Blade or tiphoon

Triathlon Forum
1

I finally got fitted at my LBS. My choices are a 57cm Tiphoon, or a 55cm Blade (fitting based on TT length 55.5 vs 55).

I can’t decide. Blade is lighter, and is steeper. Tiphoon has a more relaxed front end and feels less twitchy… The other factor is the HT length. The Blade would only allow me to go 1cm lower than current set up but the Tiphoon may start with 3cm of spacers (too much?) but I have more scope to get lower in future.

Any thoughts?

Herbert - do you have a view??

Thanks

2

c’mon guys help me here
.

3

what kind of training miles do you plan on putting in on the new bike. Also, what distances are you planning on racing with this new Ti stealth weapon?

I think both are very excellent choices but the type of racing you plan on doing might help to swing the vote a bit one way or another.

4

I decided in the fall of last year between a 59cm Tiphoon and a 57cm Blade and I chose the Blade for myself because I like a faster handling bike. The Tiphoon with the slightly slacker head angle handles a bit more easily, but that was never an issue for me. (My background is racing mountain bikes professionally)
As for the ride, Michael Lovato told me at the Timex training camp that he feels both bikes ride very similar and that he likes both. (He won Coeur D’Alene on a Blade and was 5th at Ralphs on his Tiphoon)
But that doesn’t help you more :slight_smile:
My recommendation for you though is that if you really think that eventually you’d like to get really low, go with the Tiphoon. (On my size that was not an issue)
Around one inch worth of spacers is generally accepted as safe with most carbon steerer forks, so you could play with how low you’d like to get.
Cheers,
Herbert
Litespeed /QR

5

Mike - planning on doing IM races - so lots of miles. not really interested in oly races any more!

6

Herbert,

I am getting ready to get a Tiphoon and could go with a 57cm or 59cm (if only you made a 58cm). My local bike shop does not have one in stock and is ordering a 57cm. I am long in the legs and short in the torso. You said you would ride a 59cm Tiphoon. If you don’t mind me asking what is your height/inseam/torso?

Thanks,

Tommy

7

As long as you are not asking for other measurements I won’t mind giving you that info. :slight_smile:
I am almost 6’2" and have a 34" inseam and have my seat a bit closer to a 76 degree angle.
I hope this helps.
Herbert
Litespeed/QR

8

for me (just my own personal opinion) for shorter races, I like to go low and steep. For longer races I tend to set up a little less steep and a bit higher on the front end. This is more for comfort than anything else since I don’t have great lower back flexibility. Since you are doing primarily Ironman racing, the bike that meets these criteria best would be my choice, the one that is a bit less steep and not quite as low. Your ride charactoristics might be different from mine though, you may have great flexibility and could handle an aggressive low position all day long and still be able to output good wattage.

9

Herbert,

I am about the same size as you. I am 6’ 1 but my inseam is about 35". Do you think from what little information you have I would do better on a 57cm or a 59cm Tiphoon? I can get a 59cm now but think I will have to wait till May 1st for a 57cm. I want my Tiphoon yesterday but also want the best size for me.

Thanks,

Tommy

10

thanks mike. that’s kind of the problem. Tiphoon = less steep, maybe better for IM races but I might end up with 3cm of spacers. The Blade is steeper and more twitchy but I’ll only have 1cm of spacers (max)… Blade fits nicely thought

11

Strange!

Why do all you tall guys ride such tiny bikes? I’m also about 6’1’’ tall and ride a 59cm Blade. And I’m sure that this is the right size for me.

Frank

12

I’m 6’1" and have a 59cm Tiphoon, interestingly it actually measures 57cm in the seat tube, although luckily was still the advertised 57cm in the top tube.

13

From your post it looks like you’re set on going Ti. Have you looked at the Guru Ti? http://www.gurubikes.com/index2.htm

Same pricepoint range, nicer look in my opinion.

14

I personally prefer smaller bikes and that works for me. It is tough though to give you an accurate response regarding a perfect size for you without seeing you on your bike and understanding how you like to ride. However, if I had your measurements, I’d go with a 59cm Tiphoon.
Herbert
Litespeed/QR

15

Wow, first of all, it sounds like your LBS gave you a good fitting. That’s good. You have a sense of all the important dimensions in play- good job.

The Tiphoon is a killer bike. I love the ride quality and how “ballsy” it is built. Climbs nice, super durable and plenty comfortable enough. It is also a bike that will last your forever.

The new Blade however, well, that is arguably the most advanced Ti triathlon bike around. The new version is highly refined and the product of many generations and versions of the Blade. Aside from the more advanced design of the Blade, it also sounds like you could get a more performance oriented position on the Blade.

Both bikes are awesome- its lie a choice between Mercedes and BMW. In this case, provided you can get your best position on it, I have wanted one of those new Blades since it came out… But then again, I also want a Tiphoon too!