beginner starting out

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I have always loved riding a bike but recently started doing charity rides and things like that. I currently am riding a trek navigator 400. It has a nice comfy ride to it but I am beginning training to do a triatholon in a year and know I need a good road bike. I have no idea what I am suppose to look for in a good road bike. I dont want to go into the stores knowing what i know now to begin my bike search. I was wondering if someone could tell me what I need to look for. I'm 5'9'' and the majority of my height is in my legs.

Originally posted by bigmacpi
I have always loved riding a bike but recently started doing charity rides and things like that. I currently am riding a trek navigator 400. It has a nice comfy ride to it but I am beginning training to do a triatholon in a year and know I need a good road bike. I have no idea what I am suppose to look for in a good road bike. I dont want to go into the stores knowing what i know now to begin my bike search. I was wondering if someone could tell me what I need to look for. I'm 5'9'' and the majority of my height is in my legs.

The Equipment forum above has tons of great info on the subject.