"Notgiven" wrote in message
...
I am new to cycling and intend on doing some sprint triathlons in the near
future. I've been doing spinning classes but it's time to purchase a
bike.

Here are my goals and likely usage:
train 2 - 3 times/week
race 4 - 5 times/year
sprint triathlon before this November
perhaps as much as a half ironman next year

I went to a cycling store the other day and looked at the Trek 1000 and
was
told the 1500 is so much more of a long-term investment due to higher
quality componants, along with a $400 price difference.

Since I don't know if I will stay with triathlons or not, I'd like to
spend
less than $1000 on the bike and accessories with the understanding that I
might want to upgrade in a couple of years if I am really into it. $1000
is
a lot of money to me, especially without knowing whether I will even like
the sport of
not.


What should I look for in a good beginner bike?

Is there an OVERWHELMING argument for the extra $400 to get a better bike?

No. As others have noted, the most important thing is the frame and fork.
Then it's wheels, then components. One thing I lean towards, is 9 speed
over 8 speed, mainly because the component makers better stuff is intended
for 9 or 10 speed. Shimano's Tiagra 9 speed is pretty good stuff for the
money. If you can still get Trek 1200s, that's what they had.

As this is your first bike, you might want to see if you can get something
that takes fenders / mudguards, if it rains where you are! I think the 1000
will. Not sure about the 1500.


Where can I get good deals online?

Especially for your first bike, I'd avoid online shopping. A good shop will
fit the bike to you for free instead of having to go and buy new stem,
pedals, saddles... Ask nicely and you might be able to get a bit of a deal
if you're buying a package. Amongst other things, if you're getting a first
bike you'll want some or all of: helmet*, shoes/pedals, gloves, shorts,
jersey, pump, tubes, tools, oil.

*As far as I know all triathlon bodies require helmets to be worn for the
bike phase or races


What about buying a used bike?

Shops may have suitable second-hand bikes. Bikes in your price range have a
tendency to end up as bad-weather bikes. You're in a bit of a hurry so you
might be out of luck on that. You can always ask shops to call you if they
get something suitable in of course. Often they only take bikes as
part-exchange. They're not making huge margins, so they have an incentive
to call.


Many thanks for your help!!


Good luck and enjoy!

Skippy
E&OE