Originally Posted by seypat

I have a job for the IM Nation. The beater red/white 85/6 I saved a year or 2 ago is getting pressed into service. I bought it to be a loaner bike for prospective Tri/cyclists. The loanee is on my Marathon training team. He is taking swim lessons and needs a ride. 5'10-11 and stringbeanish. He should become a good triathlete if he sticks with it. I think a 56cm will work. Might need a longer stem.
I need some recommendations on the build. I will attempt a cheap build using as many existing shop parts as I can. I have a 7 speed 105 wheelset. I might go with some brifters if I can find some cheapies. The crank will be a 110 double. The main question is 50/34 or 52/36? If I go 52/36, i can go with a common 13/something cassette. 50/34 might require some more top end on the cassette.
So, give me some ideas on what kind of build to go with. The main objective is to give the person a chance to try cycling/ tri and see if he likes it before he has to invest some serious dough.