I am new to the tri-community (8th week of training) and I have been researching for my upcoming bike purchase. I intend on using the bike for triathlons only so I am leaning towards picking up a tri bike. I have a couple of great tri-specific stores in the local area and I feel that they have been open and honest with me as I have sought help.
Here is where I you fellow twitchers can help me.
One of the sales reps told me that the Quintana Roo Kilo and Tequilo bikes have not moved at all this year. I asked why and his reply was that people come into the shop with a preconceived notion that they need a Caliente and don’t bother with the lower models because “a friend” rides a Caliente and it is the best. Now I could shell out the four grand for a bike, but at my level it makes no sense.
The sales rep claims that this is not a localized even and that is why we are seeing so many QR Kilos and Tequilos at low prices. He said that they asked QR if QR would take the bikes back. QR will not but are allowing the dealer to sell the Kilos and Tequilos on Ebay.
So If Tequilos and Kilos are not selling I need to know why. Is there something wrong with those models? I ask this because I can get a 2006 Tequilo for cost and a free fitting by a FIST certified person.
One more question. I have read on the forum that if I get an aluminum bike the resell value will plummet since carbon is the rage now. Should I think carbon?
Assuming the fit is good, I think that you’d be very happy with a Tequilo. There’s certainly nothing “wrong” with them, and no reason to stay away as far as I’m aware. Dan reviewed QR’s offerings here.
As a past and current owner of several Quintana Roo’s, I personally don’t think you’d be disappointed with a Tequilo. It is a fine bike but I think the best buy out there for the money is the '06 Seduza. Many dealers were blowing this bike out for around $2100. I own a Lucero and the Seduza is a Lucero in disguise. If you’d rather not have carbon then I’d say go for the Tequilo. Feel free to PM me with any further questions regarding the QR line. Good luck with your decision.
Mark
Just let me say first welcome! Thats a very common question comes up at least once a week. Use the search option on the top of the page. Also on the front page Slowman (aka Dan) has some good articles on bikes and related topics. I would give some suggestions but there will be more qualified people posting you…I hope. I can tell you they will want more info ex. what kind of racing do you plan on doing. wt. age, etc. As for the carbon thing it’s true carbon is the in thing and prices have dropped for carbon bikes. Do you need a carbon bike…I will let the others address it. Good luck.
The circumstances depicted to you by the party you described are factually incorrect. Specifically:
Delivery of some Quintana Roo models was later than expected due to delays at the manufacturing level. This delivery after the originally scheduled date put the bikes in the major dealers later than expected. This shortened their selling season and created a group of bikes arriving later than originally expected. These bikes are the ones we are seeing on dealer floors now.
It sounds like you’ve tried to do your homework and have done a fine job. It also sounds like you do have some good resources at your disposal local to you (despite this misinformation incident) for bike fitting.
The single best recommendation I can offer is to buy the bike that is most suited to your dimensions.
An optimally fitted bike with a good position will make *much more *difference in your ownership experience than the difference in frame materials or components.