Hi! I want to buy my first road bike. I’ve never had one before, and I plan to use it mainly for casual rides with friends, but also for a triathlon (just for fun, nothing too competitive). I’d prefer to avoid buying a second-hand bike, so I need your help and recommendations to find a new bike that fits my budget (around €2,500). Thanks!! – PIC FOR ATTENTION
by lacostenorte
4 Comments
Maybe try a old steel roadie for 150 or buy the bike in the pic
Good time to buy a bike with a ton of sales going on. Casual rides and triathlons don’t mix together due to the fact that if you’re doing casual rides you probably want something that has more of an “endurance” geometry. Triathlon bikes are more “aggressive” and “aero”?geometry.
I would look at something like giant TCR. It’s a race bike but super comfortable and you can do more casual riding if you’d like. You also get a ton of value. Another rec would be the trek domane. People hate on Treks but they’re good first bikes and reliable.
The other option would be the canyon ultimate.
You don’t need anything better than 105 or sram rival tech, di2 or axs is sweet of you have the budget.
Hope that helps!
Some of this will depend on how mechanically inclined you are. If you know how to assemble and tune a bike, €2500 is more than enough of a budget to get something from bikesonline or a similar discount site.
If you have no experience with the technicals of bike assembly, or not the proper tools (some things must be torqued to spec to not damage the part), you should probably visit your local bike shop. You won’t get as much of a bike there (your budget still buys a nice one), but you’ll be getting the experienced labor for assembly, the safety/liability/warranty that comes with that, and benefiting from the knowledge of the shop.
I agree with u/Similar-Loss2901 that a Giant TCR will probably be your best choice for an all-rounder bike. However, just as they said, a casual bike and a tri-bike are far from the same thing. Maybe consider getting two bikes, like an entry tri and a single speed or hybrid to ride around with friends. The Felt B Performance 105 and Mercier Kilo TT would be examples of the tri and single speed. Other prominent tri brands are Quintana Roo, Kestrel, and Argon. I’ve seen the Fuji Norcom Straight 2.3 recommended as a great entry tri-bike that’s within your budget as well.
Another vote for a TCR. Giant are always great value for money. If you don’t want to go that aggressive on fit then the Defy Advanced is also worth a look and a bit more practical (fender mounts)