Buying a new bike and narrowed it down to Griffen Vulcan or Aegis Trident. Anybody have thoughts on either bike? Also, what about wheel size, 650 or 700?
I’m 5’8", 145 lbs looking to use it for IM racing.
Thanks,
Rex
I’ve never ridden either one but from what I’ve read I’d probably pick the Aegis between the two. Plus I think it looks way cooler 
As for the 650 vs 700 choice, you’ll get about 8400 opinions on that choice and at 5’8" you’d fit fine on either size. I personally ride 650s and am on the tall end of the scale for fitting on a bike with 650s but my choice was made 9 years ago when everyone was riding 650s and I’ve got too much coin invested in race wheels to switch now. If you have race wheels already in one size or the other, then that is the size I’d pick.
Hmmm, hate to dis on a product or products- so remember this is just might opinion, and that’s all.
First off, …all together now…
Buy the one that fits. Get measured and listen to the fitter. But what he tells you. Based on the info you provided I might suggest that (and this is impossible to confirm without first measuring you) you are married to 650c wheels at this point if you want to sit anything north of 78 degrees. If you buy 700cs the top tube and wheel base will give you problems, your weight distribution might get funky and you’ll be a “nose rider” on your saddle. Got a sex life? kiss it goodbye. After three hours on the nose of almost any saddle your junk will still work, but you won’t want to use it.
Having said all that, I wouldn’t recommend either bassed on my experience with both. My Mom told me, “If you can;t say anything good about something then don’t say anything.” So I’ll say this: I am impressed with some aspects of Griffen’s designs and workmanship. If it fits you, it may be an option.
With so many other nice bikes out there, these would be low on my list- remember, just my opinion.
Have you looked at Cervelo? Felt? Guru? Kestrel? QR? Litespeed? These are all brands I sell in my store. And before you say, “OHHHH! Now I get it…” allow me to remind you of this: Before we can sell it, we have to buy it. And I guarantee you, it is harder to sell a bike to me than almost anyone. It might also be worth mentioning that I have bought over 10,000 bikes in my 23 years in the bicycle industry. After 10,000 purchases I’d have to be an utter cretin to not know what to buy.
Just my .02 cents.
Tom, thanks for the info. I must say I’m at a loss. My #1 goal was to get a good fit and a good bike. However, in my area I’m not comfortable with lbs because they focus on road bikes. However, a new tri-shop opened up. That is why i narrowed the search to 2 models. Shop owner suggested 700 wheels based on my height and 31 inseam. Sounds like all this is wrong.
Any suggestions for someone who is not close to a good tri-shop? I’d hate to spend 4k or 5k for a bike that’s not right for me.
Thanks,
Rex
Rex- I think I can help you out on this one. I am about 5’8 1/2. My inseam is about 32". I used to ride a Griffen Vulcan that was too large for me (I knew that buying it, but got a great deal on a used one). I am now on a Cervelo P3 and really like the fit, but the bike is no better (or worse) than the Griffen. The P3 is definitely lighter and a little more aero, but the Griffen just rides so nice. In my opinion, the frame material does everything Griffen claims it will do…especially in terms of absorbing road shock.
I agree with Tom that you will have a wider range of fit options on 650c wheels. If you’re serious about the Griffen, give them a call. When I had the Griffen I talke to Tony Free (one of the owner/designers) a couple times. He could get you on the right frame size. If you don’t have abnormally long (or short) legs or torso, I would think a 52cm will work best (I’m on a 51cm P3). The Griffen I had that was too big was a 55cm.
Have you had a chance to test ride these bikes? With this sort of investment, it is probably worth the trip.
chris
Griffen and Aegis seem to have pretty different geometries. I’d say chances are one of them fits you. I think they’re both cool because very few people have them (major criteria for me.)
Just a note, I ordered a catalog from Aegis (more out of curriosity than anything) and they sent it promptly, but then a week later I got one from a local bike shop, the kicker was it offered me a free bike fitting. They seem geniune when they talk about the importance of fit.
I ride a 55 Griffen Vulcan w/ 650 wheels and a 55 Litespeed blade with 700 wheels. I ride the Griffen at approx 76-77 degrees and find it much more comfortable than the Blade. I just started doing a few tests on a Computrainer and early results seem to show I can put out a bit more power on the blade while hammering, but on an aerobic ride I seem to keep a lower average heart rate at the same speed on the Griffen. Please keep in mind these are very rudimentery tests as I’m no expert. And I’m sure wheel size and gearing effect this as well, but I’m finding the slighter lower seat tube angle on the Griffen is better for me personally. However my last bike, a p3, I always rode shallow so I may just need some miles to get my body used to the steep angle of the blade.
I have never ridden an Aegis but I don;t think you’ll be disappointed with the Griffen. Plus I think the Griffen in the coolest looking bike available. And yes, I am shallow enough to buy one for that reason.
If there is nobody near you to get fit by, then call Ves at Yaqui. He fit me on my bike and it is perfect. Ugh, I wish I were out riding that thing right now! Huge improvement over my old bike. He took my measurements online, then we discussed it through e-mail and over the phone. Price is right and you will not regret getting one.
His site is here: www.yaquiusa.com