I need some help making a bike decision. I’ve been competing in triathlons for the past two years. I do mostly sprints but usually try to get in one 1/2 IM every summer. I also do the local weeknight TT and a few 40K TT’s. For the past few years I’ve been using my regular road bike ( Klein Q Pro) and moving the saddle WAY forward. I am now considering my first “tri” bike purchase. I am considering a C’Dale IM 2000 or a Trek Equinox. My local dealer has the C’dale on sale so I’m leaning towards that model despite the goofy decals. Both bikes seem to fit me well. I have two questions: will buying a “tri” specific bike help with my ride times- all things being equal- training time etc, and does anyone have any experience with either of these two bikes?
I have the MS 2000. I really like the bike, but ultimately if you take a bike of equal weight and throw some aero bars of it, I doubt you’ll see a huge difference. I’ve come to realize it’s all about the engine once you reach a certain level of about $1500. I do know the Trek is a little heavier than the MS2000.
CANNONDALE! I raced an 04 IM-5000 for a year (same frame as the 05 IM-2000) and it was awesome, light, handles well steep, comfy and the rear end is ultra responsive. That bike can climb and sprint! Granted I love my P3sl I’m on now but between the two it would be close, P3 is more comfy seated and grinding but for a quicker twistier course with a lot of acceleration or climbing the Cannondale might win. Good luck.
I have a '04 IM 5000 and think that it is a first rate frameset. The the slack headtube angle provides stable handling and the 77 degree seat tube can be made steep or UCI legal simply by changing the seatpost.
When sizing consider that the headtube is a bit on the long side so you might want to go down a size. I am using a Ritchey adjustable stem to get the front low enough for my taste. The SI BB is the best in the business period.