Buying a bike

[jen]

So I suppose I need to get really serious about buying a bike, i.e. like going shopping. I do not currently own a bike and would like suggestions on where to go, what to look for, etc. I don't know if it's realistic to think I will find one within a month to do the newbie brick but that is my hope. Also, what other equipment do I need with the bike? Thanks so much!

[philliesphan]

Buying gear is one of the great reasons to do Tri. I'm a huge fan.

As far as the store. Go to them all and decide where you feel comfortable. Consider the long term relationship - if this is something you really get into, you will spend a lot of time at the shop. You might notice Bike Authority is a loyal sponsor of the club so they deserve an early (and probably the first) look. I like Spin personally because they carry brands that I like, but Bike Authority is great and Eddy's is too. I have not been to Century or Solon. I am certain there are opinions aplenty in this group.

Buying a bike can be as big an investment as you want to make it. My advice would be to start simply, and focus on fit. An uncomfortable bike is not going to lure you out of bed in the morning for long rides. Comfort does not need to be expensive, its a function of sizing and the quality of the staff doing the fitting.

As far as as auxilliary equipment, the sky is the limit there as well. All you really need is a pair of biking shoes, biking shorts, a helmet, and really cool handlebar tape. You can probably get by without the shoes, but imo the money spent is well worth it. You don't need a biking shirt - any shirt works. Believe me, the bike store will load you up with all sorts of knick knacks...all of which are delightful. I suggest you find a store, find a bike, and show up for the newbie brick. From there you can decide how to proceed. If you buy the latest Bicycling Magazine - they have a buyers guide with reviews on dozens of bikes. You can do this in a month, but an informed decision will take some effort.

[traciezamiska]

You definitely need to figure out what your racing goals are for your first few years. If you get a good frame all the other major components can be upgraded as needed. Alot of people use a hybrid for their first few races.

We all probably would recommend Bike Authority as they are one of our sponsors and you get a discount as part of your membership plus they are a great group of people and very helpful. If you prefer another shop, post what shop(s) you're looking at here to get some opinions from others that might have dealt with them.

There are alot of choices so don't get overwhelmed! Ask lots of questions either here or to the shop you are working with that you know your needs are being met by the bike you are choosing.

One thing I would suggest for sure, when you go to the shop be honest and realistic about your short term and long term goals as well as your budget. If the shop knows those two things they will be able to make better recommendations.

Good luck and let us know what you come up with!

[mnowac]

I agree with what everyone else has said. I personally helped my hubby shop for a road bike in the last few weeks and both Bike Authority and Spin had some fantastic deals on last years bike. So, now it the time to buy for sure! Good luck. I personally had a bad experience with a bike shop that I probably shouldn't really call out, but PM me or shoot me an email if you want to know. I just felt like they took advantage of me as a newbie and convinced me I was getting a great deal, when in fact I was not.

Hubby ended up getting his bike at BA and they were great. I have gone to Solon Bike Shop several times and they have a great knowledgable staff. I got my hybrid from Eddy's and they have a great selecton. So, there are a lot of good bike shops in the area.

[Aussie Rob]

What's your budget?
What are you looking to do on it?

Entry level road bikes start around $700, and it will be good enough to get you through your first few seasons. I'd get a road bike and not a tri bike unless you're positive you will only want to do TT/tris on it. Otherwise, a roadie is more comfortable typically, and can be converted to be more aero if/when you get more serious about tri.

Aside from that, you'll need.
helmet
shorts
shoes
jersey
pedals (they wont come with the bike unless you want to ride platforms)
gloves
water bottle
cages
spare tube
pump or co2
tire levers
saddle bag (to carry flat repair/phone/ID/money)

Bike shopping can be a lot of fun. Go to www.bikeforums.net for info (search function is great) and educate yourself, then visit a few local shops. BA, Spin, and Eddies are all places ive had good experiences with. Good luck!

[jetlink]

Shop around - go to bike stores and get properly sized......then, BUY USED.......

I think you can get the best bang for your dollar that way - plus you can mess with the bike and learn how to fix it yourself without worry of screwing up your new shiny bike......

If money isn't an problem or a concern than just go to the LBS or an online retailer.

Just my 2cents worth but I would seriously consider buying used - ST classifieds or ebay work great.

[jetlink]

mnowac made a great point aswell - go and see what shops have last years model of bike and then get that bike - if it fits you well - for the clearence price......

I just did this myself at Performance bike - saved $1000 off last years price.

[philjolliff]

I was in the same boat last year with no bike at all. The best experience I had was at Spin in Lakewood and that is where I bought my bike. They really took their time with me and explained everything. Some of the closeouts they have on last year's models are great deals. I wish Spin was near Stow, I'd be dropping money in there all the time.
I live almost next door to Eddy's, but I really only go in there when I need some Gu at the last minute and I don't have time to go to Vertical Runner. They are some of the most unhelpful people on the planet, I swear you could walk around that store for 8 hours without anyone asking if you need any help. Personally I drive up to Bike Authority for most of the extra gear that I need.

[Aussie Rob]

I've had one experience with Eddy's. When the used bike i bought had a cracked head tube, they agreed to go through the warranty process with Specialized for me and ended up not only getting me a replacement, but an upgrade. They gained nothing from the transaction, but did it anyway.

I think it's bad form to go into a LBS pretending you want to buy a bike, take up their time having them size you etc and sitting on their bikes with no intention on buying from them Dave. If you're going to do that, at least pay for a basic fit, it shouldn't cost much.

That said, i used a number of online calculators (you have to take measurements at home to punch in) to get me in the ballpark when i bought my bike (used) and just tweaked from there.

[jetlink]

I used to think the same way about the LBS and taking up their time......etc.....untill the day that I went into a LBS with strong intention of purchasing a P3C or other top-end bike. They sent me out the door on these bikes without even considering my fit - I would guess my back was angled upwards in the area of 30degrees on my test ride of the P3C.......I rode another top of the line bike at this store and again was not taken seriously or shown the consideration given to a person about to drop 4-5K on a bike....anyhow,

Its really a win-win to go to a LBS and look around/take their time/ try bikes and get sizing. If someone - particularly a newbie - does this then they learn allot about different bikes and proper fit and different componenets, etc......

The LBS gets a chance to earn this person's business and show their product-line off to a potential buyer - whether or not that person has any intention of buying.......

I'm sure the LBS would like someone w/"bad form" as they then get an opportunity to sell ........or this newbie could take your suggestion and just crunch numbers to buy online.....problem there is that they probably don't even know the difference between a top-tube and a down-tube.......so therein lies a problem.

So, I guess in summary I'd say that go to a LBS - look at their product-line and give them a chance to sell - learn about bikes/fitting/components and check on the clearence bikes. Shop around - make informed decisions - BUT your best value, after all is said and done, is to buy used.

Just my 2cents and afterall, it is your money.

[Aussie Rob]

That's true, and i don't work at a LBS so i don't know if they like it or not...or if they even care.

[sarajean]

I bought my bike at Century Cycle in Rocky River. The guys there were very helpful, even though I explained that my budget was around $500. (That got me a previous year's model of Giant's "recreation" road bike, but the bike has performed very well for me.) They're the only ones who work on my bike.

This spring, my 3-year-old was having problems with his bike (also purchased from Century Cycle). I brought my son and his bike to Century Cycle and asked if he'd outgrown the bike. They said he hadn't and they adjusted the seat so he could ride it.