Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one? ...

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ashleyvwest

16 posts since
Mar 4, 2008

Mar 27, 2008 12:50 PM

Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

My criteria is pretty tough and I'm just not sure what to buy. I'm still recovering from the fact that my parents let my brother run off to college with my Specialized Mountain bike.

Price: around $500 (I'm too new to this to spend $1000+ on a bike)
Type: I am doing my first triathlon in August. I plan to train and race on paved surfaces but I liked the flexibility of my mountain bike as a teenager. The crossover bikes seem to be a little pricey.
I only have room in my tiny apartment for 1 bike.
Gear: Do I need anything more than a new helmet? i.e. shoes, shorts, gloves, glasses
I'm female if that really does have anything to do with buying a bike.

I know the manufaturers would have us all believe that we need a whole new wardrobe for each different activity we do. I just want a little input and advise on buying a bike. I don't want to go into a shop completely uninformed.

Thanks!

omabikeryder

148 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

1. Mar 28, 2008 10:26 AM

in response to: ashleyvwest

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

It's great that you want to get into this. For $500 you might be able to pick up a new entry level road bike, or you could pick up a decent used bike. If you want to be competitive you need a decent bike. Even an old steel frame road bike will beat a mountain bike or a hybrid. In a sprint triathlon you will see every kind of bike imaginable from $10,000 custom made tri bikes to 30 year old 25 lb. Shwinns with the dust still on them. At Olympic level tri's it's practically all road bikes, and half of those are tri bikes. I haven't done any longer tri's but imagine they are mostly expensive tri bikes.

Don't be afraid to go into a bike shop, go into several. Ask questions, test ride bikes. If the sales person is helpful or not knowelagble, ask for the manager. Fit is key to getting a bike that you will want to ride.

If you can only have one bike, you should get a road bike. You can't road race with a Tri bike, group rides frown on them, you can put aero bars on a road bike. The geometry of the two kinds are a little different, as is riding position.

If you have the floor space for one bike, you can buy a stand (or make one) where you can stack one on top of the other. So, you do have space for two bikes.

New helmet, in the correct size. Stay away from the cheap "one size fits nobody" style.

You need a bike bag to carry your spare tube, bike levers, and some way to inflate it. You will need to know how to change your own flat. If you flat out in competition you have to change your own tire otherwise it's outside assistance. You will also want a cyclometer, the cheaper ones will give you speed, distance, and average speed.

As for gear; minimum is a decent pair of bike shorts, a couple of jerseys, and a pair of bike gloves. Train in the bike shorts, for competition you will probably want a pair of Tri shorts, which are lightly padded and dry quickly. Bike shops put a large markup on the gear, you can get it on-line cheaper. Buy the bike and helmet at the bike shop. You can ride in running tops or a sports bra, but the pockets in the back of the jerseys come in handy.

Yes you need a decent pair of sunglasses, wraparound style. The kind with interchangeable lenses are great for changing light conditions. Do NOT ride with out protective lenses, getting a bug in your eye at 18 mph is not fun, or getting a rock kicked up by a passing car. You should already own a decent pair of sunglasses and be wearing them when you go outside. Long term exposure of UV rays are not good on your eyes.

We havent even gotten into the shoes / pedal discussion. For now let's assume you will be riding in running shoes with caged pedals (toe clips). At some point you will want to upgrade to bike shoes with clipless pedals. The pedals you had on your bike when you were a kid are called open pedals, they do not give you an effecient pedal stroke. You need to pull up as well as push down to get a nice round pedal stroke.

I don't think $500 is going to cover what you are after, but it's a start. Start saving your money, this is an expensive sport to start. Once you get the bike, you can ride for free!

ashleyvwest

16 posts since
Mar 4, 2008

2. Mar 28, 2008 12:35 PM

in response to: omabikeryder

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

After so many views I was starting to think everyone just saw me as some cheap skate that thinks she wants to do a triathlon. I need a bike anyway. A few people have suggested cycling as cross training to running. I'm taking them up on it and it seems like something I can get my husband to do with me since jogging is out for him.

I really apprecicate your response and it gives me a good place to start. The more I look I am realizing I will have to come out of pocket more than I wanted. Talking with my husband it really made more sense for me to buy a road bike rather than a tri bike and definitely before I even consider a new mountain bike.

I'm going to some free first time tri clinics for some help. I mean the biggest question to me is how the swim to bike transition works

Thanks again!

omabikeryder

148 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Mar 28, 2008 4:19 PM

in response to: ashleyvwest

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

You are welcome. Keep us posted as to your progress. I started getting back "into biking" with my old 10 speed Schwinn about 15 years ago. Did a 25 mile event ride for some cause on a Brooks leather saddle and thought I was going to DIE. Next year did a 40 mile ride and decided I needed a new bike. Got a steel frame Bianchi (bike # 2) and did my first century ride. Drove everyone nuts deciding on which bike to buy, was the investment worth it, etc. Also won a Specialized hybrid (bike # 3) that year. Two years ago I upgraded to a Lemond carbon and titanium frame bike (#4). I still have all of them. I figure when gas hits $6 a gallon they will be worth their weight in gold.

