First "Real" Bike analysis paralysis, help!
Hi everyone! I grew up bike riding down the Jersey shore and have had a Bianchi Turino for the last 10 or so years. It was fine for short commutes when I lived in a city, and for casual 10–15-mile rides. Since moving to a town that has direct access to a long-paved rail trail, I have been cycling at least once a week and have enjoyed a few 70-mile rides as well. I would like to eventually do some light bike packing, but again mostly on rail trails and not serious off roading, and this is not really my long term priority.
I am starting to incorporate regular cycling as part of my overall fitness training, and am interested in competing in some triathlons over the next few years. I signed up for a sprint triathlon to start that is in September.
I found and purchased an REI Adv 2.1 second hand and have found it to feel quite sluggish. My LBS basically confirmed for me that the design of a gravel bike is likely not for me, and recommended a Specialize Allez.
SO! I feel that I clearly need some kind of road bike. On my longer rides, I am wanting to lean further down to be more aerodynamic and have my pelvis in position for more power. That said, I have no idea where to go from here. What are going to be the differences between a race bike and an endurance bike?
I have been looking into entry level options from specialized, Giant, Cannondale, LIV, etc and am struggling to see much of a difference between brands. How big of a difference does their various frames make? How noticeable of a difference will a Shimona claris, vs Tiagra, vs Cues vs 105 really make to someone that has been riding a 10-year-old, $300 when new bike?
Is it worth buying used to save some money and have a bike serviced? Or should I just take the leap and spend $1300-$2000 at my LBS/REI?
I keep seeing cannondale topstones and giant revolts on facebook, will these feel slow like the REI?
Lastly, pedals - I have never used clip-in pedals, but I am curious about them, as I hate my feet moving around while I am riding longer distances. Are 2-in-1 pedals the way to go for this kind of thing?
Thank you 😄