Total Posts: 11
1.8 Years Ago

The guy recommended the Specialized brand and I am trying research the different types and if this is a good option for a beginner that plans to participate in a triathlon at the end of the year as well as a lot of paved trail riding. I am not having much luck, I am finding a lot of sales information but not much else.

Any suggestions?

Thank you,

Teresa

Total Posts: 62
1.8 Years Ago

I've always ridden Specialized (E5 being my current model). Specialized was always my bike of choice but other riders will have their own opinion. I know a few guys that swear by Bianchi, Klein, Colnago...etc. Point is, before you settle on Specialized I think you should maybe try a few different brands. Most bicycle shops will let you take test rides, just be sure they fit you correctly beforehand or you may end up with a sour opinion of a bike that would otherwise be a perfect match for you. Another thing...you may want to look at softride bicycles. Although I don't see quite as many on the road today I know they were very popular among triathletes.

Total Posts: 3
1.8 Years Ago

My name is Marie... I did a bunch of home work before I bought my first bike.

What I bought was a Felt bike which is known in the triathlon world. I felt they had a good price point for what you get and is a very comfortable bike to ride. You can get a nice bike with carbon fiber forks and shimano altegra componets for about 1500.00. You can go to felt.com and research people (who own the bike themselves) reviews. Good luck and let me know what you think.

Marie

Total Posts: 667
1.8 Years Ago

First, ask yourself what type of bike do you want? Are you planning on doing a lot of triathlon's in the future or just trying it out. Will you be riding with groups of people on training rides or going solo? The answers to these questions and others will determine whether you want or need a tri specific bike or a road bike. I would suggest you start out with a road bike because of its versatility.

You can use either one but a tri specific bike will have a steeper angled seat post that saves your legs for the run. However, this doesn't mean you can't race a road bike in a tri plus, you can buy an additional seat post that will move you forward and give you the same angle as a tri bike. If you plan on training with a group of roadies, then they would rather you ride a road bike for safety and breaking reasons. You can add aero bars to the road bike plus, you can get a road bike with a third set of rings on the front (near the pedals) called a granny gear that is wonderful if you are around hilly terrain.

Once the choice has been made as to what type of bike (tri or road) that you want, then just google a particular brand and go to their website for any information you are looking for. The main difference in price is going to be frame material and components (front derailleur, rear derailleur, crankset, shifters, etc). The higher the price point the lighter the components and the smoother the shifting. However, with advances in the mid range components, the differneces are beyond what you need to worry about. As mentioned before the Shimano Ultegra is a solid work horse component set and the only real difference between it and the higher priced Dura Ace is weight.

Specialized is a good brand and has been around for sometime. I don't know if they have tri bikes but their road bikes are really nice.

Jim

P.S. I was just looking on Specialized's website...do you know what model the bike shop is pushing? I was looking at the Dolce $770 or Dolce Elite $1100. The Elite has carbon fiber seat stays which is a nice feature and helps absorb some of the bumps in the road so your body does not take a beating while riding. It looks like the components are Tiara which are below the Ultegra but still work.

Total Posts: 11
1.8 Years Ago

I have pretty much decided that I will go with a road bike. I want to participate in tris but I am by no means convinced that will be a long term activity. I like your explanation, it helped a lot.

The shop was showing me both the Dolce and the Elite, I suspect the Elite was a 2006 since it was marked down to the $990 range. I also found out they have Felt bikes so I am planning on heading back next weekend for some test rides.

While I understand the thought behind spending the money for a good bike and the amount of miles I will use it for will make it worth it, the price tag for the bike and all the gear is more than I expected so it is taking me a little time to work out the budgeting. Which is for the best since I still need to understand enough to make an informed purchase.

Thank you everyone for your help so far.

Teresa

Total Posts: 667
1.8 Years Ago

Yeah, the $$ can get up there with all the extras...shoes, clothes, pedals, clothes, helmet, did I mention clothes? However, you have to look at it as an investment. This bike will last you YEARS, plus the health benefits you will recieve are priceless. I think I am going on my third year for my bike and it still looks good and rides like the wind...if only for a short amount of time like say 30 seconds but I figure I will have it for another 3 years unless I get a big pay raise and decide to get me another "toy"...say maybe a full carbon deal...mmmmmm sweet!!!!

Again, check out the components and definitely take those test rides.