I’ve been looking at tri bikes for a while and can get a Fuji Aloha 1.0 at a screaming deal, at cost ~$950. Any reasons why not to buy this bike?
Corey
None whatsoever, as long it fits you properly.
I ride the 05 frame with a custom parts mix. My disclaimer is that my bike shop sponsor is a big dealer, and I’m a Fuji athlete. I have been riding the 05 frame, same as the 06 for traditional race and their carbon road bike for draft-legal. I have been impressed with both. My tri-frame review is below.
I was a little apprehensive of riding such an ‘inexpensive’ tri bike. The top tubes can be a little long I think, but if you can get the right fit (the head tubes are short), it’s a great deal. I was on a Javelin Arcole before this bike. The fuji is a bit heavier, but I haven’t really noticed the weight. The frame is actually more comfortable and pretty comfy for an all aluminum tri bike. Aero-wise, it does not have the ‘John Cobb’ stamp of approval that the Javelin had, but it seems fine to me.
The only issue that I have with it is that the rear chainstay’s are so tight with the rear wheel and stiffner bridge that you may have to remove the quick release to get the rear wheel off.
I don’t think that I’m letting any cats out of the bag, but I saw a sneak preview of some of the 07 bikes. It looks like they will have a tri line with several bikes including a new aluminum framed tri bike as well as a couple of carbon frames. Provided the geometries work for you, they will be really nice bikes.
I have the '04 version and I like it. You can pass any other bike on the course if your engine is good. $950 is a better deal that I got on mine. Go for it!
I got lucky and got my '05 for $800 on Ebay. After a good cleaning I realized I got a hell of a deal. Added Easton carbon bullhorn and aero bars and am very very happy… Still new at this but, I realize that it takes less effort to go faster with this bike.