Model Trains Sale

Should I buy a Trek Equinox 5 (2006 new) for 850?

I’m shopping for a road bike in the $1000 – $1100 range to use for training rides 15 to 40 miles along with racing in duathlons and eventually tri’s (beginner/intermediate athlete). I was looking at the Specialized Allez Elite and the Trek 2.1 (both around $1100) but found a 2006 Trek Equinox 5 brand new at the bike shop, list 1299 on sale for 850 (presumably because it’s 2 model years ago). Good deal?

Triathlon bikes are a little bit different from normal road bikes. That trek equinox will probably have a steeper, more agressive seat tube angle, which will alow for a more aero position. It also might have more aero tube shapes than normal bikes. The equinox 5, however, is an all aluminum frame, so the aerodynamics of it are probably not as drastic as a carbon bike, where they can design the tubes in crazy aero weird angles. However, it also includes a pair of aero bars which you will have to purchase separately on another bike.

Triathlon/TT specific bikes are generally pretty expensive as it’s kind of a specialized activity, $850 for a normal shimano 105 aluminum road bike might be a decent deal, but for a TT specific one, it might be pretty good. I say go for it. That bike will serve your needs as a beginner triathlete. Just make sure it fits first! Otherwise, you’re better off with a better fitting walmart bike.