Bike Shopping- Cyclist pls help!

atynk
atynk Posts: 400 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone,
I finally decided to invest in a bike, I am enjoying cycling so much and know I would get the use out of it. I would also like to be able to compete at the same level as other triathletes with a good road bike. Sooooo I really have no clue what types of things to start looking for. I don't want to get ripped off. I want to get a decent bike, but I can't afford much more than $1000.00 . I don't even know if I can get something worthwhile for that price. I ride about 20 km ( 14 miles) a few times a week, and am planning in competing in more triathlons.

So all you cyclist out there, could you pls share your knowledge???

Replies

  • TnTHawkins
    TnTHawkins Posts: 285 Member
    I bought a new bike last year after cycling for many years on a heavier aluminum framed bike. I upgraded components so that they were all the same brand and model because I wanted them to work well together. I also wanted to make sure that I got at least carbon fiber fork for a smooth ride. I ended up spending much more than your budget and really happy with my Trek Madone 4.7. You could spend less by getting the previous years model. I don’t do triathlons and use it for more for distance and hoping to do a century ride next year.

    Feel free to message or friend me if you have any questions. Good luck in your journey.

    Todd
  • shera426
    shera426 Posts: 227 Member
    I bought a bike last year after really enjoying the spin classes but wanting to exercise outside. I picked up a Trek 7300 hybrid and I LOVE IT. We usually take a few 12mile rides a week and we pull the kids and I don't know how we survived w/ out cheapy walmart bikes. My best advise is to talk with several bike places and shop around they will give you a ton of advise and information and fit you with the bike that will work best with your goals. We got a great deal after shopping around and went back to the family owned place, we got a deal on the bikes plus it was a small family place so they discounted the shoes, pedals, helmets for us. (word of advise, clip in shoes are awsome!! BUT when you go to stop be prepared and unclip before you get to your stopping point HAHA I can't tell you how funny you look when you can't unclip fast enough and you and the bike fall over :laugh: )
    Also, make sure they let you test it out, some places do...some don't . Make sure you can ride it for 20-30 minutes to get the feel of it before you purchase. And if you ask some places will even do free tune ups for life :) Good luck! It's scary to bite off that much $$ for a bike but in the long run you won't regret it. I bet you will get a fantastic bike for under $1000
  • VballLeash
    VballLeash Posts: 2,456 Member
    I also have a trek with Shimano components.... its a 2008 I believe, I got it for $800 on craig's list... I got very lucky to find this bike at a good price and the guy that I bought it from had barely used it. My dad and uncle are hard core cyclists so they helped me a lot and I had to be patient until I found the right one, the components are very important when looking for a bike (at least this is what I'm told). If you can find a bike shop that will be honest with you than they can be very helpful, tell them your serious about cycling. When I was looking at brand new ones the only ones for under around $1000 didn't have the good components and would have been ok starter bikes but I really wanted one that would last me a long time and be at the next level. I suggest looking on craigs list if you aren't opposed to getting a used one. Depending on where you live, I live in a major bicycling city so I had a lot to choose from. My main advice would be to be patient, you wouldn't want to rush into a bike that isn't the right one. Good luck, let me know if you have any other questions. :smile:

    ~Leash :heart:
  • VballLeash
    VballLeash Posts: 2,456 Member
    Also, you have to make sure you get the right size bike, that will require you to test some out at the bike shop, mines a 58 cm and I'm 5'10''.

    ~Leash :heart:
  • atynk
    atynk Posts: 400 Member
    I bought a bike last year after really enjoying the spin classes but wanting to exercise outside. I picked up a Trek 7300 hybrid and I LOVE IT. We usually take a few 12mile rides a week and we pull the kids and I don't know how we survived w/ out cheapy walmart bikes. My best advise is to talk with several bike places and shop around they will give you a ton of advise and information and fit you with the bike that will work best with your goals. We got a great deal after shopping around and went back to the family owned place, we got a deal on the bikes plus it was a small family place so they discounted the shoes, pedals, helmets for us. (word of advise, clip in shoes are awsome!! BUT when you go to stop be prepared and unclip before you get to your stopping point HAHA I can't tell you how funny you look when you can't unclip fast enough and you and the bike fall over :laugh: )
    Also, make sure they let you test it out, some places do...some don't . Make sure you can ride it for 20-30 minutes to get the feel of it before you purchase. And if you ask some places will even do free tune ups for life :) Good luck! It's scary to bite off that much $$ for a bike but in the long run you won't regret it. I bet you will get a fantastic bike for under $1000


    I was actually look at a Trek and really liked it!
    The problem I have on all the bike is it is EXTREMLY painful for my crotch , even with padded shorts, I somehow put all my pressure on that sensitve part lol. The one place I liked keeps giving you new seats and adjusting them until you find something that fits your pelvic bone perfect. They were really helpful and gave me a discount on some tri stuff I bought today. This bike was $1600. I changed my price point a bit, to keep it under $2000 with buying a bike rack as well with it!
  • shera426
    shera426 Posts: 227 Member
    oh that's great! i'm so glad you found one, the seat was something to get used to but you definately need to find one that works for your body. I was so suprised to learn that after all those years thinking the big seats were the most comfortable, the smaller seats are actually better for your bum who knew? haha
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