But back to you. A decent entry level road bike might be your best option, $700 to $800 range. For $1,000 to $1,300 you can get a fairly decent road bike. A bike shop will fit you, and will usually offer free service for a year after purchase.

There are some very good discussions on the Triathlon page with very good advice for beginning triathletes. I did my first sprint tri three years ago. I swim in a pair of tri shorts i bought on-line (Velo wear). They make special tri tops for women that kind of resemble a modest two piece swim suit. They also have very high cut women's tri outfits for the zero percent body fat set. I've also seen all kinds of swimsuits (practically bikinni two pieces to one piece racing suits) worn in the water, and they slip on shorts after they exit the water. You will exit the water, go to the transition area where your bike is, (some kind of pan or bucket to put feet into to wash off sand is handy) put on socks if you wear them, bike shoes or running shoes depending on your set up, bike helmet, gloves (some people do without for a sprint, I wear mine) and a top with your number pinned to it or a racing belt, and jog out of transition area with the bike to the mounting area. When you come back from the bike leg, get off the bike in the dismount area, jog the bike back to the same spot, rerack the bike, ditch the helmet, change shoes if needed, start your run leg. I say jog the bike because I can't run in bike shoes with big road cleats. The ones who finish in the top 25 practice their transitions, can get in and out before I have my helmet and gloves on, don't wear socks, have their shoes already clipped to the pedals, and rubber band them to the bike. They just run and jump on sliding their feet into the bike shoes, bust the rubber bands, tighten the shoes on the fly, and are GONE.

KatiM

1 posts since
Mar 21, 2008

4. Mar 31, 2008 9:27 PM

in response to: ashleyvwest

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

Here is some advice that I hope you find helpful in your transitions (specifically swim to bike):

I did my first tri 2 years ago and I have to say that EVERYONE there was EXTREMELY helpful. I was on my own when I got there. I didn't know much of anything, besides how to swim, bike, and run (well for the most part!)

Make sure you get there early enough to find relatively close parking, or at least enough time to scope the place out and ask questions, relax, go pee (there will be a line), etc.

You will pin your racing number on your shirt before the race (if you use an extra one after the swim). You will get a bunch of stuff when you register when you get there. I decided to buy a belt that goes around the waste (there at the race) that I pinned my racing number on. It looks very much like a heart monitor strap. (Like I said, I didn't know squat when I got there!)

When racking your bike tell people near you that you are new and ask if they have any advice. They made sure that I racked my bike correctly and other stuff. I used my mountain bike (recreation biking with my family) boy was that rather painful on the hills, but I did it! Hoping to buy a tri bike here soon, we moved cross country and took a long time to get settled here, so I'm back in the game! So haven't done a full tri since then, but will do several this year, not until I get my bike though, it was painful to come out of the swim and have everyone pass you! But no less everyone that passed me was very encouraging all the same, except those that passed me in a quick blur!

I set my stuff up on top of each as other as I would need them coming into the transition area: I had my towel on top to clean and dry off my feet (didn't do the water in a pail thing, didn't know about the water in the pail thing!), then under that my socks and shoes, under that the helmet, and then the sunglasses, then somewhere I had my belt with my race number on it. I think that is all I had, I wore a one piece tri suit to wear the whole way. I had a pretty good transition time compared to the rest of the competitors so something worked!

So, just have fun and take your time! We all had our first tri/race and were in your shoes! Don't be afraid to ask questions when you get there!

Good Luck!

katie

ashleyvwest

16 posts since
Mar 4, 2008

5. Apr 1, 2008 6:33 AM

in response to: KatiM

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

Thank you, Katie.

My frist tri is a "women's" tri so at least I'll have that on my side. The "First Timer" Tri is too soon so I thought the women's sprint was the next best bet.

I'm going to start swimming lessons after my Half Marathon at the end of April. Also, there are some clinics over the next few months for first time triathletes. The best part is that there are 3 swim clinics at the site of the Tri. It will at least help me decide if a wet suit is necessary (August in Georgia...I doubt it) and give me some open water experience.

Thank you again!

Laredoshane

3 posts since
Apr 3, 2008

6. Apr 3, 2008 2:37 PM

in response to: ashleyvwest

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

What do you think of this bike?

www.osobike.com

Shane

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omabikeryder

148 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

7. Apr 3, 2008 3:49 PM

in response to: Laredoshane

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

Based on the web page, I assume that you are making and marketing these?

