IM on a shoestring.

SlowEngineer wrote (see)

 running Abingdon next month.

Cake wrote (see)

The Silent Assassin wrote (see)

SlowEngineer wrote (see)

FerrousFerret - What turbo was that, do you know? And I'm based in Stoke (home) and Leeds (uni).

Let me know when you are home, I work in Stoke, live in Macclesfield

Mrs SA is doing the outlaw next year, so I dont think she will mind the company for any bikes rides etc.

i might be able to help you out with kit etc as I'm doing nothing next year

Speaking of which should be at new mills weekend after next if you guys want to play? Should be free in the afternoon.

IS that the 26th - Macclesfield Half for Mrs SA that day, that said Viking and Colourin are also running and then coming round for food, you are welcome to join us

Cake wrote (see)

SlowEngineer wrote (see)

 running Abingdon next month.

Look for the yellow and black cross bones there will be a few of us there.

Us as well, Mrs SA looking for a PB

What do people think of this bike? It's got two wheels, and looks quite nice.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Claud-Butler-Levante-Road-Bike-2009-56cm-Frame-/150493949832?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item230a236f88

Its got flat handle bars!!!!!!!

You wont be allowed to complete in an IM event with that

Ah.

Thought it was too good to be true.

SlowEngineer wrote (see)

What do people think of this bike? It's got two wheels, and looks quite nice.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Claud-Butler-Levante-Road-Bike-2009-56cm-Frame-/150493949832?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item230a236f88

Unless you know what you are buying I would ster clear of ebay.

A cheap second hand bike THATS FITS YOU

will be better than an expensive one that doesn't, you need first of all to find out what size frame fits you best

What SA said regarding fit, something like below will do fine for starters then when you get realy into it and have a bit more cash that becomes your hack bike

http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=21398

OK so taking everything in... second hand that fits better than new that doesnt... will this, then, in theory, be cheaper?

I realise that flat bars aren't suitable for the event, but completely missed that when I looked at the bike, which is embarrassing. I think I'd prefer to go for a more upmarket bike that was second hand than a brand new bike of the same cost, but I'm concerned I'm gonna make one of my signature spectacular-cock-ups...

If you fancy an IM branded race then approach a charadeeee and commit to raising say 2K and they'll happily stump up the entry cost. Then you can use the £200 saved to buy some cheap flights to Europe and camp next to the race.

 Big event - all the bling for little cost, easier to get sponsorship for an official IM (even though it shouldn't make a difference). IM France will still have places.

Buying second hand you need to know what youre looking at.  Could be a false economy if you need to replace any or most of the following after 3 months training.

Brake blocks
Brake/gear cables
chain/cassette
Wheels (if the rims are worn)
Check frame/forks for damage

Or you need to know someone who knows what they're looking at lol!

Both my bikes have been second hand, and with a fair amount of help from my friends (thanks Bassy!) they've turned out bargainousnesstastic.