Need Advice Best bike and running shops?

I'm training for my first triathlon and would love to hear some advice from the seasoned veterans in the neighborhood. What bike shops have the best people, prices, and stuff? (I'm going to be in the market for a tri bike but will probably end up buying used to save some money.) How about running shops?

Also, any local tri clubs? Any other advice for a newbie? Thanks!

 

Come to the triathlon this weekend there will probably be several vendors there that can offer lots of advice. I know Bike outfitters and Potomac Running club are major sponsors and will be setting up booths.

Staci

 

I'm volunteering at the tri! I'll be on the bike course. And yes... quite excited to check out the vendors.

 

i ended up getting my bike at spokes in ashburn last year. when i ran the honolulu marathon a few years ago i got great help from the folks at metro run and walk in tysons/falls church. they were awesome. once you know what shoes fit you best, i recommend holabird sports (in b'more!). they ship and you get the shoes next day. good luck!

 

Bonzai Sports in Annandale is the ultimate tri store in the area. Unfortunately, I have not always been impressed with their customer service. If you want basic gear, I shop online. I was surprised to see REI is now carrying a limited appearal section- I expect it to grow.

Not a local tri club in the Ashburn area but I (and my wife) would be more than happy to get one started if there is enough interest. Tri Rats is in Reston, and they are huge, but then again they are in Reston. I have met informally with a group of Triathletes in Leesburg in the past, but I do think it is about time for Ashburn/Broadlands/Brambleton area to get their own.
I'm always interested in meeting other people for some rides or brick workouts. Anybody else doing local races this year? We have Luray coming up (olympic) in a few weeks.

In terms of running shops, there is nothing better than our own Potomac River Running (IMO). Its partly owned by a pro-triathlete.

 

Staci is right on. Bicycle Outfitters will be providing the bike inspections for the Broadlands Triathlon Saturday morning, and will have a tent set up displaying Tri bikes from Felt and Trek, as well as other equipment. Those guys are super friendly and will be happy to answer any questions you have.

I happen to know they have at least two lightly used previously owned Felt TT bikes available at the shop.

 

Great! Once I get a bike, I'm in!

Thanks for all the comments, everyone... keep 'em coming!

 

Sharse,

A big THANK YOU! for volunteering your time tomorrow. The course marshalls are definitely underappreciated for helping to keep us all safe during the race.

 

You're killing me... Any ideas which ones and how much?

 

I believe Mark has a size 56 Felt B12, but I don't remember the other model -- it might be a Felt S22.

I spoke with him at packet pickup tonight, and I know he is bringing two bikes tomorrow -- one a Felt and the other a new Trek. Stop by the tent and say Hi.

Polar

 

I have been doing triathlon for a few years now after a few years of bike racing and previous 20 years of competitive running.

I have to echo the thoughts on Bonzai. The owner (Mark?) does not have the best customer interaction. But, I do recommend them for their excellent wet suit rental program.

In terms of bike shops, for road bikes I recommend Spokes, etc. They have a shop on Rt 7 near Ashburn Village. They don't carry much in terms of tri-bikes. But, if you are just getting started and heading more towards shorter distances, a road bike with clip-on aero bars is fine (in fact many of the pros use this setup for the shorter distances). Spokes stands behind what they sell - they used to have a return policy, not sure if it is still in effect. They have a great set of mechanics. They will allow a lengthy test ride - critical for something you will be attached to for several hours. Jeff Palmer at their Vienna store is a certified bike fitter, one of the few F.I.S.T certified in the area.

Conte's in Arlington carries a fair selection of tri bikes too.

If you know what you are looking for, try craig's list. Always road bikes and frequently there are used tri bikes for sale.

In the end, I have bought most of my stuff on-line. Bike from all3sports.com, ebay for Zipp wheels, wetsuit from SBR. I got more help over the phone from all3sports than I did in person at Bonzai.

This is the time of year to buy a bike - end of the season and new model year.

In terms of running shops, Potomac River is great. The owner, Ray Pugsley, will really work with you to find what you need. But, I just bought a pair of old model Asics from Holabird for cheap!

-Jim

PM me if you want to discuss further.

 

Great info... thanks! I took my MTB to spokes for a tune up, and I bought my son's bike there. But as you say, they didn't have any tri bikes and I really think that's what I want, unless someone can convince me differently. I won't be doing any road racing outside of a triathlon. I mean, if I have to buy a bike anyway, I'm thinking a used Quintana Roo could be just the right thing for me. I'm checking craigslist all the time!

Good to hear other's positive feedback on spokes. They do seem like a great LBS. I also have been into Potomac River Running. Sadly I'm a very unusual size so I will probably still get my shoes from zappos, but I like looking at the other goodies in that store.

 

Please keep in mind that when in the aero bars, the tri bike is harder to control than a standard road bike. In addition, your hands are not close to the brake levers. It can take a bit of time to get used too and be confident and safe in your riding.

-Jim

 

Jim, between you and Grahame at Bicycle Outfitters, I'm sold. Road bike it is... no tri bike for me. Now I'm trying to figure out why he would want to sell me the Trek 2.1 instead of the Jamis Ventura Race. But I'm narrowing it down! (And looking at craigslist all.the.time!)

 

I'm not very familiar with either model. But, just a quick look shows that the Jamis has Shimano 105 shifters and deraileurs while the Trek has the lower spec Tiagra shifters. Does the Trek fit you better? But he should be willing to swap out the stem to gain a better fit. If he isn't, then you might as well buy on line. Or, go to Performance in Reston. You get a lower level of service, but can get a good deal. For the premium you pay to a local shop, they should be willing to give a bit of extra service (and not just the one year tune-up).

All things being equal, go with the higher quality components and keep an eye on Craig's list for the higher spec bikes at a great price then bring it in to Spokes for a tune up.

If you want to confirm bike sizing, go to wrenchscience.com or competitivecyclist.com and use their fit calculators.

-Jim

 

Thanks Jim! It was an odd experience with Grahame today. He was all about the Trek and is going to set one up for me to try. He didn't have a 56 on the floor today. Then he said, "If that doesn't work, then we'll take a look at the Jamis." I asked him about the difference between the two and he said Trek is a bigger name, but Jamis has been around a long time and "you actually get more for your money, but we're a Trek shop so we try to sell Trek whenever we can."

Huh?

So I got home and looked at the specs online. The Jamis has better components at a lower price! (And even if I did go with Trek, Spokes has the same bike for $250 less.)

 

Just thought I'd update my own thread. I ended up buying at Spokes in Ashburn. The guys there were the friendliest, the most helpful, and they had the best selection. I went to Bicycle Outfitters in Leesburg and Grahame, the owner, is a knowledgable guy and very nice, but was just pushing to me into the Trek. (And his price was higher.) I went to Performance in Reston and they didn't seem to care if I bought a bike there or not. They seemed to have decent stuff at good prices, but nothing that really fit me well. I went to the Pedal Shop and they had nothing.

So I happily went back to Spokes. They had the bike that fit me the best, I trust their advice and expertise and know I'll be happy bringing my new bike back for tunings, minor fit adjustments, etc.