Oh, gosh, you can get all sorts of bikes for $1,500 and below. It depends a little bit on just what style of bike you聮re after, as 聯triathlons” and 聯day cruises” is sort of like saying 聯speed boating” and 聯fishing for minnows” when shopping for a boat.
Giant TCR A1 road bike
TCR A1 road bikeFor the triathlon bit, you want something pretty zoomy. Giant聮s TCR A1 ($1,400; giant-bicycles.com) would be just about perfect聴light aluminum frame, capable Shimano 105 ten-speed gearing, speedy Xero wheels, and Michelin tires. Cannondale聮s Caad8 Optimo 1 ($1,350; cannondale.com) has similar specs and gear and would be just as home on a fast ride.
Day cruises suggest something more, well, relaxed. Almost a touring bike. Trek聮s 520 ($1,240; trekbikes.com) offers relaxed road geometry, a knee-sparing triple chainring, and lots of attachment points for luggage and racks. It聮s a very nice bike, but I don聮t see it toeing the line at a triathlon.
So is there a compromise? Indeed there is. It聮s the Bianchi Eros ($1,300; bianchiusa.com). This bike has a comfortable steel frame and triple chainring that make long rides a pleasure. But it also has more agile frame geometry than a tourist, along with Campagnolo components for a little Italian flash. You can take this bike out and race, then take a long ride to a country bakery the next day. Great bike. And priced right.
The Gear Guy reports from , the bi-annual gearapalooza in Salt Lake City. Check out his top picks for gear to watch in 2007.