A little help for a first-timer...

[melza]

Howdy!
I am brand spanking new to the world of road biking - so much so that i haven't yet chosen a bike!
I have joined a 6 week tri program after seeing that they encouraged 'couch potatoes' to try and so am now looking for a suitable entry level road bike to buy. I have done a little riding - mainly just comuting to work on my Avanti Discovery 8 and a little bit of mountain bike riding but nothing too serious.
I have lost all faith in the bike shop in town due to them telling me conflicting stories and little fibs so i hope someone here can help me out!
I don't want to spend more than $1000 and ideally want to buy online (i have workmate who can help me put it together properly) as i live 400kms north of perth! I have looked around and do like the Cannondale Synapse Alloy 7 even though it's a tad over my limit. Can anyone recommend this bike or another good entry level bike that will do me for a couple of years if i do decide to get a little serious?

Any help you can give a first timer is much appreciated!!
Thanks

[thejester]

mmm... I like the Synapse's.
But check out the Scott Speedsters. The frames are really light and really good.
I'm sure there will be LBS's in Perth that stock both.

[Comedian]

I'd drive to perth and get one of the correct size and set up for you.

[elizabethw]

I agree you must have the bike fitted correctly its really essential.

Cheers

Elizabeth

[ft_critical]

Get fitted, don't buy online unless you have your precise measurements and the relative compensations to make for a bike that is not your perfect geometry (fit.)

[melza]

thanks all! - i have riden a couple of bikes and know my frame size and tested both womens and unsix frame types with womens suiting me best. i think i will have to make do with my hybrid then until i get a chance to go to perth.

[jackthelad]

Try TBE osborne park, they are good,
i tried my mum on a bike there, before i ordered 1 in melbourne
Ask for wayne or Jaz