Getting ready to make the big purchase and I’ve narrowed it down to these two. Besides the price break on the PicanTi, would one be an obvious choice over the other?? It will be used for long course, I am 5’8" tall and I am switching from a KM40 to titanium. Your thoughts…
Buy the bike that fits you best. Don’t be drawn to a bike because of the price break. All that savings means nothing when it comes to fit. Remember, the Pican Ti is a compact geometry frame. The Saber is not. I wouldn’t buy either without riding them and making sure the bike fits your build. Both are excellent bikes. Both will serve your purpose and more. But first and foremost, make sure you are properly fitted to the bike. Just my 2 cents.
About three weeks ago I finished building up an '02 model year Picanti (size M/L). This is my first dedicated tri bike. I was moving from a Kestrel 200EMS and worried about the ride. I have ridden the Picanti three times now and love the feel. Also seems very stable vs my tri configured road bike (duh!). I don’t think it is the most aero of frames but despite all the theory, how much difference does an aero frame make when 80% of your drag profile is the rider? The trick for me was that it allowed me to ride in a comfortable, steep, aero position. I am at about 78 degrees with a cockpit drop within Dan’s formula for me.
I hear the Saber is a great bike as well but the idea of putting carbon seat stays on a ti bike seems bazaar to me. Since both are made in same factory the quality should be equal. I will say the ti welds are really nice and the bike feels solid but comfortable. I think the 3al/2.5V alloy may be a bit more comfy that the stiffer stuff (6/4) they use in the Tiphoon but am not an expert in this area. As for the compact geometry, that does not seem to make much difference to me one way or another. It did seem a bit odd at first to see the top tube so far down but you get used to it. Frame weight is about 2.8lbs which is pretty darn light. Overall I am very happy with the bike. Like everybody says…if it fits you it is a good bike.
Mike