Morning everyone, maybe afternoon for some of you.
I have had a bit of a personal garage sale, selling my golf clubs and wrist watch and have somewhere in the range of $2,000 - $3,000 (will depend on where the ebay ends in the next 3 days) that I’d like to use towards biking gear or a bike.
Based on what I would like, what I read on the forumns and this excerpt from JP Severin’s Blog “You can always quit later”, I am pretty sure that I would like a power meter and other goodies, but would also love the new Orbea Ordu on sale at my local shop…which is on for $3,850 with Ultegra.
JP: Do you have any tips for your average age grouper to improve their bike fit and improve their bike times?
JR: See a good fitter. There are, unfortunately, not as many good fitters as there should be, but there are more and more every year. It’s like seeing a therapist – you can figure out most things on your own, but it’s easier if you have someone there to guide you. For improving your riding, buy a powermeter and learn how to use it. A powermeter is the best tool there is. It’s the one thing I would never give up. I’d rather ride a road bike with clip ons and training wheels with a powermeter than the fastest/lightest/newest/tech-est/best-est bike out there without one. There is no better way to spend your money than on a good fit and a good powermeter. Both of these things will yield vastly more return on investment than anything else you can spend your money on for cycling. And they also are things that will last a long time if you invest wisely from the start.
After searching the forumns, reading a lot about wheel covers (ok Jackmott ok) I think what I’d like to purchase is the following: DT Swiss rear wheel with Powertap Elite+ (debating getting the head unit as I have a 310xt - can people tell me the benefits of getting the head unit?); Wheel cover; Front Zipp 404 Clincher (Our very own Jordan Rapp did say they’re a great all around training and racing wheel, right?); Aero helmet (any suggestions on a good helmet - skip that, I’ll read the post on the first page); Regular helmet, as the straps on mine are broken (I am assuming that you don’t all wear the aero helmets on your training rides, or do you?) Possibly a fit - anyone recommend someone here in Vancouver? I had a fit at my local LBS, but not sure how “right” it is and wouldn’t mind a second look - Based on web research, Bicycle Fit Works in Delta looks good (F.I.S.T. and Retul certified fitters…).
A bit about myself: 5’9" and 160 pounds, with a goal weight between 145-150. First serious year of triathlon (semi-serious really but building) with IMC coming up this Summer - expect to be a MOP for 1-2 years and work my way towards the front. Live and train in Vancouver, BC (rain, gravel on roads, etc.). What impact will that have on choosing a Zipp wheel as a full time training / racing wheel? Currently ride an aluminum Cervelo Soloist with clip-on aerobars
What do you guys think - wheels, helmet, fit the best way to spend the money this time and then wait a few years until the babies are paid for (ie wife is back to work) and I’m a bit better and can justify the new carbon bike?
For the wheels, am I best going new from Wheelbuilder - anyone from Canada used Wheelbuilder and shipped up here? Do you get hit with big duties? Based on pricing it out on there site, quite happy with the package I could get. If not Wheelbuilder, suggestions for Canada?
Always afraid to go the used route after hearing some of the things that have happened to people, even here on ST.
If FIST is what you’re looking for however, Speed Theory is certified.
Shipping UPS within the conus will likely be a fair bit cheaper for you as well.