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Tri-bike under $1200

Posted on 10/30/20 at 5:38 pm
Posted by Lsutigerturner
Member since Dec 2016
7267 posts
Posted on 10/30/20 at 5:38 pm
Where are some websites and facebook groups, and good used bike shops from panhandle Florida, to east texas to get a good used tri-bike. I have found some good deals but b4 I pull the trigger and go for a drive I want to exhaust my search and I thought I'd post on here to see what groups y'all belong to and how y'all search.

-I think im ready to pull the trigger im trying to stay at 800-950 but when I look at the dif of 100-200 on top of that it's a big dif in bike quality.

-A friend told me be careful about old tech, bc the gears, wheels and all the doodads on the bikes get better and better every single year so don't go to old unless they have updated gear set.

-i think I want to go carbon fiber that's what my buddies say but they said be careful bc you can't always tell if they have been wrecked and it will be broken in a week or so after I have it if I ride a lot. Do you think that aluminum is ok or listen to my buddies? I will plan on keeping bike forever and just cycling out upgrades as I need.

- I am a noob but I think im gunna jump head first and say screw it.

-i am 5'6" 182lb I should prob be 167 with how over weight I am but when im in peak shape I am a lean 181-186, I was told by some friends that I should be in a 54cm how important is that bike size can I deviate up to a 55cm or a 53cm?



I have been looking at

Pinkbike
Bike exchange
Fb marketplace
Letgo


Any other places y'all look or any and all advice?

Posted by dbeck
Member since Nov 2014
29454 posts
Posted on 10/30/20 at 7:28 pm to
Just my opinion but I don't think it matters all that much for a beginner whether you go carbon or aluminum or whether it has the latest greatest components. Carbon is more expensive and more brittle but it's a bit lighter than aluminum and it absorbs road vibration better.

What's more important is to have a bike that fits and components that work. The best derailleurs in the world aren't worth a damn if they aren't adjusted properly. And you could have some old bike from the 90s that is perfectly tuned and will outperform a bike that isn't set up properly.

Also it's usually more expensive to upgrade components on a bike than to just buy a new one. The frame makers get bulk rates on components and if you're paying someone to install those parts is going to get even more expensive.

As a beginner realize that the bike is only about 10% of your cycling ability. The rest is legs and lungs. Buy yourself a bike you'll enjoy riding but won't break the bank. Use it to upgrade your legs and lungs. Use it to learn how to work on a bike. How to fix flats, replace chains, adjust derailleur and brakes, etc.

As for places to look, check Craigslist. Every day people think they want to get into cycling, they shell out thousands of dollars for a brand new bike with the carbon fiber and the latest components. Then they find out cycling is hard work even on a $10k bike and you have to build up calluses on your pelvic bones before you can sit comfortably on a bike seat

Their loss is your gain cause those bike end up on Craigslist or fb marketplace.
Posted by Lsutigerturner
Member since Dec 2016
7267 posts
Posted on 10/30/20 at 10:53 pm to
Thanks for advice. Was hoping for a magic bullet of information and websites. But your advice is what I needed!!
Posted by ELLSSUU
Member since Jan 2005
8080 posts
Posted on 10/31/20 at 6:36 am to
Watch the ProsCloset website also which sells certified used bikes. They come up with some good stuff. Also offer a 20% off coupon for first time buyers.

Watch. Louisiana Bicycle Sell Swap & Trade on Facebook also. There was a older Litesepeed with DuraAce components about a week ago for cheap. You didn’t say Titanium but lots of people sware by them.

At that price point be aware of Chinese knock-offs of Carbon frames, handlebars, components, seats etc.
Posted by FlyinTiger93
Member since May 2010
3724 posts
Posted on 10/31/20 at 10:02 am to
Join your local tri club facebook group. Someone is always upgrading. Years ago, I picked up an old tri bike off Craigslist, and shipped it home. It was over 10 years old, at the time, but put together with solid components. Paid $500. Your friend is right that bikes get better each year, but you are not an elite athlete. Focus on just getting something to put the minutes in on. The motor makes a bike fast, so focus on your fitness, rather than looking cool with carbon everything.

Summary: Get out and ride.
Posted by FlyinTiger93
Member since May 2010
3724 posts
Posted on 10/31/20 at 10:03 am to
An old Cervelo is still better than most new bikes.
Posted by Lsutigerturner
Member since Dec 2016
7267 posts
Posted on 10/31/20 at 12:48 pm to
Thanks im looking into these now
Posted by Lsutigerturner
Member since Dec 2016
7267 posts
Posted on 10/31/20 at 12:58 pm to
Im joining the fb and checking out the proscloset now thanks for recommendations
Posted by Lsutigerturner
Member since Dec 2016
7267 posts
Posted on 10/31/20 at 1:12 pm to
I didn't say titanium bc I didn't really know about it.

