Introduction & help needed

vtate75

Hello!

My name is Virginia and I have decided to train for my first triathlon (sprint). I am currently training for a 1/2 marathon and I'm up to about 10 miles, so I think I have the running part down. I grew up swimming, so I'm not too worried about that either. My concern comes with the biking. Currently, I am looking for an affordable bike. My husband and I are both teachers and we have four kids, so money is a huge concern. Can anyone recommend a good low cost road bike? Any other tips you have would also be appreciated!

Leesseebee

Hey!
The swim part is a problem for many triathletes and the run, well, that is the part I suck at most, so I'd say you are well on your way,
In my opinion, and I will look for an article that speaks a bit about it, you needn't get caught up in the whole pricey bike route, especially not for a first time sprint. I would go second hand and I would go cheap and sturdy-even if you are looking at hybrids or mountain. If you can find a solid road bike that is cheap, I'd say go for it, but those are a bit mythical at this point.
The distance of a sprint does not justify the 800 and up cost of a road bike. I have used a hybrid. Furthermore, I met someone who did her first olympic tri on a 10 dollar mountain bike and she came in second in her age group.
All this to say, go cheap and sturdy and train and have fun! Start thinking about expensive bikes when you do more and longer races, in my opinion!

vtate75

Thank you! I found a road bike on Amazon for about $200. It has decent reviews, so I'm going to go for it. Thanks for the response!

Drudoo

Do you know your size? It's best to check one out in person before buying online. There are plenty of deals to be had. Craigslist is also an excellent source of used bikes that can be had for cheap.

Welcome to Triathlon!

scott091501

I second the Craigslist advice. That way you can see what the condition of the bike is and take it for a test ride.