Road bike or triathlon bike

[rowdie]

I am looking at starting triathlons and doing ironman 2009.I am looking at buying a bike but need advice on what to buy (i'll use it mainly for triathlons and duathlons)-is it essential to buy a triathlon bike or will a road bike with tri-bars do?Looking at spending around R7k

 

Is it better to buy a cheap new bike or get a 2nd hand for the same price?Any idea where I can find 2nd hand tri bikes?

 

Thanks

[javadude]

Here are two in your price range at BikeBay.

 

http://www.bikebay.co.za/Products/ProductProfile.aspx?ProdGuid=fc228f32-bdf5-49a0-a04b-c48400cd0ebd

http://www.bikebay.co.za/Products/ProductProfile.aspx?ProdGuid=de3d31a3-0c2e-4303-a3f8-6ec9e87edee3

 

[rowdie]

Thanks-have seen these 2 but not sure on the sizing.Don't know much about sizes but a 54cm has been suggested for me (i'm 1.76m).How crucial is a couple of centimeters?

[Spinnekop]

I am 183 and take a 54.  So the 54 would be fine for you.

 

Nice bikes.  Not bad price!

 

[rowdie]

they have a 52 and a 58-assume the 58 will be way to big.Should the 52 be a good fit?-sure the best is to go for a ride on it