Ok, here’s the deal. I plan on getting a dedicated race bike, up to max AU$3k -this rubs out the QR Tequilo ($3500 in Oz!!). My LBS stocks Cannondale and Felt. They can get me an MS800 (?) for just under $3000- but the bike doesn’t appeal like Felt and Cervelo, the tubes seem too big and spec too down. But I do know a few locally who ride these and love them.
I am mainly interested in the frame though, and what position and comfort it can deliver. All the bikes will readily fit me, I think. I have read Tom D’s reviews and lots of others…
Now, the Felt B2 my LBS can build up, for AU$3000 with mostly Ultegra, DA bar ends, Syntace bars,and either Velomax or Shimano tr. wheels (I run Zipps for racing).
As for the Cervelo Dual my LBS said they would check out what they could do- not an authorised dealer. They are $3000 here in OZ as well. If I have to go to an “authorised dealer” for the Cervelo the nearest one is a 3-4 hour round trip away- shops I would never deal with otherwise.
So, opinions please. If my LBS can stock the Dual it’s a straight-up “which is the better deal/bike?” Like that’s a straight question…
OR should I just support my LBS and not consider the Dual if they can’t stock it? (I know this is sacrilege Mr Tibbs, please accept my humble apologies)
And don’t start me on a rant on the dealer network for Cervelo in Australia-4 dealers in Sudney (4 mill. pop) and they are all located in the Eastern “beach suburbs” !!!
I’m a yank ( I enjoy talking oz) and I really like my Dual.
However my situation was much different than yours.
It’s ironic to hear someone complain about Cervelo’s supply chain and not have issues with Felt on this front.
Up here in the northern hemi, Felt’s are difficult to find in stores. I would have looked at Felt if I could have at least seen one of their models or known when I could expect one of my own, give or take three months.
As has already been discussed exhaustingly, Felt’s ridiculous supply/capital issues are making for many a happy Cervelo owner.
So having never ridden a Felt, I heartily endorse the Cervelo Dual. But then again a Felt in hand may be worth a Dual in Sydney; I’ll never know.
It’s ironic to hear someone complain about Cervelo’s supply chain and not have issues with Felt on this front.
I would say that until this season, it would have been quite reasonable to complain about Cervelo’s supply chain. But getting it right for this year was my main focus in the past 12 months, while Phil focused on R&D. It seems to have been working, as we have had almost everything in stock throughout the season and on the R&D front the new R2.5 is a giant leap forward from the 2003 R2.5 (which everybody seemed to be more than happy with, except for Phil and myself).
Anyway, what I wanted to say is that you shouldn’t be too harsh on bike companies as it is getting harder and harder to schedule production. Due to the long lead times we now have to place orders for some parts 12 months in advance. So before we even have a chance to show our 2005 line-up to any dealers, I already have to predict how many we will sell. If I’m 10% too low, people will complain that we never have anything in stock. If I am 10% too high, I have to somehow carry that excess inventory. And being within +/- 10% is already almost impossible to do, since it depends on so many factors (economy, bikes from the competition, weather, etc). And if a company introduces a new model it becomes even tougher. Specialized for example, introducing a line of triathlon bikes that they have never sold before. how on earth are they going to predict how many they will sell? I bet you I could make a better estimate than they could, but of course they’re not asking me. And even I would have a tough time estimating that within 50%.
I’d say go with the Felt if that’s all you can get.
It’s a sexy bike that is easy to match componets too.
-Felt DA, my my my…
I am hearing you on the Cervelo supply - there is one store in Auckland (pop 1.2m), mind you it is a bloody good store. My Dual is…indescribably fantastic. So fast - we had big winds here the last week and the other day on the flats I was cruising at 22 kmhs - no peddling, just a big wind behind me and super aero underneath me.
But you do realise, of course, that Cervelo is a cult?
B2. No question.
The Dual is comparable to Felt’s s25. B2 with ultegra and syntace is hot shit.
Only consideration with the Cervelo is if you want to go 700c.
SM
… but you should consider Llewellyn bikes. He’s in Australia, and has built bikes and aerobars for the AIS.
I know of Cheeky Monkey & Chain Reaction. What are the other two?