Are Road bikes worth it and how much should I pay???

[CR400]

Yes they are. It will be way easier to get the mileage you need for a tri and faster. I actually didn't even know you could use something other than a road specific bike anyway. The bottem end of the racing range is about $800, like a Trek 1000 of a fuji newest. These are technically considered entry-level but they'll get the job done, you actually matter more then the components on the bike in the results you get. I have told many people that take a good or pro rider and they can beat most people on top of the line bikes even on entry-level parts.

The high end bikes are from about 5 or 6k and up. Most bikes seem to fall between 1,200 and 3,800.

[RoadRaven]

These are technically considered entry-level but they'll get the job done, you actually matter more then the components on the bike in the results you get. I have told many people that take a good or pro rider and they can beat most people on top of the line bikes even on entry-level parts.

I agree, CR - We have an A grader (thats the top level cyclists in our graded club - graded on ability not age) who came about third or fourth overall in an individual TT on his mountain bike with slicks on... no aero bars or anything (he was in between bikes having just come back from overseas). A good example of how the equipment can make a difference, but its not that huge if you have real talent.

I would always advocate getting a bike specific to your riding, but don't stress if you don't have all the bells and whistles... as Lance wrote...

"Its not about the bike"


PS... I still never-the-less think we all need about 6 bikes...