Alright…before I ask for any advice,I know it seems trite and newby-ish, but I want input on a bike.
Me = Need a new bike, as my current one is the wrong size and trashed from a teenage girl slamming on her huffy’s brakes in front of me and me plowing into her. (Serves me right for biking on that public trail)
I got a great fit this past week and I have done my research and test rode the bikes. The fit works and I like all three bikes.
Argon E-114 (2008)
Felt B2R
Kuota Kueen (2008)
I don’t want another bike for 5 or more years, so the bike needs to ride well and be good for me for a while.
My problem is that on the face all 3 bikes are great in their own right, and work well for my distances (1/2 and full distance).
So…what is the group’s opinion on the three? Aero qualities, strengths, weaknesses, quality, looks (that counts too), etc.
I have scoured the reviews, picked my LBS’s brains, and read the Bikesport Michigan review of the B-12 (the B-2’s little bro).
Basically let me have it and I really do appreciate the insight. (Ya’ll have done me worlds of good so far)
hmmm well ill give my 2 cents on the looks of the bikes…
The kueen k with the green looks amazing, sweet bike (assuming your going to get the green one) red looks great too, the nude carbon as they call it looks cool too, but that green is sweet.
Felt with the yellow ehh… its flashy and looks fast but its ok and the white with the blue writing looks cool but not as good as the others.
Argon has a sweet frame and you wont see many of those on the racks in transition which is a plus and if anyone knows their bikes they will know that is an amazing bike. Same thing goes along with the kueen k.
I vote kueen k or Argon just based on looks of the bikes.
Realistically, all three are great bikes. Sure, one may be more aero than the other, but does it really matter? (read: Will 15 seconds in a 40k make the difference as to wether you podium?) All three are fast bikes, it’s not like there’s a huge difference.
If it were me, I’d probably pick the Argon18 or the Kuota (nothing against Felt) just because I think they look cooler and they would make me want to ride them.
If you haven’t read it yet, check out Bikesport’s review of the 2008 B2 Pro. I think the frames are the same between '08 and '09, so Tom’s feedback might be helpful.
Thanks, I had forgotten the review was done on the '08.
It’s hard to guess where I’ll be in 5 years, but figuring I’ve been in 5 years already I think any of the three are good bikes. I’m obviously biased to each bike in their own way, so I’m stuck with a tough decision.
hmmm well ill give my 2 cents on the looks of the bikes…
The kueen k with the green looks amazing, sweet bike (assuming your going to get the green one) red looks great too, the nude carbon as they call it looks cool too, but that green is sweet.
Felt with the yellow ehh… its flashy and looks fast but its ok and the white with the blue writing looks cool but not as good as the others.
Argon has a sweet frame and you wont see many of those on the racks in transition which is a plus and if anyone knows their bikes they will know that is an amazing bike. Same thing goes along with the kueen k.
I vote kueen k or Argon just based on looks of the bikes.
**I also agree with WRCOX. The Kueen in green is by far the best paint job on a bike. I love it too. I also love the look of the Argon, that is a sweet bike. The only concern I would have for the 114 is the comfort. I read another poster asking about the adjustability of the stem area, and it doesn’t seem to have much play. So, if you are looking to keep it for 5 years, you might want to make some subtle changes here or there=and that might be difficult to do. **
I vote 1. Kuota/Argon 2. Felt. Especially because you can get the kueen K much cheaper. I think stores are trying to get rid of them.
buying a bike because you like or dislike the color or graphics is the most rediculous thing I have heard in a long time. I strongly suggest you test all of these bikes for extended rides. I have the B2, I was lucky enough to have it fit me perfectly “off the rack”. It gives back every ounce of energy I put into it. There is nothing wasted, all forward and fast. If I had to pick on the design, the aero bars creek unless they are adjusted properly. I did a short fast ride on bumpy terrain and they needed adjusting after that. My bike shop fixed the problem and I have had no trouble since. I truely don’t think there is any possiblility I’ll ever need another bike (barring any huffy incidents). My only next step would be adding nicer wheels, etc. good luck
If you do things like support your local bike shop, like the one I use Summitt Cycles, Columbia. SC. they are happy to let you take there bikes out on rides before you invest multiple thousands. Most reputable bike shops have demos. The idea is repeat business, not just to sell you a bike that doesn’t fit your needs. Where are you doing business?
I’m not buying a bike by color, design, or what pro is riding it. I took a lot of time, and quite a few rides on test bikes and/or bikes of people I know and narrowed the list down to these three.
Now I’m at a cross roads where I thought some creative input would help.
Thanks about your insight on the B2. Luckily, I have several great local bike shops that have helped out in the past in finding gear.
