Starting Tri? Don’t Buy a New Bike Yet

You’re see a second-hand bike. Paint chipped. Manual shifters. Rim brakes.

You ask yourself, “Puwede na kaya ’to sa tri?” You pause. You’re not sure how to answer — but something in your gut says: maybe.

Because while the multisport world is full of Di2 groupsets, disc brake conversions, 12-speed cassettes, and ₱300,000 carbon dream builds, here’s the truth most won’t say out loud: you don’t need the latest bike to become a triathlete.

What you need is a decision. A body willing to show up. And a setup that gets you to the start line.

The Best Time to Buy a Used Bike? Right Now.

The second-hand multisport bike market in the Philippines has never been more alive.

Every week, athletes are posting upgrades. Moving from rim to disc, mechanical to Di2, aluminum to integrated cockpits. That leaves a wave of race-worthy machines priced between ₱60K and ₱90K — bikes that used to dominate transition areas and podiums just a few seasons ago.

We’re talking Cervélo P2s, Felt IA series, Speed Concepts, Specialized Shivs, Speedmaxes, Timemachines.

They’re not outdated. They’re just underpriced.

Look on Facebook Marketplace. Carousell. Club chats. Or better yet — ask someone in your training group. The real ones always know where the good deals are hiding.

Rim Brakes Aren’t Dead. They’re Just Honest.

Somewhere between bike vlogs and marketing hype, rim brakes got labeled obsolete. But ask any coach, any long-time AG athlete, or anyone who’s raced on a rolling course — they’ll tell you: rim brakes still hold their own.

They’re lighter. Easier to service. And unless you’re bombing down a wet descent in Baguio, they’ll stop just fine.

In Clark, Subic, Nuvali, or Vermosa — where most of us actually race — rim brakes still make sense.

In this sport, the goal isn’t to stop fast. It’s to go hard — and never quit.

Di2 Feels Good. Manual Builds Grit.

There’s nothing wrong with electronic shifting. It’s smooth, quiet, and kind of sexy.

But if you’re new, manual shifting teaches you something Di2 never will: timing, feel, and control under pressure. You’ll learn the sound of a clean shift, how to adjust limit screws mid-ride, and what it means to actually know your bike.

It’s not about resisting new tech. It’s about respecting the process.

A famous coach we work with said it best.

“The fastest athletes I’ve coached didn’t care about Di2. They cared about saddle time, not shifter specs. That’s what matters when you’re building your base.”

So, What Bikes Should You Look Out For?

Here’s what we still see on start lines — and finish chutes — across the country:

• Cervélo P2 / P3 — iconic, reliable, no-nonsense
• Felt IA 10 / 16 — fast, comfortable, often available
• Trek Speed Concept Gen 1 — aero on a budget
• Specialized Shiv (rim) — proven fit and feel
• Canyon Speedmax AL / CF — direct-to-rider value
• Argon 18 E-117 — versatile and respected
• BMC Timemachine TM01 / TM02 — solid resale, sleek lines
• Quintana Roo PRFive — balanced geometry

• Planet X Exocet 2 — bargain rocket if fitted right

Don’t buy based on color. Buy based on size and ride feel. The rest is ego — and you don’t need that yet.

Buying Second-Hand? Bring a Plan.

Don’t fall in love too fast. Inspect the frame. Check the headset for play. Spin the wheels. Squeeze the brakes. Click every gear. If anything feels off, walk away or negotiate hard.

Meet at a shop. Or better — bring someone who knows what to look for. A bad frame crack hides under decals. A poor fit doesn’t show up until 60K into your long ride.

Size over style. Geometry over gloss.

Your ₱65K (or less) Multisport Starter Kit (No Joke)

Here’s what gets you racing — and loving it:

• Second-hand tri or road bike (clip-ons if needed)
• Helmet (don’t go cheap here)
• Clipless pedals and cleats
• Basic tri suit
• Entry fee + race nutrition

• A training plan from a coach — or one of our free Training Plans.

No deep wheels. No bike fits that cost more than your groupset. No excuses.

Just you, the road, and a reason to keep showing up.

Why This Isn’t Just About the Bike

This article isn’t really about rim vs. disc.

It’s not about manual vs. Di2. It’s not even about bikes.

It’s about starting.

Because too many athletes are stuck at the gate — waiting for the perfect setup, the latest frame, the dream build. But the truth is, the best bike is the one that gets you out the door.

So if someone asks, “Pwede ba ’to sa tri?”

You smile. You clip in. “Oo naman.”

Want us to write the road bike version? We will. Because everyone deserves to start strong — and someone out there is waiting for a nudge, just like you were.