Another option you might not have considered, you can also go used and get a nicer bike for less money.

For a main brand bike- hard to beat Felt for 'bang for the buck'.

but isn't the BMC fit very different than the Felt? So- you'd fit on one, or the other, but not both?

I solved my Felt front brake problem by just sticking a big Torhans bottle in front of the front end. ;)

Isn't the BMC $5k?

I'd go with the BMC. Have you looked at Giant's? The Trinity's are nice.

I have a speed concept 9 with the integrated bars. To me they are great but they don't make the bike. I'd go for a 7 series Speed Concept and never look back.

Scott Plasma?

I recently had the same dilemma and same budget.

Ended up just barely over the 4k mark:

- new Felt B12 frameset
- SRAM force component group (new)
- SRAM TT900 carbon shifter upgrade and TT900 carbon brake levers
- ZIPP new Vuka base bar and carbon aerobar setup
- ZIPP 808/404 wheelset (slightly used, eBay purchase)

While the DA frame is newer generation, they do not offer the DA frame alone unless you want the full-on DA frame which is $5k alone. The 'off the shelf" basic DA (complete bike) was $3900 (in budget) but had lesser components than described above and heavier, basic wheels.

I 'spose I paid more money for arguably an older frame design but got better 'stuff' with it. And it is bad-ass.

Now if I could only get my fat sorry ass to find another 3 miles an hour through effort without trying to purchase it instead....

I forgot to mention, the main reason I did not buy the Speed Concept is because it says 'TREK' on the frame like 18 times. That's obnoxious to me.

You should read this thread:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...um.cgi?post=3879344;

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Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching
Insta

Just got my DA, absolutely in love with it. Aside from the wheels (which you can tell Felt made an honest effort to move them from "basic training wheel" to a entry level race wheel) it is a superb ride. I 'may' buy some new wheels soon, but considering more watts can be saved elsewhere I am not in a rush. The Metron shifters kick ass, super smooth and comfortable... and will definitely grab the attention of any passer-by-ers at your next race. I agree the standard front brake may seem a little behind, considering a lot of bikes are starting to come out with a covered version, but you have to keep it mind that the front brake has been situated on the front fork for years and years... and people continuously break bike records regardless.

But IMO, after being in the same dilemma as you for weeks and weeks, that the DA is best bang for your buck.

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But, he said I was an Ironman.

If it fits, our Kestrel 4000 with Ultegra or Sram Red should do nicely!

Used P3/P4 frame, with new Sram Red build and 3t/Hed aerobars.

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-- Aaron Davidson

Another vote for the DA...I recently bought a DA3 and love it. Coming from a 2010 Slice 5 it feels worlds better in terms of frame stiffness handling and ride quality. Great bang for the buck in the DA line. I wrote a review on my blog as well.

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My Stupid Blog
Gatorade EndurAlliance Ambassador

Great review!

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But, he said I was an Ironman.

Thanks, good luck on your search! Happy to answer any questions about the DA. Won my first TT on it this past weekend too. Definitely felt fast!

Oops, that was for the OP :) Glad you also like your DA too!

Thanks for all the advice, guys!

And, D'oh on my part, the BMC TM01 is $5000 as someone pointed out. I could have sworn the Ultegra version was $4000. Guess that's out as I don't have $1k of wiggle room in my budget.

So after doing some rides this week, I am really happy with the DA and think I'm going to go with that. However, I also like the Shiv Comp (after riding it, still not a huge fan of the fat downtube), which is $3300 and upgrading the front derailleur/crank to Force with TT chainrings would put me right where I want to be component-wise for not much extra.

Both the Shiv and the DA fit me well according to the shop. Is this just down to personal preference at this point? Supposedly the Shiv is a little more aero, but who really knows. I really do like the DA's metron shifters.

The Shiv and Felt have completely different fit points according to my fitter. That's why I went with the DA4- it's long and low. So far, it has been a great bike and I have no regrets getting it. It's a heck of a deal with the Dura-ace mix components.

I'm not 100% sold on the Metron shifters. They are ok, but can be a little more difficult to use when your hands are sweaty. Will probably go back to regular bar-end shifters on it.

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speedySTATES