After 2 tri seasons on my road bike, I am going to start looking for a tri bike. I am having trouble determining which fits my size best, however, and I get confused when I start riding bike after bike at a store. They all start to feel the same, or the shop says ignore this or that, or we can replace the stem or seat post, etc. Without doing those things I can’t really tell how the bike feels for ME. I am trying narrow it down scientifically and then go ride a few. I have read all the articles about tri bike for small riders, but they seem to focus on people under 5’4". I am exactly 5’4" inches with a 29" inseam and wasn’t sure if the same theories all applied. I currently ride on a women’s specific Cannondale 50" road bike. I did need the women’s specific at the time as bike shops were going to have cut this, replace that, etc on all the mens frames I looked at. I am looking for a carbon bike with 650 wheels and a price point topping out at $3000. My husband, who is a better rider than me, got his P2C for about that 6 months ago, and I know I haven’t “earned” a better bike than that. The articles seemed to suggest that Kestrel, Cervelo, QR, and Felt were best for riders smaller than me. I am also not opposed to used bikes, but I want a 10 speed in the rear and real tri geometry. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I’m 5’4", ride a 50cm Cannondale road bike and have a 48 cm Cervelo P2sl with 650 wheels. Not carbon, but I love it. Can’t get enough of it!
Jodi
I am just a tad bit shorter than you are and I went through this exercise last year. The bikes I narrowed my search down to included Felt B2, Guru Chrono, Kestrel Airfoil and a few other custom frames. In the end it came down (mostly) to price and a few personal preferences. Other than these, I found few carbon-fiber frames that had a short enough top tube (48-49). I love my Felt B2! It comes in slightly above your price target, but maybe you can find some deals as the new 2008 model comes out.
I’m 5’4" and mostly torso. I have ridden bikes that don’t fit me for the past 7 years. But this week I’ll finally get my hands on a Cervelo P2C for under $3000. Carbon bike with all Dura-Ace components. I can’t wait to get it!