I think I’m going to buy a new tri bike. I’ve been doing tris since 2001 and I’ve never had a really good bike, one that I’ve been professionally fitted for and all that. I live in southern Georgia and I was looking at the Atlanta area as the placed I’d start my search. My initial reaction was to head to All3Sports; however, they don’t seem to have a big selection of tri bikes, certainly not what they used to have. My only real requirement is a FIST fitter but I would like a fairly decent selection if possible. I know “Atlanta” encompasses a pretty big area. So tell me about the shops up there. My budget is in that popular $3500 range, give or take.
Hi Robert, All3Sports and Podium Multisports are both owned by Matt Cole.
Although the web site does not show it we are dealers for Cervelo,BMC,Orbea ,Felt and Parlee.
We use a Rutel fit bike and Guru fit bike for fits and have 3 F.I.S.T. Fitters for two locations.
PM with me with any questions and scheduling a fit.
Schedule a visit with Matt, you will not regret it. He’s been in the tri/bike business for years and has fit thousands of people, so he knows his stuff. On top of that, he uses a Guru fit machine, so he can get your position as aero and optimized as possible. Definitely smart to do the fit before purchase, especially for a tri bike.
Matt Cole at Podium fit me - nothing but positive things to say. He uses Guru ( i think its that bike) as a fit system - takes lots of time and a second follow up to dial it after (no additional cost)
Matt Cole at Podium fit me - nothing but positive things to say. He uses Guru ( i think its that bike) as a fit system - takes lots of time and a second follow up to dial it after (no additional cost)
I had some video that was taken by Matt at the time - I dont have it saved anymore. I actually should have video from last weekend (the group i was with had a bunch of cameras with us) I will see if any has been uploaded yet.
I thought there was a relationship between Podium and All3 but I wasn’t sure. I’ve never done much with racing/riding in the Atlanta area; I’m much closer to Jacksonville, Fla., and that’s where I do most of my races. I’m in a bike fit/bike shop wasteland, however, and I’ve always been impressed with All3. A couple of my friends got fitted and bought bikes there a few years ago. My first inclination was to go to All3 but the web site looks pretty sparse compared to what it used to. Had I not decided to seek input on the forum, I’d likely have gone somewhere else. I was hoping that the triathlon downturn hadn’t hit All3 like it has several other prominent retailers. At any rate, I’ll give you guys a call when I’m ready, which will be soon. I may be in the Atlanta area on Feb. 9 and that might be a good time to do something.
My buddy in Statesboro comes up to Atlanta to get fitted by Matt. I can promise you he’s one of the best in the business. Guy really knows his stuff. His mechanic is good too. Only guy I’ll let work on my crap of a bike (P4) lol.
They don’t have the selection like they used, but who does. It almost caused the last owners just to close up shop and walk away. Even if you do nothing other than go in to the store, they always love to just talk shop.
And if the weather is nice, drive over to the silver comet and do some riding out there. It goes all the way into Alabama.
So All3 has changed hands? Like I said, though in Georgia I’m not really a part of the Atlanta tri scene. But, in looking at the Web site, it appeared as though something had happened.
Matt Cole started working at All3 many years ago and became their fitter. He left and started Podium. Years later, the owner of All3 wanted to sell out to move out of state. Matt bought it.
Both stores web inventory is a fraction of what they have in stock on the floor.
Yeah, around the end of 2016 Matt Cole stepped in and acquired the company. He now owns Podium and All3. Great vibe and super nice people. It’s definitely not like a roadie store. I drive past 3-4 bike shops to take my bike there.
Another vote for Matt and his folks up at All3. Got one last fall with new bike. Had been riding a smaller bike bought off craiglist…too uncomfy for aging less flexible body. Got seat right for the boys. Been doing tris since 1986… thought I could do it myself…wrong!
Been doing Bfastris in ponte vedra since 2003 off and on. Jax tri series moving to downtown J’ville. Any opinion? I might tri it.
BFAST #2 was the first tri I ever did way back in 2001. I did several races in that series throughout the years. However, it’s been quite a while since I did one of those. Is it still going on? I didn’t really like the Mickler’s Landing site. The races grew so much that parking became a huge hassle.I don’t remember what year I did my last one but it was probably 2010 or so.
The Jax series – that’s the one that I enjoy. My family owns a condo about five miles from the place it’s been held over the last several years. In fact, the bike course went right by our place. They’re moving it this year because DRC says the races have outgrown the venue. That’s probably true; parking there can be a nightmare as well.
For convenience, I’d like to see it stay in Fernandina. However, I’m intrigued by the new location in downtown Jacksonville. I’mg going to sign up for the whole series this year. I can imagine a really fast swim in the river. Of course the bike and run will be flat and fast. I kind of like that area of Jacksonville; it’s along portions of the River Run route and I think it will be an interesting route. It won’t be as convenient as the Fernandina Beach location but it won’t be bad. I really like DRC races anyway. They come up into South Georgia and put a few on close to home and they do a pretty good job. The Jax series is big, though, and you’ll have the usual problems associated with hundreds of riders on a short, flat course. (I say it will be flat. Organizers could send us over one of the various large bridges around downtown that would break up the pack and add an interesting element to the race.)
I like the Jax races. I’d recommend them to anyone.