I am looking to buy a road bike for ironman. What are the imporant things to look out for?

Question

Things like for example, frames, gears, pendals etc
what brands to look out for?
I am working on a tight budget!

Thanks guys

Answer 1

dude, if youre contemplating an ironman at this point, youre probably familiar with bikes enough to have ridden some, so youve formulated some ideas in your head on what is good and not so good. I'm not going to try and make your mind up about what brand names to buy, but instead offer some advice on the age old quest for the right machine.

In looking at a new bike:

Comfort. your body should feel comfortable on the bike. this is definitely rule # 1. if youre not feeling comfortable and its nothing short of raising the seat post, handlebars, then don't buy the bike. If a person is comfortable on a bike, the better they perform and can concentrate on the task at hand.

material. its true that some material/composition offer resistance to road vibration, and biking 112 miles is going to wear down your body. Carbon forks and seat posts sometimes offer enough dampening from vibration to exclude buying an entirely carbon bike. Thats not to say that it hasn't been done an an aluminum bike. Heck, I've done 3 IMs on an aluminum Klein frame, but thats because its the bike I felt most comfortable on, it fit me like a glove.

Wheelset: Improving your wheelset is the #1 improvement that you can make to your bike. Find something that has a very low rolling resistance, possibly a deep dish or another aero advantage. spinergy and mavic make some stong but also great wheelsets. If you have a lot of dough to spare, go out and buy yourself a pair of racing wheels.

components. A lot of people spend a lot of time thinking about their components on their race bikes. if youre doing an IM, there really isn't a heavy demand for gear switching as you ride (most IMs are pretty flat) so you can pass without getting the top of the line gruppo. if youre looking for names, shimano ultegra should be buttery enough the enjoy the total ride.

Pedals: you will find that using some sort of pedal system is very advantageous. I currently use Look pedals, because for me I enjoy the large standing platform and float. you may be a smaller person than I or can get by with an SPD system or another.

Accessories: aero bars and water bottle cages are accessories. you don't need to strap them on in order to complete the ride. If you do, make sure you read point # 1 above.

I added this last part in because I think its totally related to all new bike shoppers:

training. Its the engine thats going to make you go. In other words, you could go buy a seriously expensive (or inexpensive) bike, but training and discipline are the only way you'll make it across the finish line. it doesn't matter at that point about the bike and how flashy it is. log the miles. One of the best parts of riding that Klein was passing all the dorks wheezing on the hills with their new carbon bikes and the aero bars. But then again I guess they sure did look stylish while they were rolling backwards. :)

new vs. used.
I've found some great bikes on craigslist for cheap. I'm not offering this up until you have at least read whats above this, because all rules still apply. if you buy a used bike and have to upgrade things, you might end up spending just as much as a new bike- or much worse, it may not fit you once youre done putting trading on all your new parts.
have fun!

Answer 2

The most important aspect is that the bike is the right size and that it fits you, (and not the other way around). So make sure the frame geometry and the frame size are the right ones for you. Go to a good shop and get some advice on this issues. The hardest thing to change in a bike due to cost is the frame. So make sure you get as good a frame as you can. Aluminium, steel of carbon fibber components are more a matter of personal choice. There are advantages and disadvantages to them all. Once again, according to budget and needs, get good advice from a reputable bike shop. Other components are easier to grade up, but after the frame get as good as you can gearing. Decide before any thing else if you only need(want) two chain rings in front or three, for they are also hard to change in the future (money wise). If you have the right size frame, the geometry is comfortable for you and the proper gearing has been chosen, the rest will "fall " into place. There could be room for up grading if necessary, but it will be easier and cheaper to do in the future. Do not be flash by shiny colours, paint jobs, etc. some not so flashy bikes could be as good or better than more flashy looking ones. Also it doesn't matter if it is a 2008 model or not, maybe it dosen`t even matter as much if it is brand new, as long as the criteria established before is met. Once again, go to a reputable bike shop, the best way not to go wrong, and then ask and ask, and ask again. Take your time once you are there. If necessary tell the clerk when will it be a good time to come and devote his attention to your needs. They will appreciate this and help you out better too. That is my view point, hope it helps.

