Ibex

supanamja

Alright, I'm totally new to cycling. I've done a bit of reasearch, and it's been about... 8 or 9 years since I've ridden a bicycle anywhere (I'm 23...) I got into running last year and have delusions of one day doing a triathalon. I run about 30 miles a week, but it's really taking a toll on my knees, so I figure with my delusional fantasy of one day doing a triathalon (I should really do a marathon first...) I've decided to take the plunge and buy a bicycle.

I know I shouldnt buy an entry level anything as I'll hate it later on, but I can really only afford about six hundred dollars right now. A local bicycle shop offered me a 2002 Trek 100 for about $529. I know the frame is basic and its a Sora groupset which means I'll never be able to upgrade it. After some dissapointment I came across www.ibexbikes.com and see that they are offering a bicycle (the classic 4400) with Tiagra components for the same price.

I went to another bicycle shop and he told me to get a 2004 Trek 1200 or 1500, since alot of the feel comes down to the frame... (they both have carbon fiber forks which sound good to me I guess.)

So what to do? Do I save up an extra month and buy the Trek? Are the Ibex frames any good? The Ibex is supposed to weigh 22lbs 2oz without pedals. How much do the treks weigh? Is that really important?

Can I live with this?
Could I live with that entry level 1000? (I think I know enough that I definitely cant live with that... I know I'll outgrow it as I am serious about fitness now...)

According to the dealer, people take the trek 1200 or 1500 and can actually race on them with a few minor upgrades, which interests me.

What do you guys think? Does anywhere here have any experience with Ibex frames? Or are they a joke among the people who would go to a cycling forum?

Thanks in advance....