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Entry Level Bikes |
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For most young triathletes the major problem is the bicycle they ride. Children grow so
quickly that the likely "First Real" bike will be fairly
inexpensive and consequently the components will be at the low cost end
too.
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The popularity and attraction of low cost mountain bikes with suspension on the front
and rear, huge tyres and often with racks, bells. whistles and
kick-stands, means that money has gone into design and not light weight
parts. It is not uncommon for them to weigh around 45lbs, so for a child weighing 5
stones (70lbs) the bike weighs over half their bodyweight - something
most adults couldn't cope with very well. Then, there's the problem that
big knobbly tyres stick to the ground extremely well (which is what
they're made for) creating much too much friction and effectively
stopping the rider from being able to go quickly.
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| A child needs a light bike more than an adult, let's face
it most adults are carrying more in fat than a bike might weigh but
that's not true of children. They also need one with light high pressure
tyres and that keeps them in an aerodynamic position. |
| Here are 3 bikes available in the Bike Shop (Pinner Road
North Harrow) that fit the bill at reasonable prices: |
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£399 Giant TCR Childrens Bike
A child specific racing bike with 24" wheels this is the
perfect bike for the younger triathlete. It features a full STI
(gears in the break leavers) system, making it an exact small
replica of the larger racing bikes.
Very suitable for riders under 5' and easily re-saleable. |
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£299 - Giant OCR4
Aluminium frame and fork coupled with Shimano gearing with STI
leavers and a 7 speed rear gearing. Full 700c wheels with
aluminium quick release leavers.
Minimum size for this bike is 48cm means that riders below 5'
probably won't fit this bike and there is no triple chain set
option, making it more suitable for older or more experienced
triathletes. |
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£425 - Giant OCR3
Aluminium frame with Carbon Fibre forks and a 24 speed Shimano
gearing system makes this a more comfortable and lighter option
than the OCR3.
A triple chain set means that younger triathletes can turn a
much lower gear, turning their legs fast instead of pushing hard
ont he pedals. It still has a 48cm minimum size so would be
suitable for 5' + riders. |
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