new bike

When I started racing there was the real possibility to accidentally pick up a [censored] bike if one didn't know what they were looking for. High tensile steel frames , steel rims, etc. etc. etc. I am going to go out on a limb and say almost any bike in a proper bike shop in the $700+ price range would not act as a constraint to entry level racing. And those bikes can be quickly brought up to snuff with the simple addition of a high quality set of tires like Conti GP's or Vittoria CX's. If you can increase your budget to $1000+ even better. $1500+ and you will really be cooking with bacon.

It does not need to be carbon fiber. And for an entry level race bike which is likely to be entered in entry level races, in which dumping is a real possibility, you may not even want CF.

If I had $1000 I may think about a Cannondale CAAD8, a Specialized Allez, or a trek 1.2 but there are really many other brands out there. My choice would likely have less to do with any particular marketing hype, and more about what bike tickled my aesthetic fancy. And fit is more important that this or that component spec. I had a fair amount of success racing as a younger guy on some pretty atrocious bikes relative to my competition so may have a lower tolerance for what I deem a "good entry level race bike".

Thank for your help

I'm also looking for my first bike to race and compete in triathlons with. I was looking at a 2012 cannondale cadd10 105 and a 2012 giant tcr 1....opinions?

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by NLbiker92 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I'm also looking for my first bike to race and compete in triathlons with. I was looking at a 2012 cannondale cadd10 105 and a 2012 giant tcr 1....opinions?

You are not going wrong with either of those 2 bikes imo - I like the CAAD but it's just a baseless opinion.

Thanks,
I've been leaning towards the caad, its a little more expensive but I'd rather buy a bike now I'll be happy with for years.

I want to buy a full carbon bike I think its more durable and lighter

I always buy a mountain bike as I want to head on to the trails and get deeper in the countryside.