This might be the largest, and possibly hard, comparison ever (or maybe it’s out somewhere in the Net already and I couldn’t find it. I researched the Forum but did not find a similar quest).
I am a textbook case of Triathlete who raced enough of them on a road-bike to be willing to go for a Tri bike, but not affluent enough to afford a top-level Tri bike. So not quite a beginner, but also not interested in investing in an expensive Tri bike.
Soooo, if you were to choose an entry level (budget) Triathlon bike (and I underline Tri, not TT) which of these would you buy (all ranging 2000USD-2900USD far as I know)?
Wilier Blade Bianchi Pico Alu Cervelo P2 Canyon Speedmax 7.0 or 8.0
Cannondale Slice Orbea Ordu
Knowing that…
• you already have a road-bike you are happy with (so no Aero Road Bike);
• you already have a set of FLO 60 / 90 alu+carbon;
• your top limit is 2500EUR (ca 3000US$) for the complete bike (see wheels already in possession);
• you don’t mind Alu frame, if it is top level;
• you used Ultegra, but will be content with 105;
• aesthetics are out of the equation (but you’d rather not buy Felt, for that matter…)
• You’d race both hilly and flat courses in 70.3
• I am your average 184cm/75kg person
• You are flexible purchasing in the UK or Italy, but hardly in the US/Canada.
First of all: am I trying to compare apples with apples?
p.s. If there is an equally exhaustive thread in the forum, I apologize, please send the link
p.p.s: some pictures to stimulate answers
p.p.s I edited the title to nuance the entry-level/budget thing as it seems to provoke way less ideas on the bikes and more on… other things.
Don’t take me wrong: it’s a "$$%load of money for me at least.
But from the market I am surveying, I thought I’d put the top treshold to hear all options. Anyway that’s the top limit. Really I am looking for a 2500EUR bike, which is already an investment.
I currently have a older p2 and will be buying a Speedmax CF 9.0 soon, they have a few in the factory outlet in my size for 2500€ including reynolds strike wheels. You already have wheels, so maybe pick up a CF 8.0 with 105, sell the wheels and groupset and upgrade to Ultegra or Di2?
I was in the same position as you and went with the P2 / 105, fully intending to make upgrades to it down the line. Can’t go wrong there. The frame and PD aerobars are excellent, although the current frame design is getting dated and may be updated/changed by them in the near future. It’s probably the most popular tri bike on the planet, so you won’t exactly stand out. Ultimately it should come down to which bike’s overall geometry fits you and your riding style the best. That requires a “rider first” fitting approach, which of course will cost $.
although the current frame design is getting dated and may be updated/changed by them in the near future. .
Dated in what way? It’s still fast, smooth, has a great fit range, easy to live with. About the only thing it doesn’t have that has become trendy is mounting for a draft box.
On the balance of features it’s very hard to see any bike that beats the P2/3 at any price.
And you needn’t fear that your bike will be superseded in the near future, that is some way off.
On the balance of features it’s very hard to see any bike that beats the P2/3 at any price.
I was about to pull the trigger on a P2 and ended up with a Felt B12. Sticker price was close but LBS discounted $1k on the FELT price, plus the felt came with DA over 105. This shop is a big Cervelo and Felt shop, but I definitely see them giving more wiggle room on non Cervelo bikes (road bike is an R3, so I’ve bought both brands and shopped for multiple models). I realize the OP said he’s not a fan of Felt though.
If it fit, Id have my eye on the Canyon. I just like the look of that bike. I realize that s not the greatest reason to buy a bike, but…
Both the Felt B series ans the QR PR3 blow away anything on your list if you are looking at performance / dollar. QR PR3 with Profile bars, ISM saddle and proportionally shorter cranks is hard to beat.
It isn’t on your list, but Felt B series is what I’d go for.
Aside from that, of the bikes on your list it’s a tossup between cannondale, cervelo and canyon, with a slight edge to the canyon. All have things I like and things I don’t.
I paid $2500 USD for a new P2 with 105 (last year). I’d owned a 2010 model and I just knew it fits me, well.
I have the 60/90 FLOs and couldn’t be happier. Comes stock with ISM saddle. Only upgrades I’ve made (besides the wheels) are nutrition/hydration/head unit/ carriers and a PM. I still don’t have $4K invested.
For $4k USD you should be able to find one of last year’s Felt IAs somewhere. They’re discounting them now that the new ones are out. I know of a shop in the US with both an IA3 and IA10 for $4k. Solid frame, Di2. I’d at least check around.
Thank you guys for taking the time, this is extremely useful!
