Older 'pro' tri bike vs. new entry level

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m fairly new to triathlons and already own a Specialized Allez road bike.

A co-worker loaned me his Elite Racing tri bike circa 2000 – 54cm, dura ace components, carbon 650 wheelset. He raced it in Kona.
It seems to fit me ok.

I’ve offered to purchase for a reasonable amount, but am having second thoughts. Should I buy a new entry level tri bike instead, (Cervelo, QR) ? I’m on a budget.

Please share thoughts. Thanks.

2

650s are the showstopper. Get cervelo S1 with clip ons you wont regret it.

3

What’s wrong with 650c wheels? I have heard that they aren’t any better than 700c wheels, but how are they worse?

4

Not familiar with that bike, but regardless, some things to think about (in no particular order):

  • 8 Speed? 9 speed? How much will it cost you to upgrade to 10 speed if/when you get the itch?
  • “Seems to fit me OK”… don’t sell yourself on a bike that almost fits because it’s good deal. Your buddy knocking off an extra $300 isn’t going to make it fit any better.
  • Do you really need a tri bike or are you thinking about this because the opportunity has presented itself?
  • Are 650 wheels right for you? They might be, but a question you should probably answer before you plonk down the cash.
  • “He raced it in Kona”… So?
  • How’s the price compared to a new entry level tri bike?
  • Will it make you faster? Are you in the M30-34 age group? If so, skip it. :wink:

Food for thought… just don’t fall into the mindset of “I kissed the girl, so now I have to marry her”.

Let us know how it turns out.

5

Elite is a great bike. There is nothing wrong with 650c. For a 2000 bike, it is probably 9 speed but look into that - 8 speed can be tough to find now, so you would have to probably upgrade before too long.

I have short legs and arms and a long torso. I think that 650 tends to hit me better for the lower possible stacks (less prevalent now due to super low stack 700c bikes). - so it depends on fit. I sold my older QR Aerial this winter, which is a great 650c bike. I am probably going to get an older P3 54cm 650c bike as a replacement in the fall. There is plenty of 650c stuff around, just not at the local LBS.

As stated above, the key is fit. Invest in a good fit. See if the guy will let you take the bike to a fitter (independent preferably) and see what the fitter says. Go from there in your evaluation.

6

What are your short term goals? That may help the decision process as you may not even need a new/different bike. Then, as you lay out your long term goals you can decide if a new bike will be worthwhile.

FWIW, I raced an Allez for a couple of seasons before buying a tri bike. I flipped/dropped the stem, added clip-ons, jammed the seat forward and was able to get a reasonable aero position. I’ve since converted it back to road use for group rides.