Best Tri Bike for under 3k

Sep 23, 16 9:25

Post #1 of 47 (6360 views)

I need some input and advice. I'm going to be purchasing a tri bike but I would like to keep the price under or right around 3k. I'm aware that the fit is what really matters but there a quite a few choices and I am going to be competing eventually so I don't want to just test the waters with a cheaper bike. I want to get something decent and put the extra money towards upgrades. I already have race wheels from my road bike so all the extra money will go towards the bike and me personally. I've been considering the felt IA or a P2 but I would like to know if there are any other "better" options.

Thanks ahead of time everyone

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 9:48

Post #2 of 47 (6317 views)

Depending on your fit coordinates, have a look at this:

http://www.slowtwitch.com/...Spot_Bikes_5291.html

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 9:48

Post #3 of 47 (6315 views)

The two you mentioned are probably the top pics/recommendations I that price range.

Another option is looking at a slightly used bike. I got a bike off the classifieds about a year ago. It was less than a year old, had under 1,000 miles,
and I paid right around 3k - new list price was around 7k. That included race wheels, which I sold bc I already had race wheels, making the deal even better. There are quite a few folks who like the 'latest and greatest,' and depreciation helps the buyer!

Blog: http://262toboylstonstreet.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/NateThomasTri
Coaching: https://bybtricoaching.com/ - accepting athletes for 2023

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 10:00

Post #4 of 47 (6273 views)

Here are some more to consider. Not sure if any of these are "better", but may be worth a look

Speed Concept 7
Shiv Elite
Trinity Advanced
Slice
PRfive

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [mhepp] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 10:25

Post #5 of 47 (6226 views)

Add the BMC TM02 to that list. Mine was $2,400.

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 10:45

Post #6 of 47 (6169 views)

Not quite available in the US yet, but I think the Canyon Speedmax CF might belong on that list.

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 10:48

Post #7 of 47 (6163 views)

You could get on a Kestrel 4000 with a 105 build for around 2,800.00.

http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/...lon/4000-shimano-105

I've rode the Talon for years and it's been a great bike. One of the most price friendly, entry level carbon tri bikes on the market that I know of. Generally can be purchased with a 105 set in range of 1200-1400 dollars.

But I'd drop all the above if I could fit on the Felt IA.

Regards,
J. Smith

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 10:51

Post #8 of 47 (6147 views)

I would get the Cervelo P2. The Felt IA Calpac would drive me crazy.

Make Inside Out Sports your next online tri shop! http://www.insideoutsports.com/

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [BryanD] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 10:55

Post #9 of 47 (6137 views)

BryanD wrote:

I would get the Cervelo P2. The Felt IA Calpac would drive me crazy.

Off subject, BryanD check this out: http://www.shapeways.com/...000ml-fuelselage-mod

Regards,
J. Smith

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [jsmith82] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 10:59

Post #10 of 47 (6125 views)

That's really cool but it's still not stock.

Make Inside Out Sports your next online tri shop! http://www.insideoutsports.com/

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [mhepp] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 11:10

Post #11 of 47 (6087 views)

Any of the bike listed above better than the other? like aero or plain speed? or are tri bikes of this price range usually about the same? If im going down the wrong path of thinking here just correct me. I wasn't sure if there is one bike that stands out from the others performance wise.

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 11:56

Post #12 of 47 (5991 views)

Theres a sweet new 2016 speed concept 7.5 medium in the classifieds section for 27ish, very nice buy!

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 12:13

Post #13 of 47 (5941 views)

If it fits you, I don't think that there is any better buy than the Cervelo P2

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [gshtrisport] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 12:28

Post #14 of 47 (5900 views)

I purchased a Cervelo NP2 on sale for $2200.00 not long after they came out. (in November 14) I had wheels so I upgraded the following.
Tri Rig brakes on sale $300 ish ??
Nice used Rotor 3D+ $150.00
Carbon base bar $150.00 ish
New pull off Adamo saddle $80.00 ish
Wheel cover for a Zipp 404 $110.00
I put some other stuff that you would want on any bike, hydration ETC. and I'm still under $3000.00 (by $10.00 bucks) if my math is correct.

And it's a bad egg, I think.

Last edited by: bikinmurray: Sep 23, 16 12:29

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [BryanD] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 12:46

Post #15 of 47 (5862 views)

Even if the IA was a faster overall bike?

