Love it or hate it? Did you keep it or sell it? Just looking for some honest feedback. Their stack and reach numbers are right in the pocket for me. Looking at the 2011 model. Thank you in advance.
-J
I haven’t really seen any consumer reviews of the new SL. I have a 2010 Triad SP and l-o-v-e it. The 2011 SL looks to be an even better ride. I believe that it also has wider seat stays so it will work better with the newer wider rimmed racing wheels than the non-SL 2011 and 2010- models. If the geometry is a good fit then I don’t think you can go wrong with it. I also don’t think you will find better customer service (and I speak from experience) which was actually a huge selling point for me.
I rode a Blue for the 2010 season and can say it was a 100% upgrade from my Cervelo P2. While I have not ridden the 2011 version, I have seen it and know that tons of work went into it.
I am lucky enough to speak with Chance from time to time and the work they put into their brand is outstanding. I didn’t think it was going to be a huge difference switching bikes this past season, but it was and I am now hooked on the Brand. My point being, if a Blue fits you, buy it. Don’t look back because you will regret it.
Note: I am not sponsored by Blue, I just ride one.
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Love it or hate it? Did you keep it or sell it? Just looking for some honest feedback. Their stack and reach numbers are right in the pocket for me. Looking at the 2011 model. Thank you in advance.
-J
I had the 2010 SL. Liked the bike, hated the seatpost. In a size Large, for travel it’s a pain with the integrated seat post, and barely fits in a big bike box due to the inability to remove seat post. Also, it’s hard to find a saddle pouch/bag that fits with the aero seat post, but that’s a problem with other aero bikes too. 2 water bottle cages would have been nice too, if possible. The new 2011 I believe takes care of integrated seat post problem, as I believe it can be taken out. The aero brake is hard to adjust as well. Other than that, great bike… just wished Blue wouldn’t have turned down sponsoring me. I could have be a great ambassador to them ; ) and wouldn’t have had to get rid of it.
onboost91,
I haven’t really come across any reviews myself. Not that I’ve done my due diligence, but it’s definitely a nice looking rig and I know they offer wind tunnel testing. Hence, I’m sure they do considerable amount of testing on their frames. A double plus if you ask me. I did however notice that there is some considerable space between the seat tubes rear fairing and tire compared to other rigs. I’m not sure what kind of role this plays with aerodynamics if any, +/-. Thus the reason (among others) I’m looking to get some feedback from Blue SL owners. Thank you.
regards,
-J
marvarnett,
You seem to speak highly of a product you’re not sponsored by. Cool.
Sir, is there anyway you could elaborate a little more on the following: Key word “work”
“While I have not ridden the 2011 version, I have seen it and know that tons of work went into it.”
“I am lucky enough to speak with Chance from time to time and the work they put into their brand is outstanding.”
Thank you again for your time in advance.
-J
marvarnett,
You seem to speak highly of a product you’re not sponsored by. Cool.
Sir, is there anyway you could elaborate a little more on the following: Key word “work”
“While I have not ridden the 2011 version, I have seen it and know that tons of work went into it.”
“I am lucky enough to speak with Chance from time to time and the work they put into their brand is outstanding.”
Thank you again for your time in advance.
-J
J,
I saw one of the first 2011 models before Kona while Chance was out training in Atlanta. We spoke at length about what they did to change the bike and make it better for 2011. They listened to the feedback that people, pros and AGers, gave and used that to improve the bike.
He was eager to hear the small issues I had with my bike and each one I had, they had addressed already in the 2011 model. That’s why I say that they put a lot of work into it.
Does that answer your question?
Dan A.
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Love it or hate it? Did you keep it or sell it? Just looking for some honest feedback. Their stack and reach numbers are right in the pocket for me. Looking at the 2011 model. Thank you in advance.
-J
I had the 2010 SL. Liked the bike, hated the seatpost. In a size Large, for travel it’s a pain with the integrated seat post, and barely fits in a big bike box due to the inability to remove seat post. Also, it’s hard to find a saddle pouch/bag that fits with the aero seat post, but that’s a problem with other aero bikes too. 2 water bottle cages would have been nice too, if possible. The new 2011 I believe takes care of integrated seat post problem, as I believe it can be taken out. The aero brake is hard to adjust as well. Other than that, great bike… just wished Blue wouldn’t have turned down sponsoring me. I could have be a great ambassador to them ; ) and wouldn’t have had to get rid of it.
rundtuch22,
Thank you for chiming in. The seat post has been revised for 2011 and even if I did travel, I don’t think I’d have much of a problem as the size I’d be looking into is the XS, lol. I’m a short guy. However, I’m glad you pointed out the “2 water bottle cages”. I had to go visit their site again just to take a look. They only have one for the seat tube. Would’ve preferred it on the down tube myself as I love the speedfil bottle. Not a deal breaker though and you can’t please everyone. Again, glad you mentioned it.
As for sponsorship, I wouldn’t dare myself, but maybe Chance would be willing to sell me one under their “crash replacement policy” ; ) as my frame, not a Blue, is totaled. I believe he helped out a fellow member in the past with a similar situation…search required.
