What do I need to start?

Football Friend

Hi,

I'm a complete novice to cycling but want to get into triathlons and maybe do the ring of Kerry next year so I want to get cracking on training now. Can anyone tell me what equipment I'll need and good brands and the same with the actual bike (I'm assuming a racer?)

Also do ye reckon (depending on advice) I'd be better off going with the bike for work scheme or just getting something second hand on adverts/donedeal?

I'm hoping overall budget for starting bike & Equipment to be between 500-1000 but if this is completely unrealistic fire away!.

Thanks!

cjt156

To get started all you need is something vaguely bike-shaped. As you progress you can add what equipment you need; padded shorts, a pump and a helmet would be first on the list.

I did my first 3 Olympic distance tri's on a 30 year old 10 speed racer that weighed almost as much as I do.
Give it a couple of months to see if you are going to stick at it and then you could upgrade using your BTW.

Lots of value 2nd hand but chose your seller so you don't buy stolen.

Football Friend

cjt156 wrote: »

To get started all you need is something vaguely bike-shaped. As you progress you can add what equipment you need; padded shorts, a pump and a helmet would be first on the list.

I did my first 3 Olympic distance tri's on a 30 year old 10 speed racer that weighed almost as much as I do.
Give it a couple of months to see if you are going to stick at it and then you could upgrade using your BTW.

Lots of value 2nd hand but chose your seller so you don't buy stolen.

Cheers for taking the time to reply. There will be no doubt that I'll stick it with, I've wanted to do it for a while.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=15551&langId=-1&categoryId=212536&productId=1090073&storeId=11101

Does this bike look anyway decent to you for the price? I can actually get a good discount in halfords so I'm hoping it's not a complete pile of junk

Brian?

Football Friend wrote: »

Cheers for taking the time to reply. There will be no doubt that I'll stick it with, I've wanted to do it for a while.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=15551&langId=-1&categoryId=212536&productId=1090073&storeId=11101

Does this bike look anyway decent to you for the price? I can actually get a good discount in halfords so I'm hoping it's not a complete pile of junk

It's not a complete pile of junk. It's not good though, I didn't know you could still buy a 7 speed groupset new. But if you're going to buy new, spend the full €1000 euro and get a grands worth of bike for €500.

Something like giant defy or trek 1.2 or some such would be ideal.

Brian?

This is fantastic value if you get a discount at Argos:

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=15551&langId=-1&categoryId=212536&productId=992004&storeId=11101

Red Belly

I'd recommend locating your most reputable local bike shop and spending the full grand BTW with them. I base this on my experience with my local shop. You do pay a premium compared to online or a big chain like Halfords but it's more than worth it. Your local cycling club should be a source of a good recommended shop. The after sales service, initial fit, advice, coaching... You won't get it at Halfords.

I'd get €1k of road bike. Upgrade to clip less pedals when you're ready. Lidl or Aldi gear (clothing), is ok at first but you'll want better stuff, especially bibshorts soon enough, and especially if you're aiming for ROK type distances.

Rb

Bloggsie

Red Belly wrote: »

I'd recommend locating your most reputable local bike shop and spending the full grand BTW with them. I base this on my experience with my local shop. You do pay a premium compared to online or a big chain like Halfords but it's more than worth it. Your local cycling club should be a source of a good recommended shop. The after sales service, initial fit, advice, coaching... You won't get it at Halfords.

I'd get €1k of road bike. Upgrade to clip less pedals when you're ready. Lidl or Aldi gear (clothing), is ok at first but you'll want better stuff, especially bibshorts soon enough, and especially if you're aiming for ROK type distances.

Rb

Cant agree more with Red Belly, go to a LBS speak with them, tell them what you are looking for, spend the full 1k, you will get better serice from a LBS over a halfords, plus they will throw in 1 maybe 2 years servicing.They may even let you take the bike for a test spin to ensurwe you are really happy with it.

my tuppence worth is to get the bike shoes/clip-ins from the start rather than waiting, I did(fell twice in built up areas) havent looked back since, just remember as you slow down at lights junctions etc to clip out 1 foot.

happy trails!