want to buy bike, need help

If you can figure out how much AU$1500 is in American dollars, then I'll make some recommendations.

seksy_johnny3 said:

my budget is AU$1500 and i've been thinking of tiagra/105 groupset, with carbon forks. a triple chainring would be good, as i'm not a very powerful cyclist yet, but that isnt too important really.

<snip>

i am 6 foot, 15 y/o, fairly broad, and would like a relatively good quality bike, as i would prefer to be able to keep it and make upgrades, as opposed to buying a new bike in 3-4 years time.

Not sure on what size you'd be, but you're probably looking at a 55cm+ or Large/XL for most manufactuers. Go to a shop and get properly fitted, because that will ensure you get the most possible enjoyment out of your bike.

As for upgradability, I would consider getting a 105 10 speed grouppo, since that's the direction that Shimano is heading towards.

If you're buying a Tiagra/105 combo, most likely it will have a 105 9speed RD, and the rest (in particular the brifters) will be Tiagra or non-Shimano parts. That sort of setup will limit you to 9spd on the back for a while (which certainly isn't a bad thing, IMHO), unless you upgrade to a 10spd RD and brifter unit which can get really expensive.

On the other hand, you'll have some trouble finding a new 20/30 speed bike for $1500...

I would imagine that 9speed would be more than sufficient for you for at least the next few years, so see what you can get for that price range. This is particularly true for you, since you'll probably grow a few more inches before you stop growing (at 15 years, your growth plates in your bones haven't hardened yet, so I would think you'll grow a bit more by the time you stop).

By that time, there's a good chance you will have outgrown your frame, and will be looking for another bike anyway which would give you a good reason to go shopping for a better spec'd bike.

A few manufacturers/models to consider at the moment would be the Avanti Vivace (although this is only a double), Giant OCR2 (triple), and also the equivalent bikes from Felt and Merida - all would suit your needs very well.

Good luck with the hunt!

--
nerdag

Firstly, Triathlon and alpine riding are two different disciplines and are best served by different bikes.

Having said that, any bike will be a compromise on one discipline, some less than others.

Consider the gometry for triathlon and the gearing for alpine. Steeper seat post angles for tri and lower gearing, 12-27, for alpine. After considering your budget, this leads me to suggest the Felt F80, http://www.deanwoods.com.au/store/category126_1.htm for a 9 speed triple or the Felt F90 for a 8 speed triple. Felt sizing, check with the dealer, the 56cm maybe the best for addig tri bars. Have a look at the Felt tri bikes on the Woods page also.

The Giant TCR with a after market triple will break the bank and the OCR geometry is not Tri friendly. I have not looked at Merida.

ToffoIsMe said:

If you can figure out how much AU$1500 is in American dollars, then I'll make some recommendations.

thanks for all ur advice guys!

Au$1500 = approx. US$900

The OCR2 seems to pose very good value. I am sure you will be able to get one for about $1200-1300 or so. It has carbon forks, triple chainring and tiagras. But for maybe a little more, the OCR1 has 105's.

Giant do not recommend the OCR for Triathlon use, they suggest the TCR Aero, the geometry is steeper and the top tube is shorter.

seksy_johnny3 said:

my budget is AU$1500 and i've been thinking of tiagra/105 groupset, with carbon forks. a triple chainring would be good, as i'm not a very powerful cyclist yet, but that isnt too important really.

i would like to use it for training in the mornings, for the 2007 alpine classic, and would also like to purchase clip-on aero bars as triathlons are something i enjoy.

i am 6 foot, 15 y/o, fairly broad, and would like a relatively good quality bike, as i would prefer to be able to keep it and make upgrades, as opposed to buying a new bike in 3-4 years time.
john

Its possible but tight for $1500 some suggestions on the link below.
The 10sp with a 12-27 cluster and a compact crank will get you around the alpine classic with some work/training and without the need for a tripple crank. The Shimano 105 compact crank is due soon for 10 sp. Being 15yo expect some more growth over the next 5 yrs so your frame should be purchased to reflect this, a web search will show how to select frame size . Saddle and stem adjustment will allow you to get comfortable and modify as you grow or improve your flexability and riding style.
Dont forget pedals and cycle shoes will be required, and I am a fan of spd pedals even for road use, much better at triathalon transition, dont think a separate bike required for triathalon and clip on bars why not?, just need to be ready to grab the controls in a hurry. A specific triathalon bike is rubbish at hill climbing as the steep seat angle puts you too far forward (have one know the story :o ). Just stay in the drops on a regular road bike to maintain an aero position, takes practice but easy after a while and the controls are at hand 😎.
melbournebicycle.com.aumelbournebicycle.com.auOpen ↗
[font=ARIAL]MBC Team 105 2005[/font][font=ARIAL] A$ 1,299.00
[/font][font=ARIAL][/font]

• [font=ARIAL]FRAME: 7005 Aluminum.[/font]
  
• [font=ARIAL]FORKS: Carbon.[/font]
  
• [font=ARIAL]BRAKES: Shimano 105 Brakes.[/font]
  
• [font=ARIAL]DRIVETRAIN: 18 Speed Shimano 105 Gears.[/font]
  
• [font=ARIAL]WHEEL SET: Alloy Hubs with Double-walled Rims[/font]
  
• [font=ARIAL]EXTRA: All Alloy Components, Maxxis Tyres.[/font]
  
• [font=ARIAL]COLOUR: White[/font]
  

[font=ARIAL]Shogun Ninja 2006[/font][font=ARIAL] A$ 1,699.00
[/font][font=ARIAL][font=Trebuchet MS]Frame-Shogun 6061 compact frame
with carbon rear seat stay
Fork-Carbon
Front Derailleur-Shimano 105 10 spd
Rear Derailleur-Shimano 105 10 spd
Crankset-Shimano 105
Shifters/Brake Levers-Shimano
105 10 spd
Cassette-Shimano 10 spd 12-27T
Wheelset-Shimano R500
Tyres-Maxxis Xenith Deux Categorie
700 x 20C
Brakes-Shimano 105
Saddle-Selle Italia Oktavia[/font][/font]

Just remember - mountain bikes are for mountains and road bikes are for the road.

That should give you a hint!

Happy cycling!

http://www.learsport.com.au/view_product.php?product=Lear8000

If you tell these guys your budget, they will knock off up to 25%.