Anyone have input on this bike? There are some very reputable tri coaches/athletes in the area who are moving from a Cervelo P3C to an Elite T-class. The T-class is aluminum w/carbon fork, but not the frame. I was tempted by Elite, but it’s aluminum in the end. For longer races, not sure.
Thanks.
I have an Elite T-Class tri bike, and a Kuota carbon road bike. While neither is uncomomfortable, my Elite is more comfortable (for me), particularly on longer rides. Then again, it may have more to do with the super-comfy position that Dave has me in than the frame material.
I would think that the bike with the custom fit would fit better than a carbon frame regardless of the material.
Yes, but I would have to go stock on the Elite, as the custom prices me out. :((
I see. I have another question for you. What carbon frame(s) are you looking at? Again, you have very comfortable aluminum and very uncomfortable carbon frames.
I am looking at the Quintana Roo Lucero (a package on Nytro.com with DuraAce Mix) for under $3K, and the Cervelo P3C. I have not found either in my size to actually ride though. I may have to order, which is scary. The Elite T-class was thrown in last minute, and I still keep hearing from some tri people that I want carbon only. I want something that will climb well, handle well, and be fast on short distance, yet comfortable enough for 1/2 IM. I just read that the P2C might not get aggressive enough due to the longer head tube. But in looking at the specs, the Lucero isn’t any shorter.
I learned from the fine folks on ST that frame material doesn’t necessarily equate to comfort. I think you other wants from a bike (handling, climbing, etc.) are more important.
For what it’s worth, I would go with the Elite because you won’t see too many of those in transition. Also, keep in mind that Elite has bike support for their customers at many of the IM races.
I learned from the fine folks on ST that frame material doesn’t necessarily equate to comfort. I think you other wants from a bike (handling, climbing, etc.) are more important.
Good point. I switched from a QR Tequilo to an Elite T-Class last winter and I find that the T-Class handles much better, especially when climbing and descending.
Also, keep in mind that Elite has bike support for their customers at many of the IM races.
Dave and his crew are great - not only do they give the free tune-ups, they’ll cheer you on if they see you on the course during the race.
You can get a carbon P3 (which seems to be the bike of choice on ST) and if your fit is not dialed in, it will not feel good and you won’t go as fast as you would go on a (gasp) aluminun, steel, or ti bike that you have a great fit on.
That said, I had an Elite T-6 and still have an Elite Aria. Dave and company make an outstanding product and if it fits you then you can’t really go wrong. FTR, my old T-6 was a 76 degree seat angle which is the only reason I got rid of it as the slack (for me) seat angle made it difficult to get a comfy position due to the longer top tube. On the Aria I ride at at about 78.5 and even though it’s LOTS heavier, I’m supremely comfortable. Because I can stay aero and comfy, it helps me maintain power output and therefore makes me faster.
To your OP, I think an improperly fit carbon bike will beat you up more on a long course than an alu bike (irrespective of brand) that fits you like a glove (assuming you’re not running 19mm tires).
“as the custom prices me out.”
Seriously, find the extra $. Elite does custom, it’s what they’re known for. Maybe you will fit perfectly on a stock bike, but you need to be prepared to spend the extra $$ to make the bike your own.
but you need to be prepared to spend the extra $$ to make the bike your own.
Because the sooner that the OP finds out that triathlon is all about money, the better.
"the sooner that the OP finds out that triathlon is all about money, the better. "
They’re planning on spending $2k on a stock aluminum frame from a custom bike manufacturer, so presumably they already understand this.