Should I get one? I currently have a Litespeed Sabre that is 3 years old. I can get a very good deal in addition to the trade in on my current bike. No, I dont think it is going to add 5 MPH. Yes, I can afford it. I just would like to get a more aggressive Tri-Bike and love the Blade.
Get the new Sabre because it is the Blade.
I second the new saber, sweet bike, but it is not a blade. The bike is different. Different Ti, no internal routing, and no wheel cut out.
I guess I should state that I am 6’4" and over 200 lbs. I dont see myself ever being lighter than 195. Would the 6.4 Ti of the blade be better or is the 3.2 Ti of the Sabre enough. I have not had any problems with the Sabre I have.
Im sure Herbert can answer this better, but I dont see why the new Saber wouldnt “hold” up to you. It looked to be more of bike then the older saber at Interbike.
I just wonder if those diffrences make any real diffrence. Is it worth the extra cash?
Internal cable routing does offer better aerodynamics. For comparison, the drag of a wing on a biplane (which is massive) is often significantly less than the drag on the wires that support those wings (despite being quite thin). Just something to think about.
6/4 Ti is definitely stronger than 3/2.5. It is a better metal. More expensive, but also nicer.
The real wheel cutout is debatable.
Worth the cash depends on how much of an investment this represents.
I’m sure 6/4 is stonger but does it make a diffrence? 3/2.5 is pretty strong stuff we and aren’t as powerful as we sometimes think we are. As far as the cables go we are talk about some very thin wires and only two that can really mess up the air stream.
To each his own I just have to wonder why the need for doodads.
Did you not justify buying your current bike by saying to yourself Ti lasts a life time?
Then, after three years you already buy a new one!
Of course, you may want a new one for the hell of it, or because you need a different size etc.,
But I yet to see someone buying a “lifetime Ti bike” and not want a new one 3-5 years later. So for me the whole Ti thing is just an unjustified expense.
I would get a P3C, or similar for much less money, or a bargain Cannondale IM2000 - plenty fast enough. For the difference in money I’ll go for a cycling holiday in France, and another new bike 2-3 years later.
I never thought about Ti for a lifetime. In fact have never heard theat before. Nice slogan though. I actually was talked out of the Blade when I bought the Sabre. So, it would take something drastic to get me not to buy the Blade. Have not heard a good enough reason yet.
I truly appreciate everyones input. Thank you.
You may be too tall for the Blade. It has (historically) had a shorter head tube than the Saber. Not sure if that is the case this year. The Saber has had the taller headtube, making it a potentially better fit for taller riders. I own a Saber at 6’1" and while I am sure a Blade might work for some folks, I needed the taller headtube.
Good luck with the new bike purchase…whatever it might be!
Thank you I will check into that
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Maybe you cant tell from pictures, but what I can see the head tubes look the same.