What to buy?

[guycoutts]

I am a complete novice and am looking to buy a road bike so that i may get into doing triathlons etc.

 

I don't know much about the make-up of bikes with regards to components etc. and therefore am not sure what is good value for money.

 

I have been trying to look for a second hand bike to start out on but am struggling with two things. Firstly budget contraints and secondly I am 194cm and have an inside leg of 95cm. I have been told that I would need a bike that has a frame size of 61cm/62cm.

 

I recently found out about Solomons Cycles and the Fuji bikes they sell.

 

I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the following bike:

 

 

Fuji Newest 2.0 2012

SIZES XS/S (42cm), S/M (46cm), M (50cm), M/L (54cm), L/XL (58cm)

COLOR(S) Gray/Red

MAIN FRAME A1-SL compact alloy w/ hydroformed top tube & down tube, double water bottle mounts

REAR TRIANGLE A1-SL alloy tapered seat stays/chainstays w/ rack mount, forged road dropout w/ one eyelet and replaceable derailleur hanger

FORK FC-770 carbon integrated w/1 1/8" alloy steerer

CRANKSET Fuji forged alloy, 30/39/50T

BOTTOM BRACKET Sealed cartridge bearing

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Sora, band type 31.8mm

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Sora, 9-speed

SHIFTERS Shimano Sora shifter/brake, 27-speed Flight Deck compatible

CASSETTE Shimano Tiagra, 11-25T 9-speed

CHAIN KMC Z-99, 9-speed

WHEELSET Fuji alloy 32H hubs w/ Fuji alloy CNC sidewalls

TIRES Kenda K-152, 700x25c

BRAKE SET Fuji alloy dual pivot

BRAKE LEVERS Shimano Sora STI

HEADSET Fuji 1 1/8" steel ball bearings w/ alloy top cover

HANDLEBAR Fuji CGC alloy w/ shallow drops

STEM Fuji CGC alloy road, 31.8mm

TAPE/GRIP Fuji custom suede wrap

SADDLE Fuji Road-sport anatomical

SEAT POST Fuji CGC Alloy, 350x27.2mm

WEIGHT 10.80 / 23.90

 

or

 

Fuji Newest 3.0 2012

SIZES XS/S (42cm), S/M (46cm), M (50cm), M/L (54cm), L/XL (58cm)

COLOR(S) Sage/Green

MAIN FRAME A1-SL compact alloy w/ hydroformed top tube & down tube, double water bottle mounts

REAR TRIANGLE A1-SL alloy tapered seat stays/chainstays w/ rack mount, forged road dropout w/ one eyelet and replaceable derailleur hanger

FORK FC-770 carbon integrated w/1 1/8" alloy steerer

CRANKSET Fuji forged alloy, 30/39/50T

BOTTOM BRACKET Sealed cartridge bearing

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano 2303, band type 31.8mm

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Sora

SHIFTERS Shimano 2303 Dual Control shifter/brake, 24-speed

CASSETTE Shimano HG-50, 12-25T 8-speed

CHAIN KMC Z-72, 8-speed

WHEELSET Fuji alloy 32H hubs w/ Fuji alloy CNC sidewalls

TIRES Kenda K-152, 700x25c

BRAKE SET Fuji alloy dual pivot

BRAKE LEVERS Shimano 2303 Dual Control

HEADSET Fuji 1 1/8" steel ball bearings w/ alloy top cover

HANDLEBAR Fuji CGC alloy w/ shallow drops

STEM Fuji CGC alloy road, 31.8mm

TAPE/GRIP Fuji custom suede wrap

SADDLE Fuji Road-sport anatomical

SEAT POST Fuji CGC Alloy, 350x27.2mm

WEIGHT 10.90 / 24.10

 

 

Sorry for the jargon and the long winded post but I really am a complete novice and just needed to be pointed in the right direction.

 

Looking for all the help I can get!!!!

 

Thanks!!

[Just Keep Pedaling]

_{While I know nothing about road bikes I can tell that the bike market is very competitive.}

 

_{In other words - buy what you can afford and it will be a good bike for that money.}

[Swim.Bike.Run]

Hi Guy,

 

In the long run you'd be better off with a better groupset than SORA/TIAGRA.

Have a look at a bike with a 105 groupset.

But it's all about the budget hey.

I must say - getting into triathlon is BAD for the budget - but GREAT for the mind and body!

[Rick]

Hi

 

I see you have a triple crank setup there? I wouldn't recommend that.

Can you tell me your budget?

[guycoutts]

Hi

 

I see you have a triple crank setup there? I wouldn't recommend that.

Can you tell me your budget?

 

Prisma, i am able to spend max R5k as i would still need to get the accessories etc.

 

Thanks for the help so far.

Edited March 9, 2012 by guycoutts

[Corrie21]

I bought a bike 2 months ago and did the same thing, by asking the Hub, "What to Buy"

 

Most common answer was, "Buy the best you can afford"

 

GREAT!!! But what is the best? What do I look for? To what do I compare the bike I see, to make sure it IS the best I can afford?

 

Personal opinion, pop past your Local Bike Shop and speak to the guys that do this for a living. They will give you the best advice and physically show you what you need to know

 

Good Luck!!!

[Cav']

I bought a bike 2 months ago and did the same thing, by asking the Hub, "What to Buy"

 

Most common answer was, "Buy the best you can afford"

 

GREAT!!! But what is the best? What do I look for? To what do I compare the bike I see, to make sure it IS the best I can afford?

 

Personal opinion, pop past your Local Bike Shop and speak to the guys that do this for a living. They will give you the best advice and physically show you what you need to know

 

Good Luck!!!

Good advice i agree

[DBK]

Good advice i agree

 

Yes. Best advice is go to your trusted bike shop.