After saving up for a P2k and finding they changed the colors I have narrowed my choice down to a saber or ironman 2000. I thought I wanted the P2k but the new colors on the 2004 just killed it for me and I dont want to pay extra to paint it like a 2003. Also I can’t find a used 02-03 P2k anywhere. I am 6’1/2" tall, weigh around 176 and ride a 56cm road bike. I think my torso may be a little longer than some so I was leaning toward the 57cm saber over the 55. Also I have a 32" inseam but have very long arms so I tend to drop my bars lower than average. I have also the option of a new 2003 c’dale im2000, looks cooler but may be less aero and I already have 2 aluminum bikes so it might be cool to try a Ti one. My choice boils down to a lightly used 2001 saber and a brand new 2003 c’dale im2000 in 57cm and 56cm respectively. Components etc are irrelevant because I have a new dura ace grouppo I could put on either from my road bike and already have trispoke/disc etc. Essentially the question is which will allow a more aggressive aero postion/ which is more aero and thus faster. I think the saber is more aero than the im2000 but the im2000 may allow a more aggressive position and thus end up the faster bike. I can’t decide so any input will be appreciated.
i was looking at the saber recently. i have moved on to the tiphoon/blade. the problem with the saber is the head tube is really tall. this may stop you getting nice and aero - make sure you check it out. other than that its really nice frame (but personally i’m not sure about the carbon rear end on a ti bike!).
can’t comment on the cannondale looks nice - but i’m fed up of airports, and dented alu…
After much deliberation I decided I like the saber better than the c’dale just cause Ti will probably last alot longer and this might be the only tri bike I will ever need to buy (I am 21 so if the frame lasts me 10-15 years that is great value) Hopefully it will fit well and allow a pretty aggressive position - I will build it up with dura ace and trispoke front/ renn disc rear - now all I need is a T1 Tres and my equipment will be complete…
I have a 2002 Saber and I love it!!! Don’t worry about the carbon/titanium rear stay it’s rock solid. I’ve done two IM’s on this bike and over 3,800 miles on it. I had an alum. frame prior to the Saber and switched because of the titanium frame and the rear stay. You’ll love it!
I recently bought a 2004 Saber. I have about 10 rides in on it. I like it a lot, but I’m not fitted correctly on it. The top tube is kind of long and I feel a little stretched out. I like to be on top of the bars with my arms at 90 degrees. I probably should have bought a smaller frame. I’m going to get a smaller stem and play with it some more. Besides that, it rides extremely smooth (and quite) and climbs very good. I’m kind of a bike fanatic and I also have a P3. I would still use the P3 for racing since I feel like it fits me better. The Saber is a nice looking bike and the Ti / carbon mix is sweet.