need help to choose new road bike

folgi

am completely overwhelmed with all the variations on bike specs, makes, models etc.
basically i want the easiest option in acquiring a new (fairly cheap) or second hand road bike(womens) Used my current mountain bike (with slick tyres) for triathlon last year and had to really push it. its so heavy on the road.
at the moment i quite fancy doing wicklow100 and courtown olympic distance triathlon (only allow road bikes). not goin on holiday this year so it'll be a summer of events!
if thats the case though, i'd want to get my ass on the road- SO- i would really appreciate any quick fix advice on going about choosing whats best. don't do any major amount of cycling- tend to get out when theres events like this on and a bit of training is required but i'm beginning to hate my current set of wheels!. am convinced that if i had a decent bike i'd get more into it coz i love cycling.
based in gorey, wexford- don't have time or will to trawl the shops/sites!
(did spot a specialised dolce ladies with a price tag of 635euro on worldwidecycles- does anyone know details on delivery costs etc? or is it advisable to buy online?) this is about my budget- spent 500 on my mountain bike last year and regret it big time!- should have got a road bike then- shoulda woulda coulda...................

thebouldwhacker

OK so there is a health warning here, you may possibly know more than me about bikes. I’m replying coz no one else has and that’s not good…
Anyway
If your heart is set on a road bike the two things to consider are frame and components
There are many sites on the web about sizing, better if you get sized though in a shop esp if your getting into triathlons etc.
So pick a make and the type of frame, at the mo most good entry level bikes are aluminium with carbon forks. This depends on your buget (ie steel frame cheaper, full carbon expensive, steel = hevey, carbon = light, etc etc)
Then it is components, like anything in life better quality=more money. Good enough entry level sora all the way through 105 to ultra gear. Shamino is prob the most recognisable but there are many types research[/FONT]
If you want off the peg, solid bikes there are many posts and threads about this topic, check adverts.ie (and others for second hand )

Base line, research, patients and cash are all you need:D

(as always I bow before other who offer better sdvise...)

Lumen

Find a couple of local(ish) bike shops and have a look around and a long chat.

There's a good one in Wexford, I've popped in myself and they have some lovely bikes.

If it's your first road bike, the chances of getting the sizing wrong are high if you buy on the internet. If you're doing triathlon you really want to get a proper bike fit done.

alfalad

Have a look at this thread gives you some info that you will be looking for. There are plenty of other threads on people looking for starter bikes so you can pick up some good info on those!
Worldwide Cycles have a great rep in here so i think they would set you right and help you get set up etc! This game is expensive to start but it's always a trade off, do get basic entry level things and in 6 months upgrade everything therefore spending extra cash or do you spend a reasonable amount now and run the risk of deciding in 3 months you don't like cycling any more! (Although i doubt very much that will happen! ! ) My advice would certainly be spend a reasonable amount now that will keep you going and will give you a like you will be happy with!
As for ladies bikes, i wouldn't worry about getting a mans bike, there is little diff when you are cycling it. The regular female posters on here will tell you that. The thing you would need to change is the saddle though!

Happy shopping!

Caroline_ie

alfalad wrote: »

As for ladies bikes, i wouldn't worry about getting a mans bike, there is little diff when you are cycling it. The regular female posters on here will tell you that. The thing you would need to change is the saddle though!

What he just said ...

folgi

thanks y'all- been havin a look at those other threads and any links ye sent (sorry-new to this boards business and not familiar with the etiquette on seperating threads etc????!!!!!)
will get on the case and perhaps check out bike shop in wexford.
thanks for advice!
for now, gotta get my ass to the pool- this is a great distraction though- does reading, thinking, and talking about your training count?????ha!