ST Team- please advise! I have been wracking my brain in deciding between these two very sweet rides…the ‘better’ frame of the DA3 versus the great deal on the DA di2 set up on the B2. My story is ex-bike racer, still love the TT- but been really getting into tri’s (a few sprints and two half’s so far) now, want to buy a bike that is relatively future proof- the Felt’s fit me very well (but open to suggestions for long and low)- but very interested in feedback, or thoughts as it relates to the trade off’s of these two.
SuperDave- if you happen to have some guidance- I know you’ve posted on the B2 vs B12…wondering about the DA3 now…
Thanks in advance to anyone and everyone sharing your opinions thoughts…
Without know the differences between the frames, I’d go for the best possible frame. Ultegra Di2 will soon be out and the TT shifter for it soon after. They are likely to be as good, if not better than Di2, and much much cheaper.
The DA3 would likely be faster. Aerodynamics beat shifting performance I would imagine. Though, there is the probably an intangible quality to Di2 that may have value beyond speed.
My guess is difference in aerodynamics when fitted correctly is pretty small.
So ask yourself how much you shift during a race. I don’t shift much during the average race, so the DA 3 is currently on order. If I lived and raced in a part of the world where I was constantly shifting then I would go for Di2.
And the only reason I ordered the DA3 instead of the DA4 was the color. Red is much faster
Thanks guys…classic- Red is faster for sure! I live and train in North Texas- so shifting isn’t as important- it was/is a bit of cool factor…the DA3 is going to be my choice- really appreciate sharing your thoughts.
That’s quite a tough one. If it was to be your only bike I’d lean toward the B2 but if you are primarily doing flat terrain, TT, and sprint tris the DA3 might be the best place to start. Di2 is only going to get more affordable. Perhaps you cna get the DA3 this year and Di2 upgrade next.
I’m riding a “DA4” basically. I’ve been on the Metron shifters and Dura Ace mechanical derailleurs for about a year now. I think you’d be amazing at how much better the new DA rides in terms of balance of stiffness and overall ride quality. The fork is quite a bit more comfortable on the Bayonet3 of the DA vs. the Bayonet2 of the B2.
That’s quite a tough one. If it was to be your only bike I’d lean toward the B2 but if you are primarily doing flat terrain, TT, and sprint tris the DA3 might be the best place to start. Di2 is only going to get more affordable. Perhaps you cna get the DA3 this year and Di2 upgrade next.
I’m riding a “DA4” basically. I’ve been on the Metron shifters and Dura Ace mechanical derailleurs for about a year now. I think you’d be amazing at how much better the new DA rides in terms of balance of stiffness and overall ride quality. The fork is quite a bit more comfortable on the Bayonet3 of the DA vs. the Bayonet2 of the B2.
-SD
And how do you like the Metron shifters? I’m thinking new bike for next year, and those look appealing.
That’s quite a tough one. If it was to be your only bike I’d lean toward the B2 but if you are primarily doing flat terrain, TT, and sprint tris the DA3 might be the best place to start. Di2 is only going to get more affordable. Perhaps you cna get the DA3 this year and Di2 upgrade next.
I’m riding a “DA4” basically. I’ve been on the Metron shifters and Dura Ace mechanical derailleurs for about a year now. I think you’d be amazing at how much better the new DA rides in terms of balance of stiffness and overall ride quality. The fork is quite a bit more comfortable on the Bayonet3 of the DA vs. the Bayonet2 of the B2.
-SD
And how do you like the Metron shifters? I’m thinking new bike for next year, and those look appealing.
I love them. Absolutely the best mechanical shifter available for TT/Triathlon. Simple and function. Very low shifter effort with almost no chance for pilot error when shifting the front chainring.
Isnt there enough of a difference between the B2 and DA geometry to make a decision? I too am looking at the FELT line and based on what my fitter says the B2 is out and the DA is a good choice .
Isnt there enough of a difference between the B2 and DA geometry to make a decision? I too am looking at the FELT line and based on what my fitter says the B2 is out and the DA is a good choice .
There is a slight fit difference in the two as well as a wider range of seatpost options on the DA.
I can’t help you with a decision without knowing more about your fit requirements. The new DA did drop one of our 650c sizes (no more 50cm) as well as our largest 60cm size so the increased RANGE of adjustment of each size meant we could get away with fewer sizes overall.
For me- I’ld fit either one of them- according to my fitter, Gary at RBM here in Dallas area. My main thought is around the increased efficiency from the frame versus from always having right gear close at hand. In the past- I’ve sometimes just kept the gear the same, rather than shift- either coming out of corner, or at turnaround, etc…so the appeal of Di2 is that aspect- and the B2 is a screaming deal…but the DA is SO sweet! As previous posts have mentioned- it’s a mix of ego when ‘seeking’ that extra bit of “aero-ness” (probably not even a word:) but that’s why I wanted to ask the forum collective…great feedback- lots of threads about the value of the super bike…whether or not my body can leverage/maximize on the incremental differences in frame stiffness or headset reduction in drag, etc…while the Di2 value definitely seems very real even for us mortals!
Anyway- thanks again for all the shared thoughts- much appreciated.
