Hi Folks - I’ll be buying a replacement used bike in the new year and wanted some advice on which models I should be considering. Here’s the associated details: I started Triathlon at the beginning of this year (2019) and purchased a used Giant TCR 2003 as my first road bike. It has been a
great bike, and if it weren’t for a couple of issues I’d keep it (that in itself is a long conversation so lets just leave that there).
I can only buy one bike and I’m looking for something I can train on, compete on, and go for recreational rides. And something that may suit me for the next 5 years or so. I’m looking to buy used, and my budget is under $2500 CAD. I’m also thinking no older than a 2015. My FTP is currently 180, so I know that the biggest performance improvement will come from me, so I’m not looking to ‘buy’ performance. But, I’m very much enjoying Triathlon and road biking in general, so I’d like something I can grow into without breaking the bank. And, I am a bit on the competitive side so I don’t want to buy a slug
So, based on my parameters, are there any recommendations on bike brand and model that I should be looking at? Any stand-out models from the last 5 years that make a good intermediate race bike?
Honestly, in that case I’d skip the used market and buy a new specialized allez sprint. Or try and find a used one with a power meter
Thanks for the comment Swimmer. Recommended retail on Allez Sprint Comp is $2,359.00. In BC I’ll pay 12% sales tax, so that becomes $2642.00. And for an aluminium bike.
Honestly, in that case I’d skip the used market and buy a new specialized allez sprint. Or try and find a used one with a power meter
Thanks for the comment Swimmer. Recommended retail on Allez Sprint Comp is $2,359.00. In BC I’ll pay 12% sales tax, so that becomes $2642.00. And for an aluminium bike.
I’m so far not convinced
I’d buy a 2015 Cervelo P2. I sold mine for $1200
That would leave you with enough for a power meter or indoor trainer
Fairly close to as fast as any bike out there IMO
Will easily last you 5 years +
I have approx 50,000 indoor and outdoor miles on n my 2013 Cervelo P2
If you don’t want a TT bike and ride on road an aero road bike is a good go to. I use a Giant Propel and it’s a fast bike, not expensive (I did get a 25% discount through my tri club which helped) and it can be fit as a tri bike with clip on tri bars if you like. Aero road bikes are aparently a harsher ride than an out and out road bike but if you’re moving up from an older aluminium bike like I did then it will still be an improved ride.
So, based on my parameters, are there any recommendations on bike brand and model that I should be looking at? Any stand-out models from the last 5 years that make a good intermediate race bike?
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
How about a Cervelo S3 Disc?
it has disc (good for resale in 5 years and braking, obviously), its aero and looks awesome in white.
Not sure what it will cost in in you country but a used entry level should be possible.
I can only buy one bike and I’m looking for something I can train on, compete on, and go for recreational rides… my budget is under $2500 CAD.
These look like your critical requirements.
Can train on - **TT **or Road bike, but TT bike best
Can compete on - **TT **or Road bike, but TT bike best
Can go for recreational rides - TT or **Road **bike, but Road bike way better
Under $2500 CAD - anything possible
If by “recreational ride” you mean group rides with lots of other people, I strongly recommend a road bike. You can ride a TT bike in group rides and Fondo-type events, but it pretty muck sucks.
An aero road bike would be ideal, and plan to budget for extensions to get you into the best TT position. The world is your oyster, because there are many options out there. Some of my favorites are the Specialized Venge, Felt AR, Canyon Aeroad, Cervelo S, and Trek Madone. Shop used, and find a max value bike.
The idea that carbon is better than alloy for a mid level road bike is outdated. Treks 300 alloy (denoted ALR in the line-up), Specialised E5/D’Aluisio frames and/or Cannondales C1 alloy (like CAAD13) are brilliant. Their are economic reasons no one is making a TT bike out of these tubesets but its not because they aren’t as good as most carbon frames. At the highest level carbon is still better but not in the your price range.
Someone recommended an Allez Sprint which is a great bike but I would go with a more standard used Allez, CAAD12, or Contend SL. These bikes are readily upgradeable and widely available used for a fraction of your budget. You can then buy wheels, an aero helmet, skin suit and the other things that will actually make you faster on a bike. At the same time you can keep an eye out on used TT bikes and can snag one that needs a bit of work for cheap. Any of your upgrades can then be swapped over to the TT bike. I honestly don’t see your budget being a problem here but its about how much time you have to spend sourcing everything.
Since you are looking at used you have lots of choices IMO in both carbon and aluminum frames. Just a few to mention, Trek Madone, Cannondale Supersix Evo, Cannondale CAAD12, Specialized Tarmac, etc. As for TT bikes the same applies…speedconcepts, Slices and P2/P3 all can be found in the price range. The component and/or wheels are going to be the distinguishing factors. Something to consider is looking at the frames you are interested in and determine when the model changed. I know you set 2015 and newer as the parameter, but you may find that a particular frame was made from 2014-2018, so the 2014 may save you money on the same bike, which will allow you to get some upgrade within the same budget. The great thing is bikes depreciate quick so great deals can be had in the used the market. This will be a fun project. Right now and and right after Christmas can be a great time to buy in the used market.
Get a used Giant TCR Advanced, a couple of years old.
Giant overbuild their carbon frames and are one of the few brands that I would reasonably trust to buy used. They are also one of the few that make their own frames. If you do buy used try to go local and have it inspected by a mechanic.
