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You decide it’s time to get a new bike.  The problem is there’s everything from the $8000 carbon rocket to your neighbor’s $300 used Schwinn for sale out there.  Where to start? 

New or Used?  That is going to depend on your budget and your goals.  A good used bike may be a good fit for you if you find what you’re looking for.  Don’t settle on a bike that is not what you want just because the price is good.  The best time to purchase used is the early spring, when the pros are selling off their bikes from the previous season.  The best time to get a new bike is the fall, when shops are clearing inventory for the new season’s line.  A lot of times you can get last year’s bike—with the only difference usually cosmetic—at a great price reduction.

Fit is the most important thing to think about.  If a $5000 machine doesn’t fit, it will be a waste of money and the $1000 bike that fits would be a better choice.  This is very important when buying used.  If you buy new, the shop should include a fitting in the price.  In doing the fit, they should replace the stem if required, and adjust the handlebar and seat height.  If you do buy used, take the extra time and money to get it fit at a local shop.

Bike frames come in many materials, the most popular being carbon, titanium, aluminum and steel, or some combination of these.  Again, cost will drive your decision, but there are other considerations.  The following are generalities; since smart engineers and modern processes can make any bike ride like they want it to, the old rules are going away, and the true test of a bike’s ride quality is in a test ride.  Steel is used primarily on less expensive bikes, and is significantly heavier than the other materials.   That said, steel generally gives a smooth, comfortable ride and lasts a long time with some maintenance.  Titanium also gives a smooth and comfortable ride, and is usually a bit stiffer in accelerations.  Ti also lasts just about forever.  Aluminum can be either heavy or super-light, smooth or stiff, but aluminum frames are usually lighter and stiffer than Ti or Steel.  With exceptions, larger tubes mean a stiffer frame, less weight, and a shorter life, although most bikes will likely outlast their owners.  Carbon is the most sought after frame material currently.  Carbon bikes are generally very lightweight, and like aluminum can be made very stiff or very smooth and compliant.  It is very important to test ride carbon bikes, since there are very few tell-tale signs of their manufactured properties. 

I generally advise those with joint or back problems to go for a smooth carbon or titanium bike for their smooth qualities.  Sprinters or those looking to win their local club ride sprints should look into stiff carbon or aluminum, and those training for long distance should consider titanium or carbon.  There are, again, exceptions to these rules and a test ride will best determine which bike might be the best bet for you.  Look also for a carbon fork to give a comfortable and smooth ride and reduce weight.

Components, or the shifting and braking parts, come in many quality levels.  The top-of-the-line Shimano Dura-Ace, Campagnolo Record, and the new SRAM Force have lightweight parts made of carbon, aluminum and magnesium.  These groups perform near-flawlessly (as long as they are maintained at professional levels), are lightweight, and last a long time.  They are, however, very expensive and out of the range of many people’s budgets.   Look for these groups on the pros’ rides.  Ext down is the Shimano Ultegra, Campy Chorus, and SRAM Rival.  This group utilizes more steel and less tight tolerances than the more expensive groups, and is a better choice for the racer who is looking for durability with lesser required maintenance.  There are other groups at a lower price point than these and should be looked at as well, based on budget.  Some components, such as brake calipers and the front derailleur, can be a lesser quality to save money, but the rear shifting equipment should be the best you can afford.

Once you’ve picked out the right bike, make sure the accessories such as the aero bars and wheels are a good fit for your riding style and budget.  A good shop will help you in swapping out or upgrading accessories as you need to for fit and comfort.  Don’t forget to get a helmet, gloves, shoes, spare parts kit and seat bag, lock, and quality bright clothing!

Now, armed with this information and with a good quality bike shop, you are set to get the bike you need to start or continue in triathlon.

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