Answer 3

I would echo what a few before me have said: Comfort and Fit! If you are fit on the right bike, you should be comfortable. If you are not comfortable in the shop, you will not be comfortable on a 112 mile ride! Do not think that you'll get used to it or that your body will adapt. Remember that after you spend 6-8 hours on your bike, you have to run 26.2 miles. Discomfort on the bike will severely impact your run!

I would suggest looking at a compact geometry road bike, such as Giant, and adding some clip on aero bars. You could get out with a solid bike for under $2000. If you look hard and buy online you can work that down to closer to $1300. (That's new; I would not recommend used because you are going to be putting a lot of miles on the bike during training and you don't know what has happened to a used bike in the past.) Consider purchasing last years model for even more savings.

A road bike will typically offer 3 rings in the front, giving you more gearing options without adding much weight. This will be a bonus for you if you ride a hilly IM. (The guy that said most IM's are flat has never seen IM Canada, IM USA [in New York], IM Wisconsin, etc. The only flat IM that I know of is Florida.)

For pedals, look for one that has a large platform. This will provide better power transfer and more comfort. A "Look" style pedal is best for this. You can by this style made by several manufacturers at varying prices. I have found Shimano to be least expensive without sacrificing quality.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

"Ironman" is a brand name - so I'm guessing you mean the beginner's triathlon series that they promote?

For that type of event, people can and do finish successfully on almost any kind of bike - even basic beach cruisers.

But, if you want to go fast and have a competitive time, you want a real road bike. If you're really serious and hard-core you'll want a real time trial bike or triathlon bike.

Ideas:
- you can get a decent road bike, used, from lots of places - ebay, craigslist, (buyer beware). Also your local bike shop is a good place to stop in and get an idea of what's available at what price. They may have used bikes to sell. You could get a good starter road bike for $300-$500, depending on specifics.

- A lot of people use "clip-on" handlebars for triathlons. Ask the bike shop guy to show you some.

Good luck
Scott

Answer 5

Well, you want at least at road bike, at most a tri bike -- road bikes start at about 650 dollars. . . and they're worth every penny. Tri bikes start at about the 1200 dollar range. The quality components of a bike-shop quality bike are the only ones able to carry you through an ironman reliably. You don't want your derailluers falling off in the middle of it, do you??
Clipless pedals are the best.
Tri-bars allow you to lean into your bike.
All this stuff costs more, but if you're into the triathalon it's a good idea. You are going to be sitting on this thing for a good while -- you want a bike that fits you properly (go to a bike shop!!) and isn't going to fall apart or hurt you. Take it to the pros, and PLEASE don't buy online. . .

Answer 6

If you are doing an ironman distance event, the most important thing to do is get a proper fitting bike. This means taking whatever bike you purchase to get professionally fitted to your body. Look for someone who is F.I.S.T. certified.

Also, triathlon bikes aren't cheap, but a couple of the less expensive ones would be

http://www.khsbicycles.com/05_flite_320_07.htm

http://www.fujibikes.com/2007/bikes.asp?id=284&subcat=2

If you're doing shorter distance events a road bike would be fine, especially if you're just starting out.

Answer 7

Look for something sturdy, light weight, and most of all, powerful. Try a 20 gear bike. Pedals that have good grip, maybe one with those little strapes on them. Find a comfortable seat. And try a brand of bike like a "Schwinn" or a bike between the price range of 100-400 dollars. 400 is still pushing it though...

Answer 8

Trek Equinox 5

You FAILED to mention how tight your budget is..?

***** PEOPLE ALWAYS GET THIS WRONG!!! Get FIT FIRST, then Buy a bike!!!

REMEMBER!!! GET FIT FIRST, THEN BUY A BIKE!!!

IF A BIKE IS THE WRONG SIZE, IT'S THE WRONG SIZE - You're going to be on this thing for 100 miles - FIT IS MOST IMPORTANT!!!

Answer 9

gee dude ...how much are you willing to spend??

If you want a good bike you are looking into $1500 to $2000 dollars