u/it_is_that_boi

I’ve set aside a little over $1k for a bike to train and race on. I’m not a killer athlete and I’m not competing for gold. But I feel like I’m riding something a little dated. I don’t want anything crazy, just something a bit better than my early 90s Trek 2100.

I’m running the Austin Tri sprint this weekend and training for a full olympic sprint in Waco next month. I ride ~twice a week and my 14-speed feels limiting.

I thought $1k would be enough to get me a non-junk road bike but most shops in town have $3-10k price tags on anything with drop handlebars.

Am I missing something? Is taking a leap of faith on FB Marketplace my best option? Or, is spending $1k for a decent road bike just not an option?

Any pointers or advice would be awesome.