Do I need a new bike?

tri sprinter 72 said:

I am new to road cycling, just under a year. I bought a Trek 1400 from a friend who owned it and took great care of it. The bike is pushing 20 years old but is still in good shape. Since getting into road cycling, I have become very interested in buying a new bike. I have participated in a couple races since getting into it but wonder if this type of bike may be holding me back from performing better. I know I will eventually get a new bike but am curious if I should stick with the older, heavier model for now.

The bike won't be and isn't holding you back.....assuming it's sized properly. What do you want to do?

alienator said:

The bike won't be and isn't holding you back.....assuming it's sized properly. What do you want to do?

Of course I would love a new bike but as with many new riders like myself, the issue of cost and the type of bike to buy are in play. I posted this request because I have gained an interest in sprint triathlons and want to perform the best that I can. Thanks for the post.

tri sprinter 72 said:

Of course I would love a new bike but as with many new riders like myself, the issue of cost and the type of bike to buy are in play. I posted this request because I have gained an interest in sprint triathlons and want to perform the best that I can. Thanks for the post.

If you do decide to buy a new bike, shops tend to discount current year models about this time of the year. You can often get a good deal. 😉

tri sprinter 72 said:

I posted this request because I have gained an interest in sprint triathlons and want to perform the best that I can. Thanks for the post.

Hardly anybody NEEDS a new bike, and a Trek 1400 is hardly a slouch, but a new bike can add to your cycling pleasure and performance. So if you're putting some serious miles on the old Trek, and you want to keep it up and enjoy it more, and you can afford it, and your wife gives you permission, then by all means buy a new bike.

Let's be honest. Most respondents here have a main ride that is considerably newer, lighter, and more responsive than a Trek 1400.

And good luck with the triathalons.

oldbobcat said:

Hardly anybody NEEDS a new bike...

To the contrary, everyone needs a new bike, whether they need one or not.
The number of bikes you need is N+1, where N is the number of bikes you have now. 😉

If you like sprint triathlons and are keen to step up to longer distance triathlons, buy a triathlon specific bike and keep the trek for group rides.

tri sprinter 72 said:

I am new to road cycling, just under a year. I bought a Trek 1400 from a friend who owned it and took great care of it. The bike is pushing 20 years old but is still in good shape. Since getting into road cycling, I have become very interested in buying a new bike. I have participated in a couple races since getting into it but wonder if this type of bike may be holding me back from performing better. I know I will eventually get a new bike but am curious if I should stick with the older, heavier model for now.

You could probably benefit by updating your shifters (which I presume are DOWNTUBE shifters) ...

FYI. 10-speed Campagnolo ERGO shifters (not-QS) will index to an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain (7-speed, too) ... so, you just need to spend $100-to-$300+ (whatever-your-budget-is).

10-speed Campagnolo ERGO shifters can also be used with 9-speed Shimano "stuff" ... and, theoretically with a 10-speed Shimano drivetrain, too.

What a silly question! Of course you need a new bike! Everybody needs a new bike!😄

waldowales said:

What a silly question! Of course you need a new bike! Everybody needs a new bike!😄

+1 😉

I totally agree with Scotttri. If you want to get into sprint triathalons then you should get a bike that is specific to that type of riding. But definitely hold onto the Trek for group rides or casual/recovery rides. Believe me, there is nothing wrong with the 20+ year old Treks! I love my '87!!

Well, just because you need a new one does not mean you shouldn't keep the older ones! I have a 1985 Trek 600, Campy equipped, which I love dearly, but I still need a new one!

tri sprinter 72 said:

I am new to road cycling, just under a year. I bought a Trek 1400 from a friend who owned it and took great care of it. The bike is pushing 20 years old but is still in good shape. Since getting into road cycling, I have become very interested in buying a new bike. I have participated in a couple races since getting into it but wonder if this type of bike may be holding me back from performing better. I know I will eventually get a new bike but am curious if I should stick with the older, heavier model for now.

This is probably the only question where I would suggest that you NOT consult your LBS.😉

Yes, you need a new bike. I had the Trek 2200 which was a nice bike for about 20+ years then I started to ride with a stronger group who all had all carbon bikes. Could barely keep up.I bought a Trek madone last year and WoW! huge difference. Much more fun with this bike.and the more fun I have the more I ride and the more I ride the better shape I get in and around and around it goes.Pun intended. But as a friend of mine says "You can't buy your way up the hill".

Having a good quality bike will make a huge difference for you.