a 500 dollar bike for $400. So I wouldn't not go to the shop just because a website shows a certain price.

Ultimately, the best bike to buy is the one that makes you want to ride more. I was not planning to get the road bike I currently have. Was looking at another model in the same brand. But after visiting a few shops, this one bike just kept staying in my head. Good deal popped up on it and I jumped on it. I didn't touch my tri bike for nearly a year. I just wanted to take that bike out.
Posted by ClampClampington
Nebraska
Member since Jun 2017
3967 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 4:55 pm to
Buying on that budget may be tough if you are buying direct from a shop. Though this is the time of year to try and get a deal. I've had good luck finding great deals on Craigslist. It may take a little patience, but go and look at a few that are listed. You can generally get a good feel for if the bike was well taken of just by meeting the lister. I've bought a few fun bikes that way
Posted by Popths
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2016
3965 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 7:01 pm to
Look into an Electra Townie. I bought a 7 speed for around 500 but the 3 speed is a bit less. Nice riding position. Aluminum frame. Really light.
Posted by Deuces
The bottom
Member since Nov 2011
12381 posts
Posted on 10/16/17 at 8:41 pm to
I'd say jump start your first cycle with Test Prop and pick up on Test-e 4 weeks into your cycle for a 12 week cycle at 500 mg's. I'd say throw about 40-60mg's of D-Bol in there for about 6 weeks of the 12 weeks. Have your PCT ready and have Arimidex on hand at least every other day during the cycle and after.
Posted by Neauxla
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2008
33443 posts
Posted on 10/17/17 at 1:57 pm to
I'd search craigslist for a nice used bike. You can find some entry level cross and tri bikes on there from time to time where people gave up the sport or decided to upgrade to something nicer. I got a 8 month old $1200 bike for $600 that way
Posted by McLemore
Member since Dec 2003
31498 posts
Posted on 10/18/17 at 7:01 pm to
Keep an eye on Craigslist in areas with serious and/or rich cyclists. I got a Gunnar Roadie (basically the same bike as a Waterford--handmade steel frame, in the old Schwinn factory in WI) with high-end Shimano components, a carbon post and fork, and the saddle for $375.

Just be a little patient.
Posted by lsunurse
Member since Dec 2005
129003 posts
Posted on 10/21/17 at 4:54 pm to
quote:

I think this is the route I am going to go at first. Any brands that are reputable in my price range?


I got a hybrid Giant for right under $600. I only ride my bike on bike paths for exercise. Love the bike so far. I was looking all over for $400 hybrids...but just couldn't find any that I really liked. Went to several bike shops and rode several bikes. I think the key is being able to test them out. You can see one you think you like online...but ride on it and not like the way it feels.
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