Being new to biking, I would like some advice on my first bike purchase. I plan on using the bike for a 1/2 ironman, and doing a fair amount of riding with my friends.
I've researched online and been to the LBS's and am still undecided on what to do.

My choices are: getting a Trek 1500 from the LBS for about $950 with 105 and ultegra rear derailleur, or buying from bikesdirect.com a bike with all ultegra components. The 3 from bikesdirect are the 2007 Motobecane Sprint for $850 (total), the Windsor Kennet for $995, and/or the 2007 Mercier Serpens for $1095. ([URL="http://www.bikesdirect.com"])

I understand the fitting is important, but it just seems that you get so much more for the money in the online bikes.

Am I just being cheap? Should I go the trusted route even if it costs a few more dollars?

Thanks for your thoughts--

Online is definately a better deal, but you have to know the right size.

Go with the Trek at the LBS. It is a far better bicycle. Plus it will be put together and tuned properly. After a few months they will probably tune it up again for free.

There is nothing worse than taking you cheap online bike into the LBS to get it set up properly. After which the savings you had will be spent on labor.

It is nice to have a relationship with someone local. If there are ever any warranty problems you just take it to them instead of having it shipped 1000 miles away.

Also, check out the resale values of Treks on ebay. They are a whole lot better than any Motobecane or Windsor.

Just my $.02

Since youre new to road bikes, id go with the Trek from your local shop. You'll not only get a bike, but some bike tech support while you focus on training for your 1/2 ironman. A good shop will help you make sure you get the right fit and take care of any maintenance and adjustments after the sale. try getting that from a web site! Also, the 1500 is a nice ride and 950 is a great price (i think it goes for $1150 MSRP). go for it!

+1 for the local shop. It's worth alot to have them as a resource when you're starting out. I found a Trek 1000 on sale for $550 when I got into road biking and I still think it's pretty sweet. I suggest starting with the low end and upgrading when you want/need to. That 1500 would be a very nice way to go, but don't be afraid to spend less! :thumbsup:

+1 for the local shop. It's worth alot to have them as a resource when you're starting out. I found a Trek 1000 on sale for $550 when I got into road biking and I still think it's pretty sweet. I suggest starting with the low end and upgrading when you want/need to. That 1500 would be a very nice way to go, but don't be afraid to spend less! :thumbsup:

I would NOT suggest you spend less. If you are going to use if for a 1/2 Ironman, then you'll need a bike that is relatively light and doesn't beat you up. If you downgrade much below your $1000, you will have to make some major compromises on parts, likely the wheels, to meet that price. If the Trek has 105/Ultegra mix, it will be fine. Those parts are plenty durable and function very well. I don't know what wheels they spec on the Trek 1500, but they are bound to be upgrades from the Trek 1000. (i'm too lazy to look up the specs right now).

If you were just fitness riding a little, then going down a bit might be worth looking into. But since you have a fairly tough cycling section to tackle in the 1/2 Ironman, I'd get the best you can afford the first time and you won't have to upgrade. The bike will function better, have better wheels, be lighter and have better parts.

Another plus of buying local is the fit help. You'll need your fit dialed in well to do that distance. Fit ALWAYS takes some tweaking, so you want to get as close as possible the first time. A competent fitter at your LBS will help more than you can imagine.

As a somewhat new rider myself, I can't recommend highly enough going to the LBS. Most likely you will have questions that are bound to come up, minor adjustments, advice etc. It is great to have a relationship with a shop where you can go for answers.

I just want to say thanks to all of you who replied. I feel much more comfortable with making my decision, which is to purchase the Trek from the LBS.
Thanks again for making my first purchase an easier one. :D

You maybe better off at a bike shop
I own several shops and we deal with customers everyday who should not buy online

However, anyone who tells you the Trek 1500 is better quality than the three bikes you named just does not know what the heck they are talking about.

The Trek, Motobecane, Windsor, and Mercier are all equal quality; and many would agrue the Windsor is way higher.

As for specs; there is no comparison between the Trek and the Windsor Kennet. Every single peice on the Windsor is much nicer than the Trek. No retional person would say any different.

All for bikes are great, but the specs from top to bottom are way different.


You would enjoy any of these 4 bikes; but find less reason to upgrade any parts later if you start with higher level parts.

mike

I'm only afraid that if I buy the Windsor or other bike, I will look (and feel) foolish going into the bike shop and asking for a tune up or fitting (even though I would be paying them to do so).

I'm still pretty sure I'll get the Trek from my LBS, but I still would like the better bike.:confused:

I'm only afraid that if I buy the Windsor or other bike, I will look (and feel) foolish going into the bike shop and asking for a tune up or fitting (even though I would be paying them to do so).

I'm still pretty sure I'll get the Trek from my LBS, but I still would like the better bike.:confused:


No one needs a 'fitting' in a bike shop
However, mechanical work is beyond some riders

We sell thousands of bikes and our customers have no trouble with mechanical work
they either do it themselve or there are tons of shops that are happy to work on peoples bikes; where you bought your bike and what brand it is have nothing to do with wether you can keep it well maintained

Some people want to ride unique brands
Some people want to ride common brands
All people I know prefer lighter higher component level bikes

Take your time; decide what is important to you; and follow your own best judgement
and have fun

Six impartial suggestions to go with the Trek and one push (from a person who pays his bills by selling them) towards the the Bikesdirect stuff?

The numbers speak for themselves.

Six impartial suggestions to go with the Trek and one push (from a person who pays his bills by selling them) towards the the Bikesdirect stuff?

The numbers speak for themselves.

I met a guy here on the forums, new to biking, wanting to do triathlons, and took BikesDirect advice. He could not be happier. Assmebled it himself and had the bike store check it. He did go for a professional fitting and changed some parts out for sizing. But he was pretty comfortable on the bike before the fitting. He was really on the fence until BikesDirect gave hime some input here on the Forum. It ultimatley came down to exactly what BikesDirect said. He was not concerned about brand and not intimidated by assembly. He got much better components at a great price when it was all said and done.

I personally am an LBS supporter but would definitely consider my next purchase to be on-line.

I was about to post to "bikesdirect" and encourage them to do their sale's pitches elsewhere, and people come to this forum for independent advice.... but:

I went to the website and the winsor has a full Ultegra drive train. I would encourage the OP to buy the Windsor with Ultegra and then by the time the Iron man rolls around you can upgrade your frame (which at that point you will be dieing to do) and you will already have great components for it.

As far as the LBS is concerned, they should be happy to get any business they can. If a bike shop has a problem with you taking the bike in for service or advice b/c you didn't buy it there, then they are most likely going to be pricks to you with any bike you bring in. However, you could go to them with the bikesdirect offer and tell them you want a similar equipped bike for the same price or you are walking away- therefore giving them a chance to compete for your money.

I was sitting the fence on this same issue a few months ago (thread (http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=83779&highlight=screw+my+lbs)) should I get less of a bike to support my LBS, and by the end I cannot see any reason too. :thumbsup: