Bicycle, Bicycle.... I want to ride my bicycle.......

Dear all,

There may well be many threads on a similar subject but am struggling to find them so thought I would start a new.  Would appreciate links if you know of threads that will help.

I want to buy my first road / tri bike soon to see how I take to cycling.  I do have goals and taking part in triathlons (hopefully next year) are included however before I commit to anything I need to get out and cycle as well as get swimming lessons.

I would like to buy a bike that I can use for triathlons (as a beginner).  I don't want to spend a fortune in case I decide triathlons are not for me but I don't want to buy a really cheap bike that may not cope!!!

I do have local bike shops that I can gain advice from however I have assumed they will be expensive if I buy from them.  I assume online (like most products) is the way to go for value.

I know nothing about bike makes and models and what's best for me so your advice and guidance is sought.  I would also value understanding what requirements I need to consider e.g. round wheels instead of square etc. 

I believe now is a good time to buy with new models being available resulting in old models being sold off cheaply. 

Thanks in anticipation.

De Wabbit 

I would go to a decent local shop and get advice. If you end up with a bike that doesn't fit you you won't enjoy cycling. A lot of shops will price match - so if you look at prices online, and go armed with that information, you will probably be able to get a good service for the same price as online.

+1 with mc - get advice from a decent bike shop.   buying online is fine once you know what you're doing but it has many many pitfalls for a first time bike purchaser

and when you do go, have someone with you who knows a good bit about bikes so they can help you through the jargon and (perhaps) the sales bullshit that you might get from someone who sees you just as a "mug with money"

Don't assume that the bike shop will be more expensive.  They're not averse to haggling, especially if you're also buying extras like a helmet, lock, computer, clothing etc.

And, "Yeah, that looks about right mate" as you stand astride the crossbar is NOT a fitting.

Schmunkee - The List Fairy wrote (see)

I was chatting to someone at a Tri yesterday and they bought a road bike from Decathlon for ??300.

I don't know what level of service ie advice, bike sizing etc but I thought it was a decent price when, as she said, she only bought it to see how she felt about Tri

The Decathlon bikes are ok but quite heavy. And don't trust their fitting either - even if you want one of their bikes, go to a specialist shop to get fitted for a frame size (I have long legs and short arms - Decathlon were fitting me on leg length and thus a medium, but they should have fitted me on arm reach and raised the saddle, which would have put me on an XS frame). 

Wherever you go, get a road bike not a tri bike. Tri bikes are in the TT position, which is much harder to hold, and are far less versitile (you couldn't ride them in a bike road race or a general sportive). Most of the tri courses in the UK are also pretty hilly and twisty, which means you don't get as much benefit from the TT position. If you get into tri, you can always stick some tri bars on the front of a road bike, and if you want to be really (un)cool and aero helmet.