Re: New to cycling
 

Like the guy in this video, Long socks and knicker bockers?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3M9w9fC7tg

The look is spoiled a bit by the helmet laws here.

Re: New to cycling
 

exactly. :D

Re: New to cycling
 

Tiagra isn't that bad. i only have tiagra and that has served me well for over a year now. about the only difference to 105 is the cables aren't concealed under the bar tape.

i think it depends what you want from your bike and how much riding you plan on doing and the type of riding. for a social rider like myself, tiagra does the job.

if you can afford a higher spec, then by all means go for it, but if you don't quite have the budget, then tiagra will work fine.
the bottom of the range Sora i would steer clear of though, as that still uses the little thumb toggles for changing down gears.

Re: New to cycling
 

105 has only had hidden cables for maybe the last 2 years, 105 is better quality than Tiagra, but the thing is, the quality filters down with some years and models i.e 105 quality today is probably what was ultegra a few years ago

Re: New to cycling
 

with the demise of my roadie, i updated the static display in my lounge room on the weekend!

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...pstggatsnm.jpg

Re: New to cycling
 

I dont know how you ride the bottom bike Henri. You must have the Cavendish sprinters position down pat. :lol

Re: New to cycling
 

20km ride, I'm referring to half olympic distance tri ride.

Re: New to cycling
 

Good on you for having a crack at Tri's

• Sprint Distance 500-750m swim, 20km bike, 3-5km run
• Olympic Distance (51.50 Ironman) - 1.5km swim, 40km bike 10km run
• 70.3 (1/2 Ironman) 1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21.2km run
• Ironman 3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run

A normal road bike will be fine for your race.
If you catch the bug after checking out all of the awesome machines other people are riding (usually $10,000+ bikes), then start looking for a tri-specific bike (Shiv).

Entry level Shivs can be had for sub $3,000 with 105 groupset like this
https://media.cannondale.com/media/c...LC_5_BLK_1.png

Add about 2-4 grand for carbon race wheels :yummy:

My mrs does Triathlons, have seen a lot of bike porn over the years

Re: New to cycling
 

some bike porn from the 2012 Melbourne Ironman

https://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j...man2012038.jpg

Re: New to cycling
 

If you look closely Shav, the bullhorns are in a not too dissimilar position to the drops on my track bike above :evilidea:evilidea:evilidea

Does make for a fun commute :yelrotflm:doh:yelrotflm:doh

Re: New to cycling
 

yeah I spose looking at it from that aspect, it's not too far off the same rake.

Re: New to cycling
 

I used to do tri's back when it was a young sport and there was no such thing as tri bikes, you just added a pair of bars to your existing handle bars on your road bike and away you went.

Personally anything up to Olympic distance and a road bike is more than adequate. Anything over that then I would consider a tri bike as being necessary if your going to really get into the sport.

Re: New to cycling
 

My next bike will be a road base (more aerodynamic frame) bike with tri bars and deep carbon clincher rims for this style of riding which I like to do on occasions. I've seen a lot of amateur triathlon entrants just use a road bike with tri bars and it's fine. Unless you are a pro and every 10th of a second counts, then that is a different matter.

You'll find a decent aero helmet, concentration on aero riding technique and bike fit (and to some extent maintaining wattage) will do a lot more in terms of overall speed than the bike alone.

Re: New to cycling
 

Yes?

http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/roa...um-2/102299634

http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/roa...dr-1/102195010

Re: New to cycling
 

I personally like the second one more. I like the more aero frame, but yeah both bikes would suit you well. I'd be changing the wheels down the track, as they are pretty heavy, but nothing to worry about straight away..

Re: New to cycling
 

Feel free to propose another. I'm looking at $1600-1800 in SEQ

Re: New to cycling
 

Well I'm now registered for the GC triathlon, but Im not concerned about the 5k run or the swim, it's the bike ride....mainly because I don't have one yet HAHAHa.

That should spice things up

Re: New to cycling
 

If someone is after some tri bars and shifters etc. for their roadbike I have the ones off my Avanti Kona. I am in country Victoria but get down to Melbourne from time to time. Swap for a case of Little Creatures Pale Ale or what have you :-)

Re: New to cycling
 

what type of terrain is the bike ride? and do you ride much other times? both those bikes you have quoted come with standard cranks and 11-25 cassette, which will make life more difficult than it needs to be on climbs. of course, if you are fit and strong you should be ok, but even the pro's use compacts on hilly stuff. more efficient to keep your cadence higher.

not sure if you can option any driveline you want, but i would be looking for something with compact cranks and even 11-28 cassette.

those bikes show me how much value there is in bikes these days. full carbon with 105 would have been double that price not long ago. for your budget, you should be able to find something pretty decent.

Re: New to cycling
 

The whole ride is essentially flat, it goes up and down the Gold Coast Broadwater for a couple laps. Thanks to google earth it shows an elevation change between 3-11m so it's pretty tame.

I've done SFA riding since I was a kid, but that's part of the fun, I didn't think about it I just did it.

Re: New to cycling
 

I am going to replace my old sickles with this pair I think.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/...specifications

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/...specifications

Re: New to cycling
 

It hurts to look at gear that good.

I waited too long to pick up a 2013 X1 Trance which I wished I never missed.

Time heals all wounds, and if anyone wants to check out a bike in the Valley this weekend that would be good because I know bugger all about bikes

Re: New to cycling
 

Pick them up today :-)

Re: New to cycling
 

Well it appears half of AFF has an aversion to good health, reduced congestion and stimulating the economy.

Re: New to cycling
 

Yep. Threads like that always lead to a logger head conclusion.

Back on topic, had compact cranks fitted to my bike the other week. Man, I am kicking myself for not doing this sooner. :lol

Re: New to cycling
 

Break in ride for the new roadie yesterday. Hills still hurt, a lot... :-)
Roadie is Giant Defy Advanced 0. This is a relaxed geometry roadie with some sacrifice of speed for comfort. Has Di2 electronic shifting and carbon frame, ultegra everything.
The new MTB is Giant Anthem Advanced 27.5.1

Re: New to cycling
 

aaw nice steed Trev. Di2 is a dream of mine. win win :drool

Re: New to cycling
 

well, 2100m of elevation is a lot of hill!! well done.

new bikes are good but unfortunately someone still has to turn the pedals.

Re: New to cycling
 

wondered what you are on about as i don't venture in to the 'pub' section much anymore (too many people that bag ford or just looking for trouble), but went and found the thread you are obviously referring to.

its sad that there are such closed minds out there, and as pointed out by those able to think rationally, it is only a minority that cause the issues in all groups. unfortunately the same old arguments are always used (rego etc). motorists adament licence plates would make a difference due to accountability, but ironically ignoring how little effect it makes to car drivers breaking the law.

anyways, whenever i'm in discussion about cyclists on roads making it difficult for cars to pass, i just ask them what respect they would give if it was an animal on the side of the road. most would slow down and give a wide berth of an animal, but somehow can't give the same respect to a human being. says a lot for those members of society really.

Re: New to cycling
 

First proper ride for the new MTB.