Respectfully,
-J
I did however notice that there is some considerable space between the seat tubes rear fairing and tire compared to other rigs
The 2010- and non SL 2011 Triad’s have horizontal dropouts but don’t have horizontal dropout screws like Cervelo’s and as a result don’t offer the ability to tuck the wheel as tightly into the fairing. I would guess that there is a slight aero advantage to a more tucked wheel but I am not sure how much. I have read lots complaints the Cervelo dropout screws so it might be a good thing that it doesn’t have them. With my training wheels and 23mm tires my 2010 has almost no gap. In fact if I don’t center the skewer exactly right I get rub since everything is so tight back there. There is a bit more gap with my Tri-Spokes and 20mm tires but I have not been concerned about it (thought admittedly I am currently still a MOP racer).
I am not sure if the revised seatstays on the 2011 SL increase that gap or not. Chance should probably be able to offer up some information since as noted Blue did lots of Tunnel testing on the new and old models.
Also the seatpost issue previously mentioned is definitely not an issue anymore since all 2011’s have adjustable seat posts. My 2010 SP has an adjustable seatpost as well and it is rock solid and has never come close to slipping (in fact the bracket that holds it in place fits so tight I usually have to use a rubber mallet to remove it). I would assume the revised 2011 seatpost is similar.
Send Chance an email. He’d be more than happy to hear from you.
Very much so as I was curious to know what you meant by “work”. Also nice to know that there is a company out there listening to our concerns and applying some of those ideas to better suit us…sweet. One other question. Any thoughts about the quality of their paint jobs? Thank you Dan.
regards,
-J
Would’ve preferred it on the down tube myself as I love the speedfil bottle
Lots of people who ride Triad’s run Speedfil bottles, including Chance, so don’t worry about this one. I run a Specialized Virtue aero-bottle and a horizontal bottle on the aero-bars. It is a good combo. The Virtue is great bottle.
Very much so as I was curious to know what you meant by “work”. Also nice to know that there is a company out there listening to our concerns and applying some of those ideas to better suit us…sweet. One other question. Any thoughts about the quality of their paint jobs? Thank you Dan.
regards,
-J
J,
I can only speak in my N=1 sample in regards to paint job. I do NOT take good care of my bike. I mean it gets thrown around the back of my car, rarely gets cleaned unless it’s a big race, etc. I have had no cracking, or even blemishes really that I can think of. Standard minimal cracking of the clear coat around the rear tire drop out because I am always changing wheels out. I put well over 5,000 miles on my Blue last year, if that helps.
Up close, I think the paint job is bad ass. I am not on the color choosing team for Blue, but I do find it coincidental that the colors chosen are those of both Georgia Tech (my Alma Mater) and UGa. Odd…perhaps. BUT…the quality of the paint job itself…top notch.
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Very timely info as I am headed to All3sports in Atlanta later this week to check out the Triad SL Di2 package they offer.
While this might make you scratch your head, I don’t particularly like the idea of a bottle sitting between the aero-bars. In my opinion it changes the aerodynamics some and for me this is a no-no. I’m by no means a strong cyclist, fair maybe and usually MOP. So every little detail is important in regards to placement of this or that. Possibly silly to think this way and not sure how much merit my logic holds, but…
I think when the time comes I just might e-mail Chance or maybe he will take the time to chime in here.
-J
By the way…link to Specialized Virtue aero-bottle? I’m curious. Thank you.
Originally from GA, I’d buy a Blue Triad SL if it wasn’t so damn expensive. Unfortunately, I can’t and won’t spend $5,000 - $6,000 on a bike.With the frameset at $3,800 it’s unfortunately out of my price range. Hey Blue, if you’re out there…
5000+ miles, wow!! Sounds like Blue likes to pay attention to detail from A-Z. I think I’ll take a look at one the next time I’m in San Antonio or Austin.
Sounds like most of what’s been posted on here has been positive. Keep 'em coming.
-J
a bottle sitting between the aero-bars. In my opinion it changes the aerodynamics
Actually the horizontal bottle zip tied between the bars doesn’t adversely affect the aerodynamics since it is hidden by your hands which are already in the wind. Also it is surprisingly easy to drink out of while still in the aero position. There must be a reason most of the aero-geeks and pro’s are positioning it this way…
Regarding the Virtue aero-bottle, just google it. Apparently Chance @ Blue was involved in it’s development. He recommended it to me and I think it works great.
Truth be told the bottle your speaking of completely slipped my mind. I was thinking of a different one altogether…hangs vertically inbetween the bars. Onboost92, you have been very insightful. Thank you. I’ll do a search and quite sure something will pop up. Cheers!!
-J
No problem. If you are considering an XS one thing you might want to think about is that I don’t believe the XS is available with 650c wheels. That may or may not be a problem for you.
My rig right now with the same stack and reach numbers as the Triad SL is also a 700c wheel bike. My Concern with the Blue is that it has a shorter wheelbase. Would hate to tip the front wheel by accident. Unlikely, but still…Murphys Law always at my heels, lol.
-J