Bike Recommendations

[Sea Tri Gal]

Hi,
I have completed three sprint triathlons and really enjoyed them! I am now thinking that I need to look for a "real" bike since I have been riding my almost 20 year old Specialized Hard Rock mountain bike up to this point. I don't want to spend too much money since I do the triathlons for fun and not to be a top age group finisher. I don't really know where to start and don't want to go into a bike shop without any knowledge. Can anyone suggest a place to research road bikes, or some brands to look at? I'm 5'3 so I need something that comes in a small size. Thanks for any suggestions!

[JennK13]

Well, are you looking for a tri specific bike, or just a road bike? What else do you plan on doing on this bike? Would you like to try some long, organized rides, join group rides, or are you sticking with your mountain bike and only using this new one for triathlons? I think you first need to decide what you'll be doing on this bike :)

[Sea Tri Gal]

Hi Jenn,
Thanks for your reply. I would like this road bike to replace my mountain bike entirely. I plan on using it to train for future sprint triathlons and also to ride for fun with my family. I am a casual rider and would mainly ride on paved bike trails in the Seattle area. I would like something comfortable and easy to ride, and most importantly something that weighs less than my current old mountain bike.

[Bike Chick]

Welcome to TE and congrats on your sprint tris! It is fun, isn't it?

When you say you don't want to spend too much, how much are you planning to spend? That would narrow down the options. The fact that you are 5'3" also helps. I'm the same height and it does limit you some but there are lots of choices. Is there a good bike shop in your area that you trust to give you some options?