MapMyRide Community - Bike Newbie

Bike Newbie

patty.brown — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:04:26 -0500

Hi all, I am looking to purchase a bike for triathlons and perhaps even a century. Currently, I am riding a 10 year old Trek Hybrid that I have tried to convert into a road bike. My dad claims I am trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Anyway, I'm looking at this bike on ebay. It is pink, so I am quite sure that will help me go fast. Please let me know what you think. Thanks a bunch! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=130299567123&Category=98084&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2

Bike Newbie

ehirning — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:17:13 -0500

Patty, Everyone knows that pink is the fastest of colors. I would encourage you to test ride the bike if you can. It's important the the bike fits you (you could injure yourself). I don't know if you have enough time, but you could ride a similar bike at a local shop to see if you like it, but all bikes don't ride the same. It also wouldn'r be a bad idea to check out roadbikereview.com for reviews. Here's the link to the bike you are considering: LINK Looks like a good deal!

Bike Newbie

Lostsheep — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:03:59 -0500

Not to be a stick in the mud, but see if you can find a local bike shop that sells it, shop around, and take it for a test ride.

See if they can help size you some to get you started too. You're going to want a bike that fits over a bike that's a "good deal". Fit is key. Also, do you want a road bike or a tri bike? If you get a tri bike, some riding groups will look down at you b/c they don't like tri bikes. If you get a road bike, you'll need to put aero bars on it for racing.

I'm doing the road bike w/ aero bars. Cheaper and a little more diversified. Maybe later, I'll do the tri bike thing...

Welcome to club too. I just bought my bike 2mo ago and was in the same boat you're in. Shopping and not knowing a dang thing!

Bike Newbie

patty.brown — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:41:19 -0500

I hear ya! I have been shopping around for over 3 months and all I have bought is a helmet (white with pink flowers) I have been fitted, and this bike is actually the right size :) I am going to my LBS to take a very similar one for a spin. I'm going the road bike/ aero bars thing as well. I am looking forward to doing centuries as well as tris. At the end of the day, I'm never going to win a race; I just want a bike I can grow into rather than out of. Have you done your first tri yet? How did it go? My first is July 28th - sprint. Im soooo excited!

Bike Newbie

ehirning — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:18:15 -0500

Good luck on your upcoming tri. My wife did her first last spring and loved it! It was actually what kick started me into riding again. I helped her with her cycling & swimming training (used to be on the college swim team). I want to do a sprint this fall. I need to just suck it up and register. This group has been an invaluable resource for information; pick the brains of these guys, they're a great group!

Bike Newbie

Lostsheep — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:43:42 -0500

Patty, no not yet. I have 3 on the schedule for this year. May, June & July. I'm stoked and almost ready. I won't win, nor come in top 10, but I'm going to try hard, enjoy it, and know that most would think I'm crazy for trying. :)

I love my bike (Specialized Allez) and couldn't be happier. I'm wondering why I've missed it for so long! Excellent workout means, and I can ride day after day w/out issues, unlike running.

Bike Newbie

wobblyrunner — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:27:29 -0500

That is so cool! a new road bike changes your life - so much fun. You've all reminded me why I love what I do. You don't need to win stuff - just enjoy the events and aim to beat yourself.

patty.brown - as long as the bike fits you, you will have a great time. Enjoy it!

ehirning - get on and book yourself an event. You know you won't regret it.

Bike Newbie

patty.brown — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:25:07 -0500

I got my "new" bike! A 2004 Trek 2200 WSD. Sadly it is not pink, but I will come to terms with that. Thanks for all your all your advice. I am so glad I joined the group.

Bike Newbie

ehirning — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:59:06 -0500

Congrats on your new bike Patty. I'm sure you will love it.

Bike Newbie

Lostsheep — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:04:20 -0500

Very nice bike! Now, start logging miles on it. Hopefully somebody around here can chase Steve and Ehirning!

Bike Newbie

Floridan — Wed, 27 May 2009 06:39:46 -0500

Looks like I better save up so that I can join you all for a road trip.

Bike Newbie

Lostsheep — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:59:52 -0500

Sure, we'll go cross country. We'll come pick you up! :)