Okay -- I thought I had picked a bike, but I'm having last-minute analysis paralysis. I'd appreciate opinions.
Firstly, here are the "starting point" coordinates from my well-respected, ST-approved fitter.
While I theory the lead-time on some of these bikes shouldn't matter, I'd kind of like to race it at IM 70.3 Indian Wells Dec 9th, so the sooner I get the bike the better.
Other facts about me:
5'11", 155 lb, mediocre cyclist (3.2 watt/kg), focus for next couple years will be HIM and Olympic distance to get faster before returning to full IM when I can confidently go <11hrs (and baby(s) is/are out of diapers)
Firstly, here are the "starting point" coordinates from my well-respected, ST-approved fitter.
Stack: 630mm (maybe slightly higher)Here are the bikes I'm debating between, and my pros/cons in order of priority:
Reach (to arm pad): 500 mm
Seat height with 165 cm cranks: 763 mm
Pad width 260mm
Arm Pad Drop -3 cm Will most likely be lower with the shorter cranks, a conservative starting point.
- BMC TimeMachine 01 One or Three (size ML w/ V cockpit, stack: 615-665, reach: 400-563)
- Fit: Seems to be the best on paper, but also the most adjustable
- Pros: Fit, easy to travel with (handlebars completely removable), brake booster technology, very good aero data; Model "Three" available now; Dealer network if I need parts/repairs
- Cons: Wheel-lockup recall issue (worried if my tire/wheel combo will fit, and just anxiety provoking), kind of ugly (especially V-cockpit); Model "One" (comes with wheels I want) not available until late-Sept but model "Three" immediately available
- Canyon Speedmax SLX 9.0 SL (size M, stack: 532-650, reach: 432-536)
- Fit: I'm near the high-end of stack range, reach perfect
- Pros: Looks sexy, comes with Zipp 858/454 wheels I'd keep, so no hassle of selling/buying new wheels; amazing reviews everywhere
- Cons: Stem not removable which is a PITA in travel and requires one of those bulky cases (I do 1-2 travel races per year); I've never used BTA hydration and am worried I won't like it and it's so integrated into bike; replacement parts availability reportedly not so great; no dealer network and my shop gives me a sideways glance when I bring in my Canyon Ultimate; the affordable $6.5K version is sold out until Nov/impossible to get, but the $10K superbike is available (but do I need it?)
- Canyon Speedmax SL 8.0 Di2 (size M, stack 605-692, reach: 467-492)
- Fit: Near bottom of stack range, so not much room to go lower if I get more flexible; need a 1cm longer stem to make reach work, which Canyon said they'd include for free
- Pros: Not a super-integrated super-bike so easier to life with and travel with; standard stem so can use aftermarket options if I want; half the price of above leaves budget for a new MTB (price not deciding factor, but it's hard to ignore here)
- Cons: Questionable fit on paper (but I could always return/exchange if it doesn't fit, and Cayon rep said I'm within the suggested spec) Not a super bike (will I feel like I'm "settling"), only the "Woman's" version is immediately available (everything exactly the same except wheels (which I'd sell) and color (which I kind of actually like better, but would it bother me that it's a "girl" bike)
While I theory the lead-time on some of these bikes shouldn't matter, I'd kind of like to race it at IM 70.3 Indian Wells Dec 9th, so the sooner I get the bike the better.
Other facts about me:
5'11", 155 lb, mediocre cyclist (3.2 watt/kg), focus for next couple years will be HIM and Olympic distance to get faster before returning to full IM when I can confidently go <11hrs (and baby(s) is/are out of diapers)
