Get road bike now or wait?

[Flybye]

All our LBS TE'rs are saying bike prices for 2009 are going up. A lot.

I'd think 3 weeks would be plenty of time to get used to the bike before a sprint tri.

That's exactly what I'd say!

[Blueberry]

Ditto what Knot and Flybye have said. You can still be tweaking fit when you do the tri - 15 miles isn't really *that* far (and you've been doing longer distances on your hybrid, no?).

I think a lot of it depends on whether you've decided (at least sort of) what you want, and whether there's a decent chance you'd find that used. I've bought 2 used bikes, and both have been good experiences. Of course, a grain of salt is in order

CA

[SouthernBelle]

Normally late summer and fall is the time to get the best deals. There may be an issue this year as my LBS has told me they have sold a lot of bikes this year.

So I would go looking for a deal.

[aicabsolut]

Normally late summer and fall is the time to get the best deals. There may be an issue this year as my LBS has told me they have sold a lot of bikes this year.

So I would go looking for a deal.

+1

And my buddies at bike shops also have said that 2009 prices could go up as much as 20%, depending on the brand.

[Thorn]

But...(hey, someone has to be the damper on the buy-party ), buy it if the price is right and you get a good deal. Don't buy it for the speed. My gut says the bike shop is exaggerating. Depending upon the hybrid, if you're running narrower tires and smooth tread, your speed improvements won't be that dramatic. Yes, it will be faster; yes, you'll be more comfortable for the long haul; but in the end, it all depends upon the engine. I saw about 1-1.5mph switching from my hybrid.

That said, of course, by someone who is always planning her next bike purchase It is an addiction.

[squirrell]

But...(hey, someone has to be the damper on the buy-party ), buy it if the price is right and you get a good deal. Don't buy it for the speed. My gut says the bike shop is exaggerating. Depending upon the hybrid, if you're running narrower tires and smooth tread, your speed improvements won't be that dramatic. Yes, it will be faster; yes, you'll be more comfortable for the long haul; but in the end, it all depends upon the engine. I saw about 1-1.5mph switching from my hybrid.

That said, of course, by someone who is always planning her next bike purchase It is an addiction.

I use the tires that came with the bike. slightly knobby ones. although they're about wore out right now. I've put close to 1200 miles on them since April!

Can you get slick tires for Hybrids? Would that help the speed?

[mimitabby]

you can get slick tires absolutely. and it will improve the ride immensely.
you will NOT believe the improvement!

[andtckrtoo]

If you're worried about getting used to the bike in 3 weeks - I wouldn't worry about that. I did a metric century on a rented road bike because all I had was a mountain bike. I had no problems (except for the fact that the metric wa 2 days after I climbed Mount Princeton and my thighs were screaming - but that's another story). I wouldn't exactly recommend that, but it is doable.

As for the hybrid vs the road bike - you'll see a difference. Maybe not 20%, but you'll see a difference.

And when to buy? Whenever you feel comfortable. I agree that right now is the best time to get a good deal. Check 'em out and if you find one you can afford and absolutely love, go for it. If you don't, well, then Spring is when it was meant to be.