Would love to hear your opinions on the above. Right now, I’m thinking about: Cervelo Dual, Felt S25, QR Kilo. I’ve read a bunch of reviews but would really appreciate any input from you guys who have any of the above or mabye have even compared them.
I’d also appreciate any thoughts on a different bike in this category that you think should be considered.
Lastly, I see that the Dual comes in two versions, the 9spd and 10spd and it seems like there may be some other modifications. Can someone explain what all the differences are and voice whether they’re worth the extra $200?
I assume you aim to buy new, so if your budget could stand $100 more the p2k would be in your range. Check out the usual sustpects to learn about the Dual and Dual 10, cervelo’s site, Tom’s site. Its more than just the 10sp cassette. $200 more? Up to you.
That’s a good question! I really don’t know. I’ve been on the Felt and Cervelo but not the QR. Both felt pretty good. But I’m really new to this whole triathlon thing, so my opinion is a pretty uneducated one and I’m hoping y’all can provide some more insight and long-term pros/cons than what I got from a ride around the block.
Hmmm,
I probably wouldn’t pay full price for the Felt s25. It does have better derailers, but I’m not a big fan of the aerobars, or the rest of the parts spec for that matter. (It is probably the lightest of the bunch, though.)
I second the nod for looking at the Tequilo for two grand it packs quite a punch. It’s got a true full aero frame with carbon aero seatstays. The Specs are good, and the paint is decent.
The Cervelo Dual is also a nice ride, it doesn’t have the wheel cut-out or the carbon aero seatstays, but it is still a high quality frame. I’d say the component specs are pretty darn close, and the paint is also decent.
If you have ridden the Cervelo, and have no way of seeing a qr in person, I’d say go with the bike you can test ride/get fitted on before you buy. If you have another dealer who sells QR or some other bikes, drop by for a visit. At this price point, all of the bikes are pretty close together, the other question you need to ask your self, is do you have a favorite bike shop? A slightly lesser bike with great service is better than a top-of-the-line machine with crappy lbs.
If I was looking for a bike and didn’t want to pay more than $2000, I would look at getting a used one. I have found some amazing deals from reputable people on ebay.
Bikes that are a couple of years old that had great reviews (like Trek Hilo’s) can be had for as little as $400. You could pick up one of those then buy some Dura-Ace components off of ebay and you would have yourself an amazing bike and an extra groupo (from the bike you bought) which you could save for a rain bike. You would even have money left over for some great wheels.
I have last year’s 9sp Ultegra S25, love it, love the much malighned aero bars, love the wheels, and love the frame, I even love the Selle Italia Trimatic seat which hasn’t got many fans and they have changed this year. I go 225 and have been very comfortable on it. The only spec I have any problems with are the brakes but that seems to be a common issue. This is my first road bike so I don’t have much to compare it to but for a first bike I love it.
On a serious note, it shouldn’t be a problem, but for me it is, I got mine 9 (silver and black) on closeout instead of going with the 05 becuase I couldn’t ride a yellow bike.
nycowl, check out Slowman’s review of the Dual under the tribike review section of the main Slowtwitch site. He explains the diff btwn the 9 sp & 10 sp. Also check his quote re: “There are bikes in the front Pro men’s back @ Kona that are not as good as the Dual.”
I have a 2004 Dual and I love it. It’s light, responsive, and it fits me very well. IMO it’s an amazingly comfortable ride for aluminum even over long distances. I did 3 half’s last year and did 2 PR bike splits on the same training that I had done on a different aluminum road bike to remain nameless (but w/ Easton 7005 series frame) in the previous 2 years.
Another question to ask yourself is, do I want to ride steep and spin a high cadence to save my legs for running (which might be your strength) or am I looking for my best split to be on my bike, and I want to ride a slacker seat position to push bigger gears at a lower cadence (let the argument commence)? This could influence what type of position you’re going for, and one of these bikes might be better than another for the particular position you’re trying to ride. I like to ride steep and spin a high cadence to save my legs for the run, and the Dual is great for that for me. I have the seatpost flipped around and the saddle well forward; not sure of the exact seat angle, but it is steep and my LBS measured everything up for me to make sure I was well fit everywhere else for that seat angle.
not sure if that helps, but that’s my story and i’m sticking to it.
I used to ride a QR Tequillo and it was a good buy for under $2000.00. However, I have since switched to a carbon fiber bike and it makes a huge difference. I bought my wife a Giant carbon fiber road bike and it came to less than $2000 including the shoes, computer and pedals. I would think a Giant carbon fiber bike with clip-ons is a better buy than an aluminum tri-bike. (But by no means am I a bike expert).
Thanks. I probably should have changed my post. I’m really looking to spend in the $1600 type range, but definitely stay comfortably under $2000. Noticed your site; what would be your thoughts in that range?
That’s a good suggestion. Do you have some thoughts on what sort of bike (say 1-2 yrs old) I could expect to get in the $1500-1800 range? Or what a reasonable discount off original list I should be looking for? I have no idea what a “good deal” is with bikes.
That’s tremendously helpful. especially you comment about the high/low cadence. My goal is to basically stay “in” the race during the swim and bike and then take off during the run which is by far my strongest sport. Sounds like the Cervelo would work well for me.
You’ll have to excuse the newbie question, but high cadence means exactly what ?
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of those bikes. However, the intangible is how well the geometry suits your dimensions. Personally, I ride an older 57cm Kilo with 650 wheels and love it. I’ve ridden several different bikes, but the Kilo happens to suit my dimensions the best. Even though the kit on it is cheaper than the other two, the Kilo rides best for me. Also, I think if you are looking for value under $2K, Guru cron’alu and Cannondale IM 800’s are worth consideration, too.
Get fitted prior to getting your bike. Have someone take your measurement and bring the spec sheets for 3 or 4 manufactures with you for specific models. The fitter will then tell what size you need.
This way you can call around to a few LBS (local bike stores) and see if they have anything left over from last season or when you are bidding on ebay (or any local site) you know you are buying the correct size. The fitter may tell you certains models will fit you better than others.
As far as parts spec goes, everything on all of those bikes will work just fine. The QR and Cervelo use a better overall drivetrain (derailurs, cassete, cranks, ect…) While the Felt uses Dura-ace Derailures (the best) and lesser parts elsewhere.
The Profile Aerolite aerobars that come on the Felt were nice when they came out, quite a few years ago, but now they are neither aero or lite. They are pretty adjustable, though. Personally, I just don’t like them.
I like the wheels on the QR and Cervelo better.
A wheel cut-out is used for aerodynamics, you try and hide the wheel as close to the seatube as you can so it blocks more airflow (less drag, but not a big deal.)
I think the QR might be a bit more comfortable, but I haven’t ridden either, so I can’t say for sure.
All three bikes use steeper geometry, so you ride farther forward with a faster cadence (spin the pedals faster.)
I am probably not the best person to ask because the other bike fanatics on here could advise you better. I ride a Trek Hilo 2000 and I like it. I have seen them on ebay for under $400 (hard to believe). New they were over $2000. I believe Dan gave it a pretty good review.
For the price you are mentioning ($1500-$1800) you should be able to get something pretty smokin’.
IMO, I would look at a bike 3 or so years old. People may disagree, but I have seen very few changes in design that warrant buying a bike newer than this. You will save a ton of money by getting something a few years old.