NDM

Hi, I'm currently looking at the following 2 road bikes: Raleigh RC 2000: R2,800, Tiagra groupset, carbon fork, visually looks to be in better condition. Schwinn Fastback: R3,500, 105 Shimano groupset. Doesn't look as good visually as the Raleigh. I haven't physically seen either bike yet - just pictures. Been assured that both bikes are in good working order. Would be grateful for any opinions on which would be the better buy? I'm a first time road rider and looking to use the bike for a sprint tri. Thanks!

Thanks for the feedback thus far. It's made me re-think things. A road bike will probably better serve my needs. I've found the following 2 options: https://bike-addict.co.za/products/avalanche-solo-2020?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=a1326e579&pr_rec_pid=4327776976980&pr_ref_pid=4182181806164&pr_seq=uniform https://www.decathlon.co.za/road-bikes/326838-57736-road-bike-triban-rc-120-disc-brake-blue.html?gad_source=1&sfdr_hash=f56bcba65ffeded1e4abe96d9900fcfb&sfdr_ptcid=35079_617_695730152&utm_campaign=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.decathlon.co.za%2F&utm_medium=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.decathlon.co.za%2F&utm_source=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.decathlon.co.za%2F Does anybody have any experience with these bikes?

Hi everyone, I'm in dire need of advice please. I'm going to be doing my very first sprint triathlon (20km cycle leg) in a few months time. I currently do not own a bike. I have a R5k budget to buy a bicycle to train with and use on race day. I realize that it is not a lot of money, but I'm not yet sure whether I'll be seriously getting into this as a sport or not. Additionally I'll still have to buy the ancillary biking equipment eg: helmet, bike rack, water bottle cages, etc..... As a result my current thinking is to just get an entry level hardtail mountain bike (29 inch wheels) and just use that, stock standard? I've found the following bike advertised: https://cwcycles.co.za/product/1018157-bike-mtb-ht-alu-avalanche-reflex-2. Is this a worthwhile buy for my needs? If I don't take to the sport, then I just have a cheap bike for recreational use? If I do, then I'll just resell and spend a bit more? I'm very cautious about buying second hand, as I know next to nothing about bikes and wouldn't be able to tell if I'm buying a dud or not. I'm 1,7m tall and weigh 80kg. Am I setting myself up for failure? All advice welcome. Thanks in advance!