I made my initial visits to my three local bike shops and am considering these 4 bikes. I would love to hear your thoughts. With that being said, I know that fit is the most important thing. Let’s work under the assumption that all four bikes fit me for now. Some of these weren’t in stock, so I did an initial testing on a smaller bike and ordered a larger to do a better fit in a week or so.
Specalized Shiv Elite. $3,100. 2014 with a 105/Tiagra blend. Integrated cables/hidden rear brake. Also has a few cool “gimmicks,” like an internal bladder and a positive/negative stem. The shop won’t let me test ride this one too far, but I can rent an older model for a day and if I buy the Elite, they refund the rental cost.
Felt DA4. $2,400. 2013. Not sure on the exact build. This bike wasn’t in stock, but the shop is checking if they can order it for me. This shop as a cool deal where they will let me take it and test ride for the weekend or however long. Definitely something I am going to try before making any decision. I’ll post more details about this bike when I find out Monday.
Cervelo P2. $2595. 2012, but with a dura ace build. Test rode this and it was extremely smooth.
Cervelo NP3. Also not 100% sure on the price, but let’s just assume $4,000. Likely an ultegra build at that price. This is a bike that I wouldn’t get yet, but would likely get in the Spring after I’ve saved a bit more. I haven’t test ridden this one yet either -its currently being shipped to the shop. I likely won’t get on it for another week or two.
Aero rating, I think its gonna go NP3 → Felt DA4 → Elite → P2. Anyone care to disagree?
You should be able to get the P2 2012 (black red frame) for 2000-2200$ depending on if you can find your size.
Maurice
I completely agree with you - the great thing about this one is the Dura Ace build, which might make it a bit more expensive. It could be in that range, its my fault for failing to write it down.
If the Shiv fits, wear it. Just my opinion. For ME, thats far and away the sexiest bike you listed.
I get that you are expressing your personal opinion, but any reason why you think the Elite is the best choice? I kind of feel its between price ranges. Its above $3k while the NP3 is $4k and the P2/DA4 are low twos.
If the Shiv fits, wear it. Just my opinion. For ME, thats far and away the sexiest bike you listed.
Haha don’t get me wrong - the Shiv is a great bike, fast and functional - but aesthetically pleasing? Give me a break. Of course these things are subjective, as you suggest.
I feel like there is a lot of confusion when it comes to picking a new bike. Many people say “fit is king! You must test ride to know!” Others talk about wind tunnel performance,etc.
But over seen other stuff saying you can get a near-perfect fit on nearly any bike so long as it’s your size and that test rides can be misleading. And when it comes down to it, some of the wind tunnel differences will only amount to a minute difference on a longer course.
How the heck is someone supposed to choose? Just pick based on price and color scheme?
How the heck is someone supposed to choose? Just pick based on price and color scheme?
With the current crop of mid to high end TT bikes, that wouldn’t be such a bad way to chose!
Other things to consider are ease of maintenance. Some of the superbikes have complications like custom brakes, hidden rear brakes, custom front ends etc.
All of the bikes you are looking at are excllent, the P2 would be a maybe a minute slower over a half ironman than the others all else equal, but it is also a lot cheaper!
and yeah, you can fit on all of those bikes perfectly.
How the heck is someone supposed to choose? Just pick based on price and color scheme?
If you’ve narrowed the list to bikes that are roughly comparable - colour/aesthetic is a perfectly reasonable decider.
Of your list - it’s hard to have a Shiv (tall bike with tall bars) as an option alongside P2/DA so you need to look carefully at that.
And while, IMO, the DA is the coolest looking bike on your list - the stem options are more limited so you want to make sure you can get the correct stem for your position before you commit to purchase. Speed per dollar it’s probably your best listed option.
NP3 and P2 are the easiest bikes - no odd components, massive fit range. Well proven (which seems to mean played out for some).
I can’t remember the last time I test rode a bike prior to purchase, I think it may have been 1996. I can definitely remember the last time I looked at bike aero data though (yesterday - it’s 8am so I haven’t got to that point yet today) - you can tell where my priorities lie…
just curious if you should include relationship, proximity & reputation of each LBS you are considering…
I think so, to the extent that you have to consider what happens if there is a problem -how far away is the LBS, how have they worked with you in the past, what is their general reputation from working with your friends, etc. Fortunately for me (and unfortunately for my decision), all three are relatively equal. I have worked with one of the three more than the other two, but all have great reputations and presence. Also, all three are within roughly 2-3 blocks of one another, so access is equal as well.
That being said, the one with the Felt DA4 just informed me that to call it in would require a 60% non-refundable deposit. I think that just struck the Felt from my list - I won’t buy a bike that I haven’t seen or ridden before.