Doing a hilly race in June in Europe and I kinda got a Specialized tarmac SL8 pro with a pretty good finance option. But I’m thinking if it’s a silly decision to do so … i mean I could still get a refund for this. Saw a couple of options on FB marketplace. Since it’s my first 70.3 race, I’m a bit skeptical of getting a bike from an online marketplace.

In all seriousness, would it be bad if I were to rent a bike about a week prior to the race and practise riding? From now until the race, I can get a rented bike to do some practice rides.

I do see myself racing in the long term but I’m not sure if I’m making a good decision. If I know something is meant for me, I won’t hesitate an would just go all-in. That’s what happened with my recent open water swim camp (no regrets). But for this bike….im just reconsidering everything.

Another option is to get it at a second hand bike shop that stocks premium bikes. Though the catch is that I can return my bike in the first 12 months and I would get back 80% - (no.…