Caymanskier wrote:
I'm in the market for a new tri bike. After a fit session it looks like the best bike to get more bike and less stem/extension would be a Felt B12 or B14 size 61. I like the looks of the B14 better than the B12. I'm not a bike geek so after some basics I dont know enough about mechanical/wheel options to understand some of the advantages. Looking for opinions on the upgrade from a B14 to a B12. For the extra $1000 I dont know if getting dura ace over ultegra and a different seat post is really worth it. Am I missing some important differences?
Thanks for any feedback.
You get more adjustable bars with the B12. If your fitter wasn't concerned about an extreme fit requirement get the B14 and save the cash.
The wind doesn't know what kind of derailleurs you have. If you aren't going with Di2, any new shifter and new derailleur are all going to function about the same. I should probably be a good salesman and push the up sell but if it were my money, I'd go with the B14 and start a Di2 fund for when you wear out the mechanical bits. Use the extra cash (assuming you have it) now to upgrade race tires/tubes, get a proper hydration set up sorted, and spend a winter's week someplace warm getting acquainted with the bike and a significant other. That'll be $1000 much better spent.
-SD