In the market for a bike

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mamaclose
mamaclose Posts: 219 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am currently looking to buy a bike. I will be using it for triathlons and road races. I will obviously use it for training purposes as well. I do at times like to ride on paths (ie; dirt) and am not sure what type of bike to get. It doesn't have to be anything super fancy but I also don't want to get a Wal-Mart special. Any recommendations/suggestions? Thanks!
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Replies

  • phil4v7
    phil4v7 Posts: 68 Member
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    Bump. Sorry, all I have is a stationary bike, so I can't help here.
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
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    If you want a bike that's fast on the road AND you can take it in dirt, then consider a Cyclocross bike.

    It has wider clearances than a road bike, but generally, is road bike shaped. You can toss on a set of slick skinny road tires and take to the asphalt, or thicker, knobblier tires and hit the trails.

    If I had to own just one bike, this would be it.
  • MariarR33
    MariarR33 Posts: 69
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    bump
  • Hellbent_Heidi
    Hellbent_Heidi Posts: 3,669 Member
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    Go to a local bike shop and discuss your needs and budget with them. You don't have to spend thousands, but don't buy a cheap bike either, or you just won't use it like you will a good one!
  • itsmedicinalbacon
    itsmedicinalbacon Posts: 180
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    bump: curious about this myself :)
  • ROBJ3411
    ROBJ3411 Posts: 72 Member
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    There really isnt a do all bike a mountain bike is more comfortable and better on dirt, uneven surfaces, but it is not geared to go fast and you will get blown away in a tri. A cyclocross bike is a hybrid road bike, with wider wheels. These are not a common bike to find. A road bike is you "10 speed" is much faster, but the narrow wheel make it less then ideal for off road.

    My advice is to go to a reputable local bike store and let them discuss options, you should also get fitted for a bike, it will allow you to purchase the right bike and keep you from injury..
  • mikejacobs1958
    mikejacobs1958 Posts: 128
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    Kawasaki ZXR......

    Ooops sorry, not the bike you looking for.
  • debloves2ride
    debloves2ride Posts: 386
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    Kawasaki ZXR......

    Ooops sorry, not the bike you looking for.

    thats what i was thinking..... suzuki 50T 805...... not quite the same thing
  • thekarens
    thekarens Posts: 254 Member
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    I've been bike shopping myself. They aren't cheap for sure. Found out even the "cheap" bikes are around $500 (which for me is a lot of money, but worth it) I'd go to a bike shop like others have said and then look for a used one on local bike trader, craigslist, etc.
  • PittShkr
    PittShkr Posts: 1,000 Member
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    I am currently looking to buy a bike. I will be using it for triathlons and road races. I will obviously use it for training purposes as well. I do at times like to ride on paths (ie; dirt) and am not sure what type of bike to get. It doesn't have to be anything super fancy but I also don't want to get a Wal-Mart special. Any recommendations/suggestions? Thanks!

    gary fisher is good
  • 42kgirl
    42kgirl Posts: 692 Member
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    I have a road bike and a hybrid. I went with a Bianchi for the road bike and it's the one I use most often. I traded some car seats for the hybrid because the road bike is not ideal for some of the paths around here. I would go road bike and check around for a used mountain or hybrid you could get on the cheap. Definitely get fitted at a bike shop. The bike I thought I wanted and thought would be the best fit really wasn't and the guys at my shop did a great job of getting me the best bike. And I got it on sale!
  • staci2468
    staci2468 Posts: 25
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    do your booty a favor and get a good seat. A little pricy but so worth it
  • tinyrah
    tinyrah Posts: 32 Member
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    I want one too. I'm reluctant to spend $1,000 on one though. But I don't want a Walmart special either. From my preliminary research I think what I want is a hybrid. It's a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike.

    D i c k s Sporting Goods has some Diamondback models that are about $300-$500.
  • escloflowneCHANGED
    escloflowneCHANGED Posts: 3,038 Member
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    I'm buying a Trek 4900 or 4500 tonight...haven't decided which one I want yet lol

    If you want a good all around bike, I would recommend looking at Hybrid bikes, they come with locking forks and the tires are smooth with ridges on the side for the dirt trails, all depends on budget because a good bike can be expensive!
  • mamaclose
    mamaclose Posts: 219 Member
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    Thanks for all the suggestions! I think I will get a road specific frame and will definitely get a good seat! Will head to my LBS this week to see what he can hellp me with.
  • mamaclose
    mamaclose Posts: 219 Member
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    Kawasaki ZXR......

    Ooops sorry, not the bike you looking for.

    thats what i was thinking..... suzuki 50T 805...... not quite the same thing

    LOL. Could probably win a road race with one of those!
  • ahamm002
    ahamm002 Posts: 1,690 Member
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    I am currently looking to buy a bike. I will be using it for triathlons and road races. I will obviously use it for training purposes as well. I do at times like to ride on paths (ie; dirt) and am not sure what type of bike to get. It doesn't have to be anything super fancy but I also don't want to get a Wal-Mart special. Any recommendations/suggestions? Thanks!

    I was in the exact same boat as you and ended up buying a Specialized CrossTrail hybrid. It's a nice bike and I ride it quite a bit, but I very rarely use it on dirt. It handles quite well when riding on rougher urban terrain though, which occassionally comes in handly However, if I could go back in time I would just get a normal road bike. Trek makes some nice beginner road bikes that are in the 500 buck range.
  • grahamwhist
    grahamwhist Posts: 8
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    Hi, I have a Specialised TriCross and can highly recommend it for the type of use you are looking at.

    I have 32mm tyres (they came with it) and 25mm for a little more speed on the road / triathlons.

    I do about 50 - 100 miles a week on it mainly on road but also cycle tracks (dusty but not too horrible).

    Also has a triple ring so enables you to ease into some high gradient climbs.

    I cycled coast to coast (UK) last year with it without a hitch.
  • pleytem
    pleytem Posts: 79 Member
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    I have also been looking to buy a bike. I too wanted something more for road but occasional dirt path the bikes I have narrowed it down to are:
    Trek FX 7.2., Giant Escape 1 and the Cannondale Quick. These bike are all great bikes in the $500 range.They perform better on the road but you can rise on dirt paths without wiping out.
  • mamaclose
    mamaclose Posts: 219 Member
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    I have also been looking to buy a bike. I too wanted something more for road but occasional dirt path the bikes I have narrowed it down to are:
    Trek FX 7.2., Giant Escape 1 and the Cannondale Quick. These bike are all great bikes in the $500 range.They perform better on the road but you can rise on dirt paths without wiping out.

    Which Cannondale Quick? There are several choices out there and prices vary greatly.

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