What do I think of it? I won't be rude, but I wouldn't buy one. I can't see anyone racing with one.

Good luck selling them!

UtahSoul

12 posts since
Apr 7, 2008

8. Apr 8, 2008 4:43 PM

in response to: omabikeryder

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

Ashley,

You've had some good advice from Katie and omabikeryder.

You may want to take a look at Bikes Direct for a low priced ($700 free shipping) entry tri bike with aero bars included. The only downfall here is having someone set it up after you receive it. Most local bike shops shun doing a assembly for a bike bought outside of their store. If you have a local bicycle collective they will help or a friend that is competent at setting up bikes this can be done. You will also need to know your size when ordering online. The spec's on this bike are great for an entry level competive individual.

Am I saying this is the best way to go?

No. This is just another option for you to look at. Myself I prefer to shop at my local store so if anything needs repairing, replaced or just a place to stop in to shoot the breeze, ask advise or have a brew or coffee, I feel comfortable and I'm also treated well.

Scott

ashleyvwest

16 posts since
Mar 4, 2008

9. Apr 8, 2008 8:06 PM

in response to: UtahSoul

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

Thanks Scott.

I'm actually going to buy a bike in the next week. I gave up on my price range a little and I'm looking at the Giant OCR1W and the Felt FW35. I am also considering the Trek 2.1. I feel like the best "deal" I'm going to get is the Felt but I really liked the saddle on the Trek. Yeah, I know, the saddle isn't the reason to buy the bike. I just don't want to start replacing parts as soon as I buy the bike. With the Felt, I'd feel more comfortable with replacing the saddle.

I'm going to test the Giant and Felt tomorrow but I've ridden the Giant OCR1(uni) and liked everything but the saddle.

Thanks for the advice but like you I'd rather be able to go to the shop and get adjustments for free.

UtahSoul

12 posts since
Apr 7, 2008

10. Apr 8, 2008 7:32 PM

in response to: ashleyvwest

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

All 3 of those are great choices. Being a womens design is something you'll appreciate over others. Go out and have fun once you decide and let us know what you pick and how your events go.

Scott

ashleyvwest

16 posts since
Mar 4, 2008

11. Apr 8, 2008 8:13 PM

in response to: UtahSoul

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

Yeah. I REALLY liked the saddle and the drop on the Trek but the univeral OCR1 seat just about killed me in 5 minutes.

I think I've exhausted the advice I'll get from my two uncles. I'm really down to taking their advice and everything I've learned to make a decision. I just wish the Giant or Felt had a Shimano crankset. Also, apparently women need a triple and I would prefer a double. The felt is the only one with a double on the WSD bike.

I'm just curious about one thing...who decides on the colors for women's bikes? The Giant and Felt bikes arn't that bad but the Trek bike has a WHITE saddle?!?!?

UtahSoul

12 posts since
Apr 7, 2008

12. Apr 8, 2008 9:33 PM

in response to: ashleyvwest

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

Just remember a book title "Its not about the bike", colors will not make
you a better athelete.

The FSA cranks are just as good as the shimano,
you're just not paying for the name.

After looking at the spec's on the Felt I was impressed with the quality of parts for the price. This bike is a double and the 105 gruppo is nice. You'll find the carbon seat post and fork to aid in taking out the rough ride also. The tires are a bit to wide for my liking and if you would like a 23 instead of the 25 ask your dealer if he'll swap even up. Most dealers will be happy to do this. Yea, that white saddle just doesn't make it on the Trek.

Good Luck.

Scott

ashleyvwest

16 posts since
Mar 4, 2008

13. Apr 9, 2008 11:24 AM

in response to: UtahSoul

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

So I was able to find a OCRW1 (small) to test ride. The bike felt a little small for my torso. I like the feel of the bike and I'm probably going to go with it in a medium (maybe).

I was actually leaning towards the Felt bike becuase of the price and the components. I can't find anyone in town that has it! The come to find out...the largest size they sell the FW35 in is 50cm! The weird thing is the medium sized Giant bike that the guy is assembling for me at another shop is 50cm.

I've been so concentrating so hard on components that I haven' t even worried with geometry other than 52cm. I'm going to try to figure out my inseam measurement and determine what size I need that way.

UtahSoul

12 posts since
Apr 7, 2008

14. Apr 10, 2008 9:01 PM

in response to: ashleyvwest

Re: Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

If you like the Giant you may ask to try a longer stem which will give you more room.

It is to bad the Felt isn't available near you. They sure have the better components for the money.

Scott

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Mar 27, 2008 12:50 PM

Yikes! Bikes! How to pick one?

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