So, I am beginning to look at buying my first tri bike. Up until now I have been an adventure racing, mountain bike riding, 10k running (36:12) kayaker. I have never done a triathlon, the first one that I am registered for is lifetime fitness next year in Minneapolis. I am lacking a triathlon bike, I don’t want a road bike, because I do want to be as fast as possible and I will concentrate only on triathlons. I probably won’t buy until after the new year. I am in Northern Minnesota and it will probably be a little dicey until spring as far as riding outdoors. I would like to spend $3500 +/- $500 for a bike that is tough and will last, and won’t leave me wanting any upgrades anytime soon. If you are willing, could some of you experts give me your honest recommendation on bikes that are worth a serious look in that price range. I am 6’4" and 180lbs. I am properly proportioned. “don’t have extra long legs or anything”.
I’m in a similar situation, on my short list are the Guru Trilite, Felt B2 and Cervelo P2C - all can be had for right around that $3500 mark. I’m also considering the QRoo Tequilo but it will most likely come down between the Trilite, B2 and P2C; the Trilite is the only one out of the 3 that is not a full carbon frame but it is fully customized and that geometry may be worth more than the added weight. Research and testing will tell.
I expect you’ve heard it before, but how about the one that fits the best? The one that most easily permits you to get into your optimum position? That’s the position that balances aerodynamics, sustained power output and breathing for your optimum performance on the bike.
I know, that’s not as “sexy” as getting the “best” bike as far as 2007 Triathlete Magazine Annual Buyer’s Guide identifies the “best” bike of 2007. Or the “best?” at Kona or IMOO or IMC or ST.
But what the hey, you can always put it up for sale on Ebay and buy the best bike for 2008, and then do it again for 2009 and again for 2010, etc., etc., etc.
At least you will get to ride a lot of different bikes.
I hav to agree here, for $3.5K you cannot buy a bad bike, so find the one that fits you properly, andthat will be the fastestbike for you. That being said I’m a big beliver in a Ti bike. Look at Litespeed, lynsky, QR, roark, etc.
Don’t forget to save some dough for a set of race wheels,all th coo kids hae them.
Buy 3 $1099 Motobecane Le Champ SL bikes from Bikes Direct. Give 2 away. Karma will eventually get you something in return.
Seriously though, although you think that you only want a tri bike, it really would be better to buy a road bike and put some shorty bars on it. Or get a Cervelo Soloist or something like that which works for dual duty. A Soloist team plus some race wheels (H3 and wheel cover) and an aero helmet can easily be done for under $3500 and would be as fast as just about anything out there.
You would be faster if you bought a Cervelo P2Sl (comes with Dura Ace components- great value), sweet race wheels and an aero helmet. But I’m biased. I have a deep love affair with my P2Sl
hmmm, lots of Cervelo. Apparantly, I must check out Cervelo. ok, thanks!
I absolutley love this forum, I am quickly sponging up all that is offered in many of the posts on this forum. I am even starting to form my own opinions. haha. “mostly about some of the posters” Only problem is that since I am a total newbie, I have no idea if what I am absorbing is good info or not. Experiance will help that.
"I hav to agree here, for $3.5K you cannot buy a bad bike, so find the one that fits you properly, andthat will be the fastestbike for you. That being said I’m a big beliver in a Ti bike. Look at Litespeed, lynsky, QR, roark, etc. "
don’t some bikes in that price range have some small quirks ?
ie seat post clamp problems or screw trouble in the rear dropouts ?
some bikes might be less headaches
one question for you about ti bikes
do they have a higher resale value then carbon ???
Is the ride different between the P2C and P2SL? What about a comparison of the P2SL and the Guru Trilite or the P2C to the Felt B2 - from my research those are the best in this price category.
Unless, you can get a great deal, keep in mind fit is very important.
I am not sure what you already have but in addition to the bike, you may need helment, pedals, shoes, etc… (& tax) which adds up rapidly.
I’d say go with something in the $2000 - $2500 range and splurge on a good pair of race wheels, like HED3’s or 909’s. I don’t think that the first tribike you buy should be the be-all and end all, simply because you may find a year or 2 down the road that your fit requirements are different than what you originally thought.
The P2SL is a great bike, but don’t discount Cannondale or Trek.
I would recommmend the Guru Trilite. I love mine. Optimum positioning is priceless. I never worry about my seatpost being too high, or if Im getting the most power possible from each pedal stroke. I know I am! Because my bike was built according to my body. That positioning is also going to keep me from wanting to upgrade anytime soon, because body position is the single biggest factor in going fast, not the latest hidden rear brake or whatever. Not being all carbon is not a big deal, I have a great position that keeps me as comfortable as any extra carbon could. My 2 cents
