I am new to the sport and don't have much cash to dump on a bike.I was given a Motobecane Super Mirage (circa early-mid eighties) in really mint shape from a family member.

I was wondering if it would be worth my cash to buy a fast forward seatpost and aerobars to make the bike a bit more competitive, or if this would be akin to buying a performance chip for a Yugo?

The person that gave it to me made it clear that this was a pretty sweet road bike back when he bought it.I am sure bike technology has moved on quite a bit since then, but is this bike now obsolete to the point where I should just ride it stock and live with it and save my money for some new sneakers or something (buying a tri-specific bike is pretty much out of my budget for the foreseeable future)?

Thanks for your time and opinion!

Eric from Connecticut

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Hi Eric,
Thank you for contacting TriathaNewbie.com!

Our advice for first time triathaNewbies will always air on the side of frugality. We'd hate for you to supe up the Motobecane or go into debt buying a top-of-the-line bike when you may decide that you don't want to do a second triathlon and move onto a marathon or something. Wait for triathlon #2, when you know whether or not you're hooked, before you start investing your hard earned money.

As a safety measure, you might want to take your borrowed bike down to your local bike shop to make sure that one, it fits you properly and two, it's safe to ride. Peace of mind is priceless!

Be well.
Jack
TriathaNewbie.com staff

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