I am not in love with the Calpac design, and it was definitely a detraction when I was shopping. However, since owning the bike and taking it through a couple HIM races, I have never needed it in a race. I have stored nutrition in it for longer training rides, and it is fine there. It has more capacity than a strap-on bento box, so it probably is superior to non-integrated bikes. I haven't thought it through with an IM yet, but that will come. And, I will be glad that I have a faster bike rather than a bento box.

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 13:03

Post #16 of 47 (5829 views)

2012/2013 cervelo p3 ☺️

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [zooropa] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 13:28

Post #17 of 47 (5751 views)

I bought a closeout New P2 for 1975 (2014 blue and white) and added a Power 2 Max crank based PM and Hed Jets. The PM was 900 and the Jets were also 899 (Competitive cyclist).

So all for under 4 K.

For 3 K just pick between which you want, a PM or great wheels. Other add ons for me are a vision base bar that cleans up the brake housing, and nice tires / tubes. This is 98% as fast as anything you will ever need, and if you want you can keep going later with more upgrades.

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [jsmith82] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 14:42

Post #18 of 47 (5664 views)

jsmith82 wrote:

You could get on a Kestrel 4000 with a 105 build for around 2,800.00.

http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/...lon/4000-shimano-105

You must have misread the thread title. It says "best tri bike for under 3k" not "biggest piece of crap, waste of money, aerodynamic dog of a TT bicycle for ~$3k"

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [PubliusValerius] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 15:09

Post #19 of 47 (5634 views)

PubliusValerius wrote:

jsmith82 wrote:

You could get on a Kestrel 4000 with a 105 build for around 2,800.00.

http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/...lon/4000-shimano-105

You must have misread the thread title. It says "best tri bike for under 3k" not "biggest piece of crap, waste of money, aerodynamic dog of a TT bicycle for ~$3k"

Funny, I rode a 2:34 (top 70 overall that day) bike at Lake Stevens 70.3 in 2013 on a Kestel Talon with SRAM Force. At that price point, I'm going to go out on a limb and say it isn't the bike that is going to make you fast.

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [PeteDin206] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 15:20

Post #20 of 47 (5622 views)

PeteDin206 wrote:

PubliusValerius wrote:

jsmith82 wrote:

You could get on a Kestrel 4000 with a 105 build for around 2,800.00.

http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/...lon/4000-shimano-105

You must have misread the thread title. It says "best tri bike for under 3k" not "biggest piece of crap, waste of money, aerodynamic dog of a TT bicycle for ~$3k"

Funny, I rode a 2:34 (top 70 overall that day) bike at Lake Stevens 70.3 in 2013 on a Kestel Talon with SRAM Force. At that price point, I'm going to go out on a limb and say it isn't the bike that is going to make you fast.

PV's trolling aside, just because you can ride fast on poor equipment doesn't make the equipment good (or irrelevant). It's just the reality that you've got a good motor. The Talon is a pretty dated frame, and you'd have been a couple minutes faster on a different frame.

To the OP, for new bikes get a P2 or Shiv and spend the remaining grand on some good race wheels.

ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [bikinmurray] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 15:29

Post #21 of 47 (5609 views)

bikinmurray wrote:

I purchased a Cervelo NP2 on sale for $2200.00 not long after they came out. (in November 14) I had wheels so I upgraded the following.
Tri Rig brakes on sale $300 ish ??
Nice used Rotor 3D+ $150.00
Carbon base bar $150.00 ish
New pull off Adamo saddle $80.00 ish
Wheel cover for a Zipp 404 $110.00
I put some other stuff that you would want on any bike, hydration ETC. and I'm still under $3000.00 (by $10.00 bucks) if my math is correct.

And it's a bad egg, I think.

X2 to this, Cervelo P2 and upgrade accordingly!

-Brad Williams
Website | Twitter: @BW_Tri |Instagram: @BW_Tri | Strava | Co-Founder & Coach at: KIS Coaching
Partnered with: Zoot Sports | Precision Fuel &Hydration | ISM

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [PeteDin206] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 15:34

Post #22 of 47 (5597 views)

PeteDin206 wrote:

PubliusValerius wrote:

jsmith82 wrote:

You could get on a Kestrel 4000 with a 105 build for around 2,800.00.

http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/...lon/4000-shimano-105

You must have misread the thread title. It says "best tri bike for under 3k" not "biggest piece of crap, waste of money, aerodynamic dog of a TT bicycle for ~$3k"

Funny, I rode a 2:34 (top 70 overall that day) bike at Lake Stevens 70.3 in 2013 on a Kestel Talon with SRAM Force. At that price point, I'm going to go out on a limb and say it isn't the bike that is going to make you fast.

