I am looking upgrade my bike. Currently I ride an entry level roadbike but I am wanting to move up to a mid-level tribike so I can at be more competitive in that leg of the race. I’ve shopped around locally, and I have access to Specialized, Trek, and Cannondale. I’m looking to spend 3-4 thousand. The Specialized Transtion Expert, Cannondale Slice 3, and Trek Equinox TTX 9.5 all fall within that range. All come with an Ultegra/Dura-ace setup I believe. I was also looking at the Equinox 9.9 which is higher end than the others, it comes with SRAM Force and a wheel upgrade and between the 3 brands it is the cheapest jump to the next level between the bikes (moves from $3600 - $4600 as opposed to moving up to over $5000). Can anyone give me some advice on these bikes, anyone own them or ridden them? Is the jump from Ultegra to SRAM Force worth getting the Equinox 9.9? Thanks.
Given the few bits of aero data we get on the various bikes, I think the trek or specialized would be the quickest, and similarly so from an aero perspective.
So aside from that would be getting the one of those that fits you best.
It depends. If you get the Slice, will you adorn the speedo?
Nick, sorry if it’s not the answer you’re looking for, but any pressing reason for those bikes in particular? You could get a sweet sweet setup for 4k including power and raceday aero goodies if you expanded your scope a little…that’ll make more difference to your bike splits & efficiency than a simple “upgrade” to the factory-spec’d bikes mentioned.
Those bikes are just what I have local access to. I was thinking of trying to stay local for convenience sake, but I live fairely close to a large city with much more variety and would be willing to make the trip. What kind of set up could I find for 4K that would include what you mentioned? Thanks.
Given those choices its hard for me not go with the Specialized. That said, I wouldn’t narrow my search to a local business. I bought my setup online and saved all kinds of money. Plus, if you’re willing to go the used route, you’ll get wayyy more bike for the $$.
There are merits to staying local, however if you really want best bang for buck, power & aero is what you want with that budget (disclaimer: I don’t have that budget, therefore no power for me 
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If I were in your shoes I’d hang a decent groupset (what do you currently have?) on a P1 or old stock/used P2, carbon Felt, generic Taiwanese (P-X, Beyond, etc) etc frame with a powertap and solid wheels, train my ass off and slap on the cheap aero upgrades (helmet, wheel cover) for raceday…if only 
Forgot to add, walking into your local shop and buying an off-the-rack OEM bike is certainly the easiest option, but I think you’ll find the process of finding the best frame to suit your position and customising the parts spec to your liking is so much more rewarding…you can get a hell of a bike for your budget this way, but it’ll take some research and patience finding the best deals.
I see. Currently I have a 105/Ultegra combo, Mavik Aksium wheels. Finding a P1 or P2 wouldn’t be too hard I imagine, there are a couple cervelo dealers near here. Aero really is my first concern though. I don’t have an aeroframe at all really (Norco CRD, entry level road bike) and do not have “real” aerobars either just some clip-ons. For power I just have a standard speed/distance travelled/time device.