Bike Questions.

ratherbeskiing

Ok- so here is the deal. I have been training for a TRI. I don't plan on doing one this summer ( too much going on) but I plan on doing one next summer. I do however bike to work and back daily (when I can- I get out late and it is too dark now). So I need a reliable bike to use daily. (Currently using a mountain bike hahaha)

I found two on Craiglist that I am looking into.


Questions: Tri bike 650 Road 700. Do I go for the Tri bike or the road bike.... aka goal or reality.

Links to bikes:
http://maine.craigslist.org/bik/2977633368.html - TRI
http://maine.craigslist.org/bik/2974584572.html - Road


Also interested in this one http://maine.craigslist.org/bik/2970741606.html but does not have size- I am short only 5'4 and they have not responded yet :grumble: but if anyone has info on this bike...


ANY SUGGESTIONS WELCOME :bigsmile:

jamfan

Go to your local bike shop. See what they recommend, what size frame fits you, what the component groups are for the different price points, ect. This will go a long way to helping you pick something even if it's from craigslist. You don't want to spend all that money on something that wont fit your needs down the road because it was a deal. Also, check out bikesdirect.com. I've not purchased anything from them but their prices blow away the bike shops for similarly outfitted bikes, that is if you don't care about the brand name on the frame.

Additionally, you can get 26"x1.5" tires for your Mtn bike that can handle 85-100PSI for $30-$40 per tire. While I don't do Tri's, I do ride distance on my Trek 6500 Mtn Bike w/ high pressure tires. It's not a road bike as it's much heavier, the tires are still wider & the overall diameter of the wheel is smaller which is a mechanical disadvantage. I just make sure to let my buddies know I do more work than they do.