I am in the market for a new tri bike. I’ve been riding a 56cm Felt S22 from 06. I am interested in either the new felt b12 after reading Tom’s review or a good deal from my LBS on the 2008 felt b12. The LBS had the 08’ for $2200, so not a bad price. I test rode the 08’ but I am not a fan of the T2 aero bars. I like a ski bend at the end, the design on the T2 really hurt my wrist. So with the extra money I can buy new aero bars and put the rest towards wheels. Or is it a better idea to just go with the 09’ and save for wheels next year? Also, does anyone know if the T2’s on the 08’ are just clip on’s, so all I would have to replace them with is other clip on’s or would I need to buy the whole base bar setup? Any input it appreciated and thanks in advance.
Personally I’d go with the 2008. You’re talking about a $1000 difference in price.
You don’t actually have to change out the whole bars, you could just get ski bend extensions for probably $50 from Oval Concepts.
Tom talks a lot about the 09 being a better frame than the 08, but as far as I can tell it’s the same HM frame. I have a feeling when he talks about the frame being stiffer in 09 it’s due to the Aluminum steerer tube fork, whereas the 08 has a carbon steer tube.
Because of the carbon steer tube fork, and a few other details, the 08 is almost a pound lighter.
Here is my thought -
2008 - $2200
Ultegra Crankset - $250
Vision Basebar and new extensions for the T2s - $150
You’ve upgraded the 2 areas that are lesser on the 2008 B12, and are still saving a few hundred over the 2009 and you have the all carbon fork.
Might want to call around and see if you can get any deals on the 09…I got a great one.
What kind of a price did you get on the '09? I’m looking to jump in that direction, but the price point still doesn’t add up ($3000 even). From the LBS I’ll be dealing with, I can actually get an '08 B2 (not B12) for only $100 more than the '09 B12 (granted it’s been built and on the shop floor for 12 months). The best hand I can play is to talk down the base price by leveraging the ST discounts at online retailers.
Personally I’d go with the 2008. You’re talking about a $1000 difference in price.
You don’t actually have to change out the whole bars, you could just get ski bend extensions for probably $50 from Oval Concepts.
Tom talks a lot about the 09 being a better frame than the 08, but as far as I can tell it’s the same HM frame. I have a feeling when he talks about the frame being stiffer in 09 it’s due to the Aluminum steerer tube fork, whereas the 08 has a carbon steer tube.
Because of the carbon steer tube fork, and a few other details, the 08 is almost a pound lighter.
Here is my thought -
2008 - $2200
Ultegra Crankset - $250
Vision Basebar and new extensions for the T2s - $150
You’ve upgraded the 2 areas that are lesser on the 2008 B12, and are still saving a few hundred over the 2009 and you have the all carbon fork.
Almost exactly what I did.
that’s a great price on an 08. we paid $2500 towards the end of last year. so if it’s in your size, go for it! as another poster said and i said in different post, i think the frame is fantastic. and with the carbon steerer fork, it’s lighter than the 09, go figure!
yes, you can just swap out the profile t2+ (they are clip on) and sell them and the base bars and get ski bends. i got a used hed aerobars from a friend to replace my stock setup…nice and stiff, but probably not much lighter than a vision base/clip on bars combo.
i also swapped out the gossamer crankset for a dura ace 7800 off ebay… super upgrade, much better shifting (and i really wanted to try 170mm crankset – i’m 6’, 34" inseam and the shorter cranks make high cadence much easier in the aero position). you probably have your preferred saddle from your s22, but i love the stock saddle on the 08 b12.
and yes, you will have a great training/semi-racing wheelset that comes with the 08 b12, and have lots saved up towards a nice deep wheelset for racing.
lastly, i like the paint job much more on the 08 b12.
Hi,
Just wondering if you figured out which bike you were going to go with?
I have a 58 cm 09 B12 that I am seriously considering selling.
Long story short (and I don’t want to get too into it on an open forum) recent medical diagnosis has my doctor saying months of recovery and not sure when he will clear me for any exercise.
I think I am writing this more out of depression. I love the bike and my wife says don’t sell it. But, I don’t know if I can justify keeping it if it just collects dust.
I haven’t even rode it outside on the road yet because of winter conditions. Anyway, 58 probably wouldn’t fit you since you are on a 56.
Hope you figure it out and are able to get out there and ride.
I have an 08 and love it. I added a HED one-piece aerobar, Zero G brakes, swapped out the crank for a 172.5 Ultegra SL crank, Ultegra SL pedals and JET 50 wheelset (the stock wheels are fine, though).
I think the 08 is a sick looking bike. Click on my username to see pics in my profile.
That is a good looking bike! Guy’s thank you all for your help. Unfortunately, I had surgery and have been down for two weeks and still have a few more to go. While I have been down my LBS sold the 08’ B12 so it looks like my choice had been made for me. Thank you all for your input again though.
