I think that I'm over-thinking this

Triathlon Forum
1

I am currently riding a Specialized Transition Comp. It has several upgrades:

  1. Shimano dura ace aero brake levers
  2. Easton Delta Force base bar
  3. Mavic Cosmic Carbone Premium Wheelset
  4. Dura Ace 7900 Series Crankset/Chain/Rear and Front Derailleurs
  5. Adamo racing saddle

I have to say I’m pretty damn happy with it with acouple of exceptions:

  1. It seems a bit heavy
  2. After a Retul fit session my seat sits way forward on the off set seatpost making it a bit goofy looking and virtually impossible to attach anything below the seat. Specialized does not retail the zero offset seat post for the comp.

I admit these are pretty minor complaints and feel incredibly appreciative to have this bike at this stage of my triathlon “career”.

Here’s the issue…I was recently given a 3000.00 credit at my lbs as a gift. This is without question awesome but has raised several possibilities and I could use a little input. Here’s what I’m considering…

  1. Sell my current bike with all of the upgrades and put that money and the store credit towards the S-Works Transition. The store has an 09 in stock and it’s on sale so I might have a little leftover for some accessories.
  2. Buy an S_works frame module and transfer all of my components.
  3. Keep my bike. Buy Aero helmet, Hed 3 wheels, Specialized Trivent shoes and perhaps a Garmin 705. Also have the s-works seatpost that I picked up on ebay custom painted.

Which of these makes most sense? Any alternative ideas?

2

Is there a big weight difference between the Comp and S-works. Esp with your upgraded components.

3

  1. I don’t think you’ll notice a weight diff. btw. the two. And, FWIW, while it is heavy…you don’t notice out on the road. It rides pretty light.

  2. You are correct–it is hard to put stuff under the seat. My solution was to use a zip tie to jury-rig my saddle bag. Not a real deal breaker for me.

4

I would go with option 4, which you forgot. Get a Powermeter. with the excess funds buy the aero helmet and shoes.

5

That’s a good call. I’ve been kind of down on the Cosmic Carbones. They are tough as hell. I ride them all of the time in training and races and they’ve held up great. They aren’t as deep rimmed as I would like. They would be great training wheels down the road if I eventually upgraded to a lighter more aero racing wheel and having the Powertap hub on them would keep me from using the race wheels for training. Definitely worth considering…