It seems that Canyon and P2 are quite consensual so far. I also note Cannondale and Felt and not the europeans one (Orbea, Wilier)
In the end it comes down to personal preferences, I suppose. But it seems that the P2 gathers quite some consensus. Price of course, but it seems that the P2 has some edge also on comfort/performance for that price. The Canyon hasn’t been there out there long enough to compare perhaps?
It seems that for 2500US$ new I should be able to purchase a quite serious option - either Canyon or P2. On Canyon outlet I have seen 8.0 between 1600 and 2000! But all are XL. I wonder if one can stretch from L to XL.
p.s. On a couple of comments about the high end of the threshold: again, I need to understand what’s what. I also know of Tri bikes in the UK, new and full carbon out there for 1000£. Should I go for it? This is an investment for me: I want to consider what ranges beyond 2.5k, but within 4k
Fortunately entry level starts well below your budget…! You will get a lot of aluminium for that money, that´s for sure hahaha. For entry level bikes my experience with QR has been fantastic. I did my first IM and all the previous training on a QR Kilo (US$1900 of carbon fiber + entry level groupset) without making any change to the original set-up (not even the saddle) and it worked perfectly well. I used the matching Reynolds assault wheels for the race. And if you want to trade up a bit you can afford a PR3 whcih is still well within your budget.
Thank you guys for taking the time, this is extremely useful!
It seems that Canyon and P2 are quite consensual so far. I also note Cannondale and Felt and not the europeans one (Orbea, Wilier)
In the end it comes down to personal preferences, I suppose. But it seems that the P2 gathers quite some consensus. Price of course, but it seems that the P2 has some edge also on comfort/performance for that price. The Canyon hasn’t been there out there long enough to compare perhaps?
It seems that for 2500US$ new I should be able to purchase a quite serious option - either Canyon or P2. On Canyon outlet I have seen 8.0 between 1600 and 2000! But all are XL. I wonder if one can stretch from L to XL.
p.s. On a couple of comments about the high end of the threshold: again, I need to understand what’s what. I also know of Tri bikes in the UK, new and full carbon out there for 1000£. Should I go for it? This is an investment for me: I want to consider what ranges beyond 2.5k, but within 4k
You can compromise on a lot but do NOT compromise on fit! Go spend $200 to get a fitting first. Get the correct size of whatever bike you want for $3k. Spend $500 on a power meter, $300 for a trainer, and 2 years of subscription on TrainerRoad. You are set for the next 10-15 years.
Since you’re price range has some “wiggle” room I would look strongly at which brand can give you the most support if/when you need it. Which brand has good service near you ans which brand appears to give the best customer service overall etc. I have had very good experience with Felt and local bike shop support to go with it.
You can compromise on a lot but do NOT compromise on fit! Go spend $200 to get a fitting first. Get the correct size of whatever bike you want for $3k. Spend $500 on a power meter, $300 for a trainer, and 2 years of subscription on TrainerRoad. You are set for the next 10-15 years.
Sure, I totally agree with that. As I said I am a happy cyclist, and fitting+trainer is money well invested. That much is clear! now I need to see what good frame and decent components I can buy on Tri for about 2500.
You agree going for an XL if you are an L is definetely not option just to save 500US$?
On the Felt I have no strong feelings, I am just not convinced by their entry level, the S32 if I compare it to the P2 or Speedmax to the same price or if only for… the look!
But on more serious technical level it seems that with the P2 sort of entry-level Cervelo all seem very satisfied, no one seems to say the same for the Felt at the same price level, the S32.
In the end unless I buy the Canyon on line, it will also depend on what my local shop will have I guess for that price range…
Since you’re price range has some “wiggle” room I would look strongly at which brand can give you the most support if/when you need it. Which brand has good service near you ans which brand appears to give the best customer service overall etc. I have had very good experience with Felt and local bike shop support to go with it.
Well that’s also something to consider. You mean in the end some of these may equal each other (saved similar price) but local service for the bike makes a difference, right?
The entry-level Felt, the S32 – which is the price I’d like to spend in the end is really not convincing though…
Dated in what way? It’s still fast, smooth, has a great fit range, easy to live with. About the only thing it doesn’t have that has become trendy is mounting for a draft box.
On the balance of features it’s very hard to see any bike that beats the P2/3 at any price.
And you needn’t fear that your bike will be superseded in the near future, that is some way off.
Cyclenutz - dated in that I think the current P2 carbon frame came out in 2014 (in white only). Don’t get me wrong, I love this bike and frame. I own one! The big sell for me was it finally came out in black last fall. I was just was thinking it may be updated relatively soon to stave off the competition. I could be totally off on this, as I’m no insider
