For my 35th Bday I will be giving myself a nice present of a new bike. I will most likely do carbon bike (but not necessarily married to it) with all the bells and whistles. It will be Durace 9 or 10 speed, one piece bar (Hed or easton) I have the wheels already (Zipp 404s) so Ill get a nice set of “training wheels” now its up to the frame/fork combo. This bike will be used for Triathlons and Time Trials. I currently ride on a Giant TCR Aero 1.
So I think I have narrowed my choices to the following:
1- Kestrel Talon SL - Light, can be road or steep, lifetime warranty etc…
2- Aegis T2 - Just looked into this one and looks pretty nice
3- Look 486 - Might be too slack on the angle for me but my Giant is pretty slack as it is and seems to work for me.
I am 35, in decent shape, top 15% in my AG on the bike, first time trial on the bike early last season (1st season ever) was a 1:02 and change on a vicious headwind day on the return (the winner did it in :58 or so). I will average on a 40K TT 24-25 since then (23.5 on a Triathlon setting after the swim)
Any comments or any suggestions that I might not be considering? I know, the bike that fits the best, handles the best etc… etc… etc… but you all know that it is pretty much impossible to test all these bikes “fitted” for myself.
You should get a 1974 schwinn stingray with the gear shifter in the middle. THe yellow or purple will be best, though I like the "pea picker’ green. Anything else and I will have no chance of beating you to T2 this year.
If you really want carbon, and want a true tri geometry - which you will not get with a compromise bike like the Talon SL or the TCR Composite - take a look at a Calfee. I know a girl at the local tri shop who raves about it. You can get a pretty awesome finish on them, too.
I will also throw in an obligatory plug for Yaqui - with or without the carbon rear. I currently ride a DL, scandium, and it has a great ride, very comfortable - every bit as nice as the Talon or Composite in ride quality.
I just made a post about the Talon SL. It’s a great bike, but you may want to re-consider given that you’re going to be using it strictly as a triathlon bike. I’m having problems getting the bike to fit comfortably in the drops without a fast-forward seat post.
I would seriously consider the Aegis T2. All those are great bikes, but the T2 has the best aerodynamics of the mentioned and boasts a 76 degree “neutral” seat angle. I’ve ridden this bike and must say I was quite impressed. Comfortable yet stiff in the critical areas unlike some carbon bikes on the market.
I agree with Dave the Aegis t2 is a great bike just rode one and a friend bought one. My self I have a Griffen Triton which has 76 degree seattube and is just as comfortable as the T2.