Posts: 86
3/13/09 4:32 A

hmm i definitely wouldn't do the overhaul, because the bike itself cost me less than 100 bucks, and i think it would be a waste to overhaul a junker like that. when i took it in to get the brakes replaced (they still don't fit, but they're at least better than they were at first purchase), the guy at the shop thought i was nuts for it. i spent as much for the brakes as i did for the bike : )

anyway, thank you so much -- i'll keep everything you said in mind when i eventually go shopping. i'm going to need to do a lot of research on this...

thanks!

Posts: 3,889
3/12/09 1:50 P

FITKATT:
That's true, but I know several women under 5'5" who ride a men's bike. Why? Because it fits them better! The golden rule in bike buying is try, try, try as many bikes as possible before you buy. Ride 'em all, if possible. You'll soon know what you like and what you don't like.

Seeing as you have a crappy MTB, there are two ways to go. Firstly, take the MTB into a good shop and get them to completely overhaul it. Completely. Replace anything that doesn't match, is falling off, isn't adjusted properly or just plain needs replacing and grease/lube EVERYTHING that needs it. Then put slick tires on it and race with that. Seeing as you don't have $$ for a bike then this is likely to be your best route.

The other route is to ditch the MTB and get a roadbike. Get a ROADBIKE, not a tri-bike. And DEFINITELY stay away from hybrids if you're even remotely considering entering a race of any kind, including triathlon. A roadbike is generally more stable than a tri bike, and you can also ride in groups too. If you want some aero benefit, put on a pair of clip-on aerobars and you're set. Once you know you're going to go the multisport route then start saving up for a tri bike. I've been doing multisport for about 2 years and only now am I thinking of saving for a tri/TT bike.

Regardless, I think your first port of call is the LBS. Bring in your MTB, and then take the roadbikes for a test ride. At least then you'll know what size you are for a particular brand (a small in one brand is NOT a small in another) and how much they cost.

current weight: 190.0

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Posts: 86
3/12/09 12:26 P

WONGERCHI, i was saying a women's bike because they're generally built for shorter statures, and i'm 5'5" and my arms are on the short side. i'll keep men's bikes in mind, but i don't think i'd find something with a frame that would fit me....

at the moment i have an extremely crappy secondhand mountain bike with iffy gear shifts and brakes that i have to readjust regularly because the idiot who used the bike before me replaced one-half of the components with something that didn't match the other half, so the wires don't really stay snug. i'm riding around on this one for the time being but a couple of weeks before the race i'm going to rent a bike from a local shop a couple times, just to get used to it and learn how to work everything, and then use it for race day. not the best situation, but like i said, a bike is not in the budget right now...

anyway, thanks guys! i'm new to biking as being anything other than a transportation means and a way to get nice and muddy in the woods on the weekends, so i'm completely lost as to what to look for when it comes to racing. i don't care about coming in first. just would like to avoid having my bike chain fall off at 10 kilometers : )

Posts: 230
3/12/09 9:46 A

I have two road bikes. My old trek 2200 which I now use as my winter bike and my new specialized ruby expert compact, bought it last June 2008, which I absolutely LOVE! It took me months to finally narrow it down to my ruby. I went to all my local bike shops, rode so many different bikes, and finally chose the ruby expert. It fits like a glove and it feels wonderful. This summer my ruby and I will be doing many rides together. I'm stoked for the 2009 riding season! :)

Sue

current weight: 140.0

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Posts: 3,889
3/12/09 8:58 A

There's no such thing as a women's specific tri bike. It's only marketing hype that says otherwise. A tri/TT bike is a tri/TT bike. All it has to do is fit you, but it has to fit VERY well.

If you don't have a roadbike already, then I'd go for one of those with clip-on aerobars. If you already have a roadbike that fits you, then the first choice would be a tri bike from the same manufacturer.

Edited by: WONGERCHI at: 3/12/2009 (08:58)

current weight: 190.0

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180

SparkPoints: (19,864)
Fitness Minutes: (7,289)
Posts: 13,086
3/11/09 10:27 P

I have a Trek Pilot 2.1, it's really nice.

current weight: 135.0

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Posts: 86
3/11/09 3:10 P

not like i can afford it right now, but a girl can dream. any suggestions?