I am pretty new to tri’s but have been riding for many years, on and off. I am way over due for a bike upgrade getting off my 6 year old Trek 2.1. I did 3 tri’s last year and have a few more this year but am not ready to make the full commitment to a TT bike. I am looking at building up an Aero Road bike to be my “transition” bike. I am trying to spend no more then $1k on a frameset and think I’ve narrowed it down a 2011 Felt AR and a 2013 Cervelo S2. I have ridden the new S2 and loved it but the Felt is a super sexy looking bike and seems to be very similar in all aspects with amazing reviews. I am about 210 lbs, 6’2". There are so many comparisons online but just looking for any real life advice for somebody about my size and my “needs”. I want more speed but comfort and ride quality is definitely a huge factor. I plan on putting on a new Ultegra 11-speed groupset and lower pricepoint set of carbon wheels, possibly used. Thanks again folks.
6’2" (33" inseam) 195lbs checking in here. I wanted the look of the new AR frame, but bought the S-series for the stack/reach. I looked through all my choices in the aero road category and ended up with the AR and S-series (narrowed down by perceived stack and general frame aesthetics). Checked stack/reach for both bikes compared to my current road frame and ended up with the S-series; I think the AR at 58cm had 20mm less stack which was a deal breaker for me but might work out for you.
That generation of S2 and AR are very similar geometry. Either would be good options.
But it would be worth considering a 2014 S2 with 105 11spd and mid depth alloy wheels as a better overall package.
Thank for the feedback guys. I have been going back and forth on the set-up. Was going to just do a 105 groupset but saw I could get the Ultegra for only 250 more. Not even sure its worth it but for 250, why not? I think I will probably stick with the Cervelo though. I do hear you about the wheels. Right now I have a heavy set of Velocity Deep V’s that I ride on my current bike and are great for commuting and “training” but I feel like I want something faster. Do you not recommend the carbons for me because of my size/weight? Too risky? Of course I’m looking for a good upgrade to my current set-up without braking the bank.
As for the Cervelo S series, is there much of a difference in riding comfort, weight ,etc. for 2012 - 2014? I see some good deals on barely used 2012 S2’s but I’ve only ridden the 2014.
Do you not recommend the carbons for me because of my size/weight? Too risky? Of course I’m looking for a good upgrade to my current set-up without braking the bank.
I’m taller and heavier and have no problem with carbon wheels from a durability standpoint. But the performance advantage of carbon wheels over Mavic Cosmic Elite, Flo30, Zipp30 etc is very small. So if you’re looking at how to get the best speed per $ you get one of those wheels with good tyres and make sure that you’ve ticked the other boxes (frame, bearings etc).
As for the Cervelo S series, is there much of a difference in riding comfort, weight ,etc. for 2012 - 2014? I see some good deals on barely used 2012 S2’s but I’ve only ridden the 2014.
Previous generation S2 frame was very good. New generation is even better. What I do with the 2014 S2 is upgrade the bearings in the 105 kit and swap out the wheels - that way you have top performance without paying for Dura Ace and carbon wheels.