Hi, I’m buying a tri bike for gf as a surprise after all of her training for her upcoming tri. I’ve found both a 04 santo and a 03 caliente. I know they’re both nice bikes. They’re priced within $100 of each other and are the same size, both well maintained. The Caliente comes with a few little extras. Which one would you go for? Many thanks!
cross posted at bikeforums
I’ve owned the Santo and that is one sweet riding bike.
Are you only looking at these two? for 2,000 you prob can get a pretty sweet deal if you look around, especially with the end of the year coming. I know a P1 is going for 1500 at my LBS.
These are both used and are around $750. I’m open to other suggestions under $1k. Her race is in 2 weeks, I’d like to have before then.
Thanks for the replies thus far!
If they both fit well I would get the Santo.
Wasn’t the Santo Ti? My LBS owner had one. Simple, elegant ride. I liked it, and if I could find one in my size, I might jump on it.
The santo is Ti while the caliente is AL6000 and carbon. Both are ultegra spec’d. I’m more of a road guy. Can someone go a little further about the apparent preference for the santo?
Are they both in similar shape, miles etc? Do they both have a 78 degree seat angle if thats important to you. Like others said fit is important. I do not think you will go wrong with either bike. The caliente looks alittle more aero from the picture. I would get the one you think she would want to ride more. That to me is more important then which one is better. I could get my wife a P4, but she would never ride it.
If both would fit, hands down I’d go for the titanium over the aluminum. Recently moved to a custom Ti bike to replace a custom Al bike (same geometry) and it’s much (much) nicer.
That generation Caliente looks a bit unfinished to me. The Santo might not be “aero” shaped, but it’s not going to slow you (or your wife) down, either. I just like the round tubes vs the Caliente. Now, if it was the year of the Caliente with the flame decal job, it might be a little closer, but I would take the Ti over the alum/ carbon mix if the price was as close as it is for you.
These are both used and are around $750. I’m open to other suggestions under $1k. Her race is in 2 weeks, I’d like to have before then.
Thanks for the replies thus far!
You’re being a great BF by even thinking to do this! I applaud you! That said, let me offer some more food for thought. She’s trained heavily for her upcoming race on her current ride – are you sure you want to buy her a different bike to use just 2 weeks before the event? What if something goes wrong with the “new” bike or she ends up incredibly sore from not having enough time on it and that ruins her race for her? She’s your GF and you know her best, but are you sure you want to buy her a used bike? Personally, I see much more downside than upside with your plan. I’m no expert on women (who is really?), but I think being the supportive and encouraging BF before and during the race, and then being the congratulatory lavish gift-giving BF after the race because you were so proud of her accomplishment is a safer way to go. Maybe some tri-women out there can chime in or you can post this to The Women’s Room. Good luck, whatever your decision!
Herminator,
Thanks for your suggestion and encouragement. I agree that it may not be best for her to switch bikes before the race. Its a good idea to make sure she doesn’t feel compelled to ride her gift over what is comfortable.
While I would like to be able to afford a new bike, its just not practical. I’ve looked over the under $1k thread over at bikeforums and these bikes are just leagues ahead. If I were a little more confident in my bike building abilities, I would consider that. However, from what I’ve read, rarely do you come out ahead (especially at the under $1k range), though I may be mistaken. We’re both graduate students and are on pretty tight budgets. I’m selling some of my tennis gear and teaching a few extra lessons to pay for it.
However, your note of caution is well appreciated and I will be sure to have the LBS look over the bike before I purchase. Once I do, I’ll take it in to have everything aligned and torqued to spec.
Best,
Oso
I now own Last Tri in 83’s Santo and it is indeed a very nice ride. In your position I would pick the Santo over the Caliente because of the durability of Ti over a mix of C + Al, specially if you ever think of travelling with the bike.
i know bonktown has last years caliente on every now and then for around 1400.00 with ultegra dura ace mix. It used to be in thier main store but I do not know if it still is. I think there is a link on the page to their store somewhere on www.bonktown.com
I have no idea what a santo is (sorry, I glaze over when someone starts talking tech), but I looooooove my caliente. It’s seen me through sprints/oly’s and halfs. Love love love it. I have a short torso and long legs and it’s perfect for me.
I owned a Santo (I think I sold it to one of the other posters in this thread) and it was a great bike. Light enough, comfortable, very durable, and a pleasure to ride. I really liked it. Only reason I moved was for a good deal on a TiPhoon.
Plus, I’ve always enjoyed the aesthetics of a ti frame. The Santo just looks ‘right.’