Buying a racer for competing in triathlons. Need help!

MAntoD

Hello,

I've decided that I'm going to do a few triathlons this summer which I'm really looking forward to. While my swimming and running are going well the time has come to buy a bike but I'm fairly lost as to what to get.

I've been told I should try get something decent second hand which I suppose makes sense but as I'm not sure which makes and models are good/bad I'm wary about wasting my hard earned euros (I'm a poor student). I'd be looking to spend around €600 at the very most. I also have no clue as to what size bike I need but I'm 5'9'' (and 68kg not that I think your weight is much of a factor) if that helps. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers!


P.S. here's one I was looking at:

http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/claud-butler-milano-2007/373908

Am I on the right track?

uberwolf

first off, you'd be looking at size 56 or so. But that varies depending on geometry and the impact that has on the point they measure from - but take 56 as your base point.

Is the cycle to work scheme available to you?

MAntoD

56. cool.

The scheme isn't no. I've heard of people getting their parents to avail of it and doing it that way but I'm not sure my rents could swing it. I'd have to check basically.....

paddymacsporran

I would look at 54cm too, I'm an inch taller with 32" inside leg.... 56 could be on the large side for you

And in my view you could do much better for your €600 if you keep looking on here and adverts.ie

snailsong

A Giant Defy 4 would be a good choice. I have one (as do thousands of others on here) and I'm very happy with it. I got mine a year ago for adventure races. The 2010 model was €600 rrp then but its much reduced on Wiggle.com now. In the region of €450 iirc. That'll get you a good brand new machine and a few quid left over for gear etc. Get yourself a track pump. For a few quid more you could get a Defy 3 which is the same bike but with carbon front forks and slightly more expensive components. The defy 4 is great value though, and it is well reviewed by triathlon magazines too.

I'm 6 foot and have this in large. I guess the M/L size would suit you.
Here's the link: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/giant-defy-4-2010/

moose112

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/new-beginner-road-bike-launched-from-2x2-worldwide-24915

Not sure how helpful this will be I am also hoping to do a few triathelons this year. It's probably 15 years since I was on bike I am after buying one of these I am happy enough with it seems good quality but only have it a few weeks. I was recommended a shop by a cycling friend and the man working there recommended this one to me

MAntoD

thanks for the help guys. I'm currently looking at these two at the moment.

This boardman team carbon
http://www.adverts.ie/432381

and

a decent looking cannondale six 105 triple
http://www.adverts.ie/332308

both slightly above budget but I'm hoping to bargain down a bit......

both seem like good bikes from the research I've done but if anyone has anything to offer about them please fire ahead.........

anoble66

out of those 2 options I would go for the boardman team carbon. The cannondale is aluminium with carbon forks.

MAntoD wrote: »

thanks for the help guys. I'm currently looking at these two at the moment.

This boardman team carbon
http://www.adverts.ie/432381

and

a decent looking cannondale six 105 triple
http://www.adverts.ie/332308

both slightly above budget but I'm hoping to bargain down a bit......

both seem like good bikes from the research I've done but if anyone has anything to offer about them please fire ahead.........

markdrayton

Forget that Claud Butler. Looks pretty crappy and the 60cm "suits most people" is not true -- "suits most people over 6ft tall" is more like it. It'll definitely be too big for you. Don't be distracted by the extra stuff it comes with -- lipstick on a pig. You can always buy tri bars later on when your fitness gains are coming a bit more slowly.

I wrote some stuff about frame size here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=69947282#post69947282

You're most likely looking at a 54cm but manufacturers measure in different ways. The best way to find out is to try some bikes out. Of the Boardman and Cannondale the Boardman is definitely best value for money, assuming it's in reasonable nick. New they went for £1000 (not sure how much here) with a very reasonable spec for the price and were very popular on the cycle to work schemes. Hopefully this one was bought that way and has spent its days like many others, tucked up in a warm shed or garage without being used. The Cannondale has a partly carbon frame but the Boardman is full carbon so in theory should be a bit more comfortable (not as jarring on rough roads).

Boardman measure frames in small/medium/large/x-large (and more?) so assuming your limbs are proportional to your average height the medium on offer there is probably a good bet.

Mark (not a triathlete)