Bike Advice

[Rachel]

Hi All,

I'm new to all things tri and am looking for some advice.  I would like to get into cycling but am not ready to spend big bucks (by this I mean probably under 300.00, is that realistic?).  I don't know where to start or what to look for.  Would a regular old bike be fine?  I just want to check it out to see if I like it but the old mountain bike I have is hanging on by a thread.  Any thoughts?

[Sandy]

We always advise when you get into tri to beg, borrow or steal your equipment for the first year to see if you like it BECAUSE $300 won't get you much of a bike unless a relative has a pristine one in their shed they don't know the value of.  I believe this holds true if you are thinking of getting into cycling.  Even a used hybrid will be about $500.00.  Sometimes you can come across a great deal but it won't be the norm.  Entry level road bikes with low components are about $1000 and in my experience anyone who is looking to sell an old bike that they have taken care of and value still wants at least $400 or $500.  If you do find a bike in that $300 range see if you can take it to someone to look at and make sure it's in good working order.  A $300 bike that needs to be re-cabeled or a new derailliuer put on will end up costing you more.

My two cents.