I’d recommend a TCR over a Propel. I have a Propel and all the proprietary features are simply not worth it, a PITA to maintain.
Here are a couple further thoughts for you. I imagine you will be riding much more and improving a lot on the bike in the next couple of years, as your nickname suggests. I was at exactly that stage about four years ago. Expect your position to change substantially as you progress. It is easy to outgrow the equipment you buy early on. I worked with a bike shop that anticipated this for me a little bit. I was able to take some extra spacing out of the steering tube after year one and had that tube cut down afterwards. I ended up lengthening the stem a little bit further in year two and raised/ swapped in a saddle that would have been more suitable as an implement of torture back in the beginning. Some of these changes could be done on any bike, but I think if I had bought a used high-end bike that was previously fit to a more expert rider, I’d have been looking at either higher cost to making changes or less scope for inevitable adjustments to position later on. A slightly less elite but more economically adjustable bike was actually better for my development and may be for yours as well.
Unless you’re expert I’d really recommend getting the bike fit by someone. There are lots of fast/ cool looking bikes out there, but the geometry varies and some brands may suit your body type better than others. I’m not knowledgeable enough to make specific recommendations, but I know I really benefited from a chat with the bike shop owner about my current level, goals, types of riding I was planning, etc.
Third thing: sounds like you are set on carbon, and I would be especially wary of buying used. I’m sure some people here will disagree as there are lots of resales from serious AG athletes or pros, but unless you know the history of what you are buying (ie buying from someone you know) it can be very difficult to spot flaws in a used carbon frame from past crashes etc. Counterfeit frames are an issue, especially on Craigslist type sales (search counterfeit road bike frames on Youtube and find horror stories). I have cracked and replaced a carbon fork on one of my bikes after losing an argument with a minivan. The hairline crack through the inside of the fork was barely visible in the shop with a good shop light and with more experienced people pointing it out to me. As a result I would only buy a carbon frame or wheels from a real vendor, or from someone who I know takes care of their stuff. I just don’t want to worry about frame failure on a fast descent.
You can afford new/ carbon frame at your budget without making too many compromises. Here in BC, MEC is selling a Ridley Helium right now at $2400 +5%, ultegra groupset. I don’t recommend doing this at MEC–it’s just for reference. I think your best bet this time of year is to visit a couple of shops that know bike fitting for roadies/ triathletes. Avoid the shop with Porche dealership decor because you are looking for good value. Let them know your budget and intentions. You may be able to get a last year floor model that works for you and build a relationship with a shop in the process. PM me If you’re in Vancouver and I can make a shop recommendation that I use.
Here are a couple further thoughts for you. I imagine you will be riding much more and improving a lot on the bike in the next couple of years, as your nickname suggests. I was at exactly that stage about four years ago. Expect your position to change substantially as you progress. It is easy to outgrow the equipment you buy early on. I worked with a bike shop that anticipated this for me a little bit. I was able to take some extra spacing out of the steering tube after year one and had that tube cut down afterwards. I ended up lengthening the stem a little bit further in year two and raised/ swapped in a saddle that would have been more suitable as an implement of torture back in the beginning. Some of these changes could be done on any bike, but I think if I had bought a used high-end bike that was previously fit to a more expert rider, I’d have been looking at either higher cost to making changes or less scope for inevitable adjustments to position later on. A slightly less elite but more economically adjustable bike was actually better for my development and may be for yours as well.
Unless you’re expert I’d really recommend getting the bike fit by someone. There are lots of fast/ cool looking bikes out there, but the geometry varies and some brands may suit your body type better than others. I’m not knowledgeable enough to make specific recommendations, but I know I really benefited from a chat with the bike shop owner about my current level, goals, types of riding I was planning, etc.
Third thing: sounds like you are set on carbon, and I would be especially wary of buying used. I’m sure some people here will disagree as there are lots of resales from serious AG athletes or pros, but unless you know the history of what you are buying (ie buying from someone you know) it can be very difficult to spot flaws in a used carbon frame from past crashes etc. Counterfeit frames are an issue, especially on Craigslist type sales (search counterfeit road bike frames on Youtube and find horror stories). I have cracked and replaced a carbon fork on one of my bikes after losing an argument with a minivan. The hairline crack through the inside of the fork was barely visible in the shop with a good shop light and with more experienced people pointing it out to me. As a result I would only buy a carbon frame or wheels from a real vendor, or from someone who I know takes care of their stuff. I just don’t want to worry about frame failure on a fast descent.
You can afford new/ carbon frame at your budget without making too many compromises. Here in BC, MEC is selling a Ridley Helium right now at $2400 +5%, ultegra groupset. I don’t recommend doing this at MEC–it’s just for reference. I think your best bet this time of year is to visit a couple of shops that know bike fitting for roadies/ triathletes. Avoid the shop with Porche dealership decor because you are looking for good value. Let them know your budget and intentions. You may be able to get a last year floor model that works for you and build a relationship with a shop in the process. PM me If you’re in Vancouver and I can make a shop recommendation that I use.
Thanks for the thoughtful comments. A lot of this rings true to me. And yes, I saw the Ridley Helium and thought a floor model might be a possibility.
Agree, that getting a good fit is super important and might sway things towards buy new rather than used.
I’m not really set on carbon, I just want a good bike that can be competitive and will last me.
I’m in Kelowna.
