a bike question from a beginner! - Triathlon

Towner

15/07/2010 at 15:30

hi all, im hoping to get into Triathlon, as i've recently had a knee Arthroscopy and im thinking that adding more swimming and cycling to my training will obviously be better than continuously running, so ive been looking at bikes and will be getting one in the next few weeks,thing is (without wanting to sound too thick!) whats the difference/whats best between carbon fibre frames and Aliminium frames?

i've got a budget for a bike of about £800, so i appreciate i wont be getting the best bike around, just want to get the best i can for my money.

thanks for any answers.

danowat

15/07/2010 at 15:43

For £800 you'll probably end up with an Alu frame, Carbon tend to come in over £1000.

Best bike?, depends, most of the big makes, Trek, Specialized, GT are much of a muchness, just go for the one that fits you best and looks nicest

Monique

pirate

15/07/2010 at 15:50

Fit is the most important thing, then colour of course.

M.ister W

15/07/2010 at 16:16

Fit, fit and fit again. At that price you won't go wrong with one of the bike manufacturers. Giant, Trek, Specialized etc. Expect to get an aluminium frame with a Shimano Tiagra Groupset. Tell us where you are and someone may be able to recommend a bike shop.

Bionic Ironwolf pirate

pirate

15/07/2010 at 16:18

generally the difference between alu and carbon is road "chatter" and frame stiffness, my Trek tends to transfer a lot more jarring from the road surface than the carbon Cervelo.

Towner

15/07/2010 at 16:35

M.ister W, im in Trowbridge (about 10 miles south of Bath!) thanks for the info so far!

Gyraffe

pirate

15/07/2010 at 17:18

Ooh - we are neighbours!

Melksham cycle centre is excellent, but small. Total Fitness in Bath is a triathlon shop which has just expanded - they may have something good in the sale - opposite Waitrose. John's bikes, also in Bath have a great reputation - they're more or less opposite TFB.

exiled claret

15/07/2010 at 17:56

Triuk claim to be the largest triathlon shop in the UK, and they are in Yeovil.

seren nos

pirate

16/07/2010 at 07:26

If you can mangae to go to the £1000 Planet x have a nice one and you can go to bike science in Bristol to have it fitted tio you etc

M..o.use

16/07/2010 at 08:52

I wouldn't recommend Tri UK, not the best in my opinion.

Total Fitness Bath is a nice shop (as mentioned by Waffy above)

I'd also suggest seeing if you can find an extra £200 and looking at the Planet X - you get a lot of bike there for a grand. Again, as stated by Seren, you're looking at Bike Science in Bristol for the PX. I've heard lots of good things about Bike Science.

"Roundy" K

16/07/2010 at 15:44

Hi, another bike numpty/ newbie here.

Can anyone recommend a good LBS in or around Cambridge? There are so many it's impossible to tell which the good ones are. We have a Giant store and a couple of little shops that stock Specialized or Trek bikes, but I can't seem to find a shop that offers a range of brands and a fitting service.

I'm looking for an entry level steed in the £500-700 range.

Towner

17/07/2010 at 11:07

off to melksham cycle centre in a bit, cheers all, will let you know the outcome......watch this space.

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