Beginners Triathlon Bike ?

Question

I have been a runner for many years know and will be participating in my fist triathlon next year. I want to know what is a good bike for beginners at a some what reasonable cost. Dose anyone have a good website or know of a store? Also what make and brand.

Answer 1

A good bike for beginners is one that fits (only you can determine that) and falls within your budget (you don't specify).

With those qualifications met, any road bike will do the job.  Probably best not to go overboard; ride something suitable for a season or two, then you'll know your likes and dislikes better when you shop for the next bike.  As you know, you don't need a full blown tri machine to get you started.  Slapping an aerobar on a decent road bike will give you better aerodynamics.  KHS offers this...complete with aerobar:

http://www.khsbicycles.com/05_flite_320_...

If your cycling will be focused around your training and events, you might eventually prefer bar-end shifters mounted at the end of the aerobar.

As far as stores go, you don't indicate where you are.  If you're in San Diego, finding a shop that caters to the tri crowd isn't a problem.  If you're in Libby, MT, it will be.

I know there are a couple message boards for triathletes.  Just don't have links.

Answer 2

I got myself a Gaint TCR1 and am still using it after 3 years.

To me, it is a rather good beginner bike and it did not cost too much and is good enough for a decent race..

Answer 3

My sister is actually in the same position ... thinking about doing her first triathlon so this is the same advice I gave her. The only major difference between a true tri bike and a good road bike is that the seat tube angle is a little steeper on a tri bike.  This puts your body in a more forward, aerodynamic position for using aerobars.  Most road bikes already have low spoke count, aero wheels which were previously TT/Tri specific and a road bike will be much more comfortable for training and non-competition riding.  Get a good set of clip on aero bars and you'll be ready to go.  

I've linked below to some "budget" tri bikes, but really a good quality road bike will do and should be between $800 and $1,000.  

HTH