I want to get a road bicycle but i'm clueless. What can I get for under $400?

Question

I did my first dualthon yesterday with a mountain bike...out of ignorance. I want to get into dualthons. Also, I want to get affordable handles. I don't know what they are called but they had a sort of rest for your arms/elbows and these 2 bars in front so you can lean forward. Please help. Thanks

Answer 1

i did my first 2 triathlons on a $15 and a 25 dollar old steel frame 10 speeds. i saw lots of people on mtn bikes and stuff. shop around - you can get an older bike for $400. check bikesdirect.com, a buddy of mine bought one from them and really likes it. nashbar.com has some aero bars for $30. i dont use aero bars because i am cheap. but people i know really like them. check craigslist.com for used bikes. be patient you can get a deal. or grunt thru a few more duathlons on your mtn bike and save up for a road bike. i found a 14 spd schwinn for $40 (i currently use it to commute). and sold my old 10 spds on craigslist. you can get an old crappy one that shifts well and put new tires and brakes and have a pretty nice bike that will get the job done until you can save for a nicer one. either way have fun doing dus! maybe try a tri!

Answer 2

A road bike for $400 is going to be hard to find, even used. Try craigslist or classifieds in your local area. Or tell Local bike shops you are looking for a used road bike and they may be able to connect you with a seller.

Or you could spend $600 at www.performancebike.com for a new one, under their house brand, Scattante, which isn't bad, but lacks cachet.

The handlebars you speak of are known as aerobars or time trial (TT) bars. You can spend $40 or $400 on those. You might want to check out the ones from Profile, they are popular and durable.

Answer 3

dbrownee is right.

People get tired of their bikes and are forced to unload them far under what they paid.  $400-500 won't get you the world, but you can pick up a three or four year old aluminum ride with decent components.

Craigslist.org is a good bet, as it's local and you can see and ride.

I've also found that some stores like REI and even bike shops will have Buy/Sell/Swap boards.  Not everyone can buy new...

Aerobars are widely available... those can be found used too.