I went on a few 22 or so mile rides with my buddy omw to work in am he let me borrow his other kestrel but I don't like that the bike was like $3k and I was scared af I was going to break it and so I have not been going with him when he went. He moved a few months ago and I never pulled the trigger on a bike normal running and gym stuff but a blew out my back in 2017 and have to figure out some low impact stuff that I can enjoy since my back is always flaring up. But injections 3-4times a year is keeping me going.

Just need something to make me push myself bc I need to get away from weight training and it's very hard to break those habits
Posted by Lsutigerturner
Member since Dec 2016
7267 posts
Posted on 10/31/20 at 1:15 pm to
What years are do you think the technology isnt worth it?

I have been seeing some
cervelo
Specialized
Cannondale slice in my price range.

Posted by Cdawg
TigerFred's Living Room
Member since Sep 2003
61998 posts
Posted on 10/31/20 at 3:44 pm to
This is only my opinion but...

Bike brands do not matter. Especially on a tri-bike. They only matter when you get to boutique brands or very high end models. They are all made in Taiwan or China and the only difference is the geometry. That's why fit is important. The component levels being equal or level of bike model, there isn't much difference except in the geometry.

You want to get on and ride as many as possible to see which one you like best. Comfort is the key because you want to feel your best off the bike when running especially as a newbie.

quote:

What years are do you think the technology isnt worth it?

IMO a 20 year old well tuned bike is just as good as the latest. But there is passed down technology from Dura-Ace--->Ultegra---->105 as Dura-ace upgrades.


This post was edited on 10/31/20 at 3:46 pm
Posted by NorthEnd
Member since Oct 2007
2203 posts
Posted on 11/1/20 at 6:25 am to
Some of the frames are more aero than the others. In the range I’d look for a Specialized Shiv w Dura ace components. You might be a little short for a 54.

The older cervelo p2 and p4s were solid and fast too.
Posted by ELLSSUU
Member since Jan 2005
8080 posts
Posted on 11/1/20 at 10:45 am to
Not to side track too bad but you Tri-bike riders find them comfortable compared to a Aerobike? Whenever is we someone riding one my 1st thought is always “ouch.”
Posted by Cdawg
TigerFred's Living Room
Member since Sep 2003
61998 posts
Posted on 11/1/20 at 2:25 pm to
quote:

Some of the frames are more aero than the others.

If the frames are at the same level, it's very negligible especially for a newbie. You have Shiv, for example, yeah the frame by itself may be more aero than that Kestrel but if he's not properly fit, it doesn't matter. The body position will create drag. If he's not use to an aggressive body position, he will lose power or have discomfort. I see it a lot, that great tri bike is more than some will ever be able to fully ride or take advantage of they will never be properly fit for it. Sure, that bike shop guy can fit you to it as best as he can, but usually they won't point out the deficiencies.


quote:

The older cervelo p2 and p4s were solid and fast too.

I think it was 2013-14 when the now P2 took more of the old P3 geometry. Long after there was the Cervelo P3, P4, and maybe the P5, Chrissie Wellington(probably the greatest triathlete ever male or female), rode an the old P2. She also proved, even with the available latest and greatest, fit was most important. She fit to that bike better than the higher ends P3 at the time.

That P2 was probably one of the best value, newbie bike ever. It took the place of the Cervelo Dual which you could flip the seat post and add drop bars and have a great road bike. That technology led to the Cervelo S series road bikes.

This post was edited on 11/1/20 at 2:30 pm
Posted by Cdawg
TigerFred's Living Room
Member since Sep 2003
61998 posts
Posted on 11/1/20 at 2:39 pm to
quote:

Not to side track too bad but you Tri-bike riders find them comfortable compared to a Aerobike?

This is just me, but comparatively? No. Only because I can get into more different positions on a road bike. You can get fit to a certain comfort level on a tri bike but between the two, I can't.

Am I faster on a TT bike? yes, because I'm in a more aero position than I will never be on my road bike even in drops.

Again, everybody is different and all info I've given are just my opinions.

Posted by Cdawg
TigerFred's Living Room
Member since Sep 2003
61998 posts
Posted on 11/1/20 at 3:16 pm to
Back to OP and question.

quote:

I was told by some friends that I should be in a 54cm how important is that bike size can I deviate up to a 55cm or a 53cm?

Each frame will be slightly different. That's why you should get on them and try them. dBeck's advice is great. This is your learner bike and will be if you stick with it. At some point you will upgrade no matter and by then, you will have more knowledge of what you really want.



If you really want the best info, find an independent bike fitter that can find your optimal fit, size, power, etc. measurements. Then they can tell you which bike is your best option for each price point. It's worth the value IMO.

I've had more than a few training buddies go here:
Tad Hughes Bike Fitting
Find all the data and then get recommended the bikes best for them.



Posted by Walter White
Judice Inn Booth 1
Member since Sep 2012
3111 posts
Posted on 11/1/20 at 4:32 pm to
Where are you located? I’m a member of a few groups like Lafayette Swim Bike Run, South Louisiana Bicycle Swap, and Louisiana Bicycle Sell, Swap & Trade. All have some good items posted from time to time. Check them out
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