I am looking forward to my second season of triathlon racing. So far I have done one sprint and one Olympic on my current bike, an older Campy 8 speed equipped, steel Gios with a set of Profile clip-ons and an Arione Tri saddle with the rails all the way forward. Although I have been running, non-competitively, for years and only started riding in July, the bike portion has become my strongest. (Finished the bike 146/721 in my Oly.) SO, I am looking to optimize my strength by getting a real tri-bike for Spring. (It’s also the most fun to train the bike.)
My question is: what bike will give me the greatest speed increase in my races, lightest weight, and overall best bang for the buck, for around $2500., including some decent race wheels?
In the coming season, I will definitely be doing at least a couple of Oly’s, and a couple of halfs, as well. (assuming I stay injury free!) I’m going to keep my Gios, so I can continue to train on that most of the time, if needs be and for any group rides. For now, let’s assume fit being equal, which I know it’s not!
FWIW, I really like the road feel of my steel Gios, albeit I think I can handle a rather more aggressive riding position.
Should I buy 2006 now? Wait for 2007 and the advancements that might (or might not) help? Maybe buy used? Aluminum? Carbon? Titanium? (Maybe the latter two might have to be used)
also, you might want to look at the felt s32. felts are great ( i have one) and are definately the best bang for buck bike. the 07 s22 has dura ace and a carbon fiber rear end for just under $2000.
The Best deal on the market at this time is the Planet X Stealth pro carbon. It s a top of the line triathlon/TT carbon bike and as a 76 degres angle so not so far from your road bike geometry. They are from UK and just getting on the market in the US. Same bike rideen by Gordo and Spencer Smith
The bike
Stealth Pro Carbon Frame short head tube, rear wheel cut out!!!
Stealth Full Carbon TT Bars
All Carbon Aero Fork
All Carbon Aero Seatpost
Carbon Brake Levers
Dura Ace Bar End Shifters
you can spec or change anything you want on it, ship to usa for about 2500$. there is also the same version but build with shimano 105 for 2000$. It s truly a top of the line triathlon bike but whitout the extra 2000$ that most big company charge for the equivalent.
to get in touch with them andy@planet-x-bikes.com they are super nice and quick to answer!!!
I second someone else’s rec…IF and only IF you know what size you need. You can find SCREAMING deals on ebay. I’ve bought 5 bikes on ebay and the nice thing about tri/tt bikes is that oftentimes they are not the primary bike that gets used so they don’t have a ton of miles or use on them. Again, this only works if you know what size you need.
On another note, I won a Felt B2 off ebay and like others have said, lots of bang for the buck. I got a 10spd DA bike for under $1300 and a Renn disc for $200 (not a lot of action on these two auctions as the bike and disc are 650c and it seems like no one wants these anymore). Now I just gotta get off my arse and go ride
Don’t forget Quintana Roo: Tequilo (alu.) or Seduza (all carbon): You might still be able to pick up a complete 2006 Tequilo for $1800-$2,000 on sale or a Seduza for $2100-$2500 on sale.
Agreed, those two bikes are likley the absolute best value out there on the market. Yes, not full carbon, but bikes like this were winning TT stages in Grand tours and big IM races only a couple of years ago. How much bike do you need?
I like the Planet X, full carbon for $1964 in 105 and 2230 for Ultegra and they are having a special Slowtwitch promotion: a Dura Ace equipped bike for $2499. Shipping to the US is only $30.
Here is a shameless plug for one of our new bikes, RMS Sparrow, 105 10 speed or better, vision aerobars, oversized 3/2.5Ti tubes, Terry fly or Butterfly saddle, Thompson seat post, Michelin Pro Race2 Tires, Fulcrum 7 wheelset and lots more. $1995.00. Check us out at rmstriathlon.com . This is our least expensive model of three. I raced the same frame all last year and had my best year yet.