Ah, ye olde n=1 anecdote that proves nothing. How we've missed you around here!!

And I rode a 2:31 at Timberman in '05 on a '99 Klein Quantum road bike w/ 9-spd Ultegra (you know - the one with the beer-can size round-tube Alu frame), clip-ons, and some used '03 vintage Zipp 404's.
It *Must* be aero!!! look at my bike split!!!

Decent riders can still bike fairly fast on crappy, 'aero barn-door' bikes, in spite of the bikes themselves.
See: Stadler, Normann - on a Kuota, for example.

float , hammer , and jog

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [tcaldwell369] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 15:45

Post #23 of 47 (5581 views)

Training partner picked up a 2016 Fuji Norm Straight 2.1 for under $2,600. She loves it.
I bought my QR Cd01 for under $3K. I'm very pleased.

#swimmingmatters
Laugh hard. Run fast. Be kind.
The Doctor (#12)

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [Titanflexr] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 16:24

Post #24 of 47 (5554 views)

Titanflexr wrote:

PeteDin206 wrote:

PubliusValerius wrote:

jsmith82 wrote:

You could get on a Kestrel 4000 with a 105 build for around 2,800.00.

http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/...lon/4000-shimano-105

You must have misread the thread title. It says "best tri bike for under 3k" not "biggest piece of crap, waste of money, aerodynamic dog of a TT bicycle for ~$3k"

Funny, I rode a 2:34 (top 70 overall that day) bike at Lake Stevens 70.3 in 2013 on a Kestel Talon with SRAM Force. At that price point, I'm going to go out on a limb and say it isn't the bike that is going to make you fast.

PV's trolling aside, just because you can ride fast on poor equipment doesn't make the equipment good (or irrelevant). It's just the reality that you've got a good motor. The Talon is a pretty dated frame, and you'd have been a couple minutes faster on a different frame.

To the OP, for new bikes get a P2 or Shiv and spend the remaining grand on some good race wheels.

I rode a 2:35 on a speed concept 9 (same enve wheels) the following yet with slightly worse pavement. They chipsealed a big portion of it. Unless you are at the pointy end of racing and have your fit/cda very dialed in you aren't going to get dramatically faster simply because of a more aero bike.

Re: Best Tri Bike for under 3k [PeteDin206] [ In reply to ]

Sep 23, 16 16:46

Post #25 of 47 (5530 views)

PeteDin206 wrote:

Titanflexr wrote:

PeteDin206 wrote:

PubliusValerius wrote:

jsmith82 wrote:

You could get on a Kestrel 4000 with a 105 build for around 2,800.00.

http://www.kestrelbicycles.com/...lon/4000-shimano-105

You must have misread the thread title. It says "best tri bike for under 3k" not "biggest piece of crap, waste of money, aerodynamic dog of a TT bicycle for ~$3k"

Funny, I rode a 2:34 (top 70 overall that day) bike at Lake Stevens 70.3 in 2013 on a Kestel Talon with SRAM Force. At that price point, I'm going to go out on a limb and say it isn't the bike that is going to make you fast.

PV's trolling aside, just because you can ride fast on poor equipment doesn't make the equipment good (or irrelevant). It's just the reality that you've got a good motor. The Talon is a pretty dated frame, and you'd have been a couple minutes faster on a different frame.

To the OP, for new bikes get a P2 or Shiv and spend the remaining grand on some good race wheels.

I rode a 2:35 on a speed concept 9 (same enve wheels) the following yet with slightly worse pavement. They chipsealed a big portion of it. Unless you are at the pointy end of racing and have your fit/cda very dialed in you aren't going to get dramatically faster simply because of a more aero bike.

The slower you are, the (nominally) larger time gain you will get from aero equipment. A better frame would be worth ~1:30-2:00 in a HIM.....if that's worth it depends on how much you care about lowering your time by that amount.

ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

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