Bike Shopping

Hi all, I am just after a little bit of advice...
I am 22 and have spent the last 10 years of my life running and swimming and subsequently competing in various biathlons, to a pretty high standard, (European and World Championships the past few years) and have decided to take up cycling to do some triathlon. I am obviously pretty fit already but have done absolutely no cycling at all, and want to train up over the next few months so that I can race, and race well in the British Championships next summer. I have a few hundred pounds to spend on a bike, maybe up to 700 at a total stretch, and have been doing a little research, and the Specialised Allez range, Giant SCR and Trek entry level all seem to be good starting points. I want a bike that I can train hard on and race a little on, that will, hopefully, be replaced by a top racer in a year or so, if I turn out to be any good!! I was wondering if anybody had any advice, help, tips or pointers at all for what I should go for, what I should look at and what to be wary of.

Thanks !!

Stephen

Welcome to our world. You are halfway to your goal of racing well. With your running and swimming you should not need to do as much cardio conditioning and you should also be well along with your endurance. There are some different muscles used in riding so you will probably be sore when you start training. You'll also need to get your backside broken in.

Concerning your bike, go to a good reputable bicycle shop and let them set you up. Make sure that they take the time to get you a bike that is fits you. If they just stick you on a bike and say "that looks about right.", go to another shop. They shouold get out a fit kit and take several of your measurements before they even put you on a bike. If your as good as you say you are, they might even sweeten the deal with a sponsorship. They can also give you good pointers on your training. You can expect that to entail a lot of interval riding. That is bicycling's version of wind sprints, usually measured in kilometers rather than meters (or miles rather than feet). Good luck!

I bought a Specialized Allez triple last fall and i love it. handles good, rides good and didnt cots an arm and a leg. Most of the better manufacturers bikes are good, trek, giant, specialized are probably the best for the money. I know trek and specialized both come with frame warranties as well (have bought a trek for my gf)

best thing to do is spend what you can afford. You might want to consider a shimano 105 or campy centuar level group on the bike if you plan on doing triathlon. better parts = less trouble (normally)