Cycling

[Integra06]

I'm been saving up money for a new bike for quite some time now and had a question for any cyclists here. (Ray, you probably remember me asking something like this on BMC) I had been looking at mountain bikes for quite some time and test rode many of them also. Last week, I took a test ride on a road bike and found it to be a lot more comfortable. So, the question is, can a triathlon/time trial bike be used in a sanctioned road race? The other question is, what rule do most bike shops go by when selling an older model bike like a 2003? That is to say, what percentage of the retail price is usually payed when buying an older model? Thanks for the help.

EDIT:So far, I've saved up about $1500 and might have a little more by next week.

[lamehonda]

You cannot race a time trial bike in a road race. What are your goals on the bike? TT bikes suck for everything but time trials. You should get a couple hundred dollars off on a 2003 model.

[Integra06]

Originally Posted by lamehonda

You cannot race a time trial bike in a road race. What are your goals on the bike? TT bikes suck for everything but time trials. You should get a couple hundred dollars off on a 2003 model.

My goal right now is just training so I can get in shape for the next season of racing. I've done about a 60 mile ride on an old mountain bike that I had, but I want to be able to do at least 2 centuries before the end of this year and in time for next year's racing season. I'm looking at either a 2004 2300 if I can get enough money, or a 2003 5200 also depending on how much money I have. (Both Trek's) Thanks for the help.

[2strokebloke]

You can save a big chunk buying used, if they what you're looking for used (or check out your paper).

[lamehonda]

Get a conservative setup(comfortable) and do NOT spend alot of money on wheels! Also they are not as cool, but I am crazy for steel. All of the lightweight frames of today are somewhat noisy and not as durable as steel, and they are very costly to replace. I advise that you buy a few hundred dollar frame, and then get campy parts. The guys at the races will have more respect for you than if you show up with a trek, everybodys got one. The key to winning races is mileage. How old are you?

[Integra06]

Originally Posted by lamehonda

Get a conservative setup(comfortable) and do NOT spend alot of money on wheels! Also they are not as cool, but I am crazy for steel. All of the lightweight frames of today are somewhat noisy and not as durable as steel, and they are very costly to replace. I advise that you buy a few hundred dollar frame, and then get campy parts. The guys at the races will have more respect for you than if you show up with a trek, everybodys got one. The key to winning races is mileage. How old are you?

I'm 16 in a few days, but I'm also very light for my size. I'm only 5'8" at about 125-130 lbs, so weight isn't a concern. What brand frame would you say is a good quality for a good price? I've looked for a used bike, but the shops around here don't like to deal with used for some reason.

[lamehonda]

I haven't raced for a couple years, so I don't know what is good right know, but it would be sweet if you could get an older colnago frame. You are built exactly like I was when I raced. The shops don't like used cause they don't do trade ins like car dealerships$$$$. If you buy the components for your bike the shop should put them on for a reasonable charge. My shop charged me $90 to put my bike together. Use colorado cyclist or excel etc. to find your components and keep looking for the frame you want. But a colnago would be my choice.

[lamehonda]

you might also have to consult with the shop,if you trust them, on which size frame to buy. Search Ebay for colnago, they have a few frames that you can see, I love their frames with the straight fork.