So I’m winding down my second season doing sprint triathlons. I’ve placed in the top three of my last three races(in my age group). I’m currently on a caad 10 with wheels and aero bars. So, I’m thinking next season I’ll probably want to invest in a Tri bike. There’s a lot of bikes I like the looks of it, but it seems kind of like golf clubs, you don’t really know if you’re going to like it until you use it for a while.
My local shop, where I can get some price breaks, Carry Canondale – Cervelo – Quintana Roo. They’ll let me test ride to my hearts content, but there’s just so many other brands to choose from. I’m super happy with my Cannondale, and I am partial to the slice rs di2. What advice do you have on selecting a new ride?
Get a fitting first. Then read about stack and reach on here. Then look for a bike that fits you in size and budget. Don’t blow all the money on the bike because you’ll probably want to get aero wheels and an aero helmet.
So I’m winding down my second season doing sprint triathlons. I’ve placed in the top three of my last three races(in my age group). I’m currently on a caad 10 with wheels and aero bars. So, I’m thinking next season I’ll probably want to invest in a Tri bike. There’s a lot of bikes I like the looks of it, but it seems kind of like golf clubs, you don’t really know if you’re going to like it until you use it for a while.
My local shop, where I can get some price breaks, Carry Canondale – Cervelo – Quintana Roo. They’ll let me test ride to my hearts content, but there’s just so many other brands to choose from. I’m super happy with my Cannondale, and I am partial to the slice rs di2. What advice do you have on selecting a new ride?
I ride a standard slice and love it. Two things if you buy an RS:
Unless you’re pretty mechanically savvy you won’t be able to do much work yourself on it because of the integrated front end.
They recently had a recall on the RS and many of the owners are very unhappy with how they’ve been treated.
That being said, I like the look of the RS more than almost any other bike. They’re just oh so sexy. If you’re going to spend that much on a bike, I’d suggest getting a professional fit for them to tell you what bike(s) best fit you.
Get a fit. That will narrow down your choices. Then do the whole pro/con list on the qualities of the different bikes on that list. Then ride them all and fall in love with one. Throw out the pro/con list, hand the lbs guy your Visa, and proceed to start spamming everyone that you know with pictures of your new baby.
With some of the superbikes like the Slice RS, P5, mechanical difficulty may be an issue directing your choice.
The P5 will at a minimum have the tricky to install/adjust under-BB rear brake for instance. It may also have the tricky to adjust aduro aerobar. The slice RS will always have tricky cable routing and integrated front end bits.
The Cervelo newP3 will have nothing tricky about it at all which is nice.
Buy a Boardman, if for no other reason than he’s a nice bloke.
That is on the radar! FYI I’m a mechanic by trade and do all my own bike work. Tempted to build one over the winter, just need to narrow down my choices. If it helps I’m 5’11 and 164lbs.
Similar position to you (without the promising results). I recently bought a Boardman Air TT 9.8 frame and now embarking on the build. I was at first keen to just buy a full bike but a good opportunity came up to get the frame at a really good price and now I’m enjoying researching the pros and cons of various components. I’ve teed up my LBS to do the build. If you have a bit of time and like the idea of building something very individual, I recommend this process. It gives you plenty to think about on those long rides!
I went without a fit for my first 18 months and did well (often top 5-8% of my age group) self-fitting and asking others to comment.
Recently, I did get a proper Retul fit and found out a couple of things…
I prefer long and low…thus certain bikes are a bad fit for me, such as Specialized and Cannondale which are taller and shorter (I had been riding a P3, which ended up being the right size but had been crashed) and ended up going with a Felt DA that I’m building up.
Crank length is going to change from the 175 that I had on my P3 to 165! My fitter saw a jump in power at the same effort.
Your fit will help dial in the fit that feels good while insuring power output is in check.
Budget…figure out what you want to spend, then make a list of your key elements, such as a power meter, frame, wheels, components, etc. Then identify your priorities and factor cost to those.
If you’ve done all of this then you should know what dollars are going to your new frameset (or full bike). You’ll also know the bikes that fit best and the correct size and set-up. Now your options should be a bit fewer…then go with what “moves you!”
Exact same position as you. Did some basic research and had body measurements taken. I’m long torsoed so I looked for a lower set bike. QRs are reported to be good for that. Tested a few and was about equal on 3 in terms of feel (giant, cervelo and QR). My issue was in part cost. 2 kids in college soon so I could not convince the mrs for a 3k bike. Found a smokin deal on a used med QR and snatched it up.
Had a fit dozen this past Friday. Amazing how much play there is in a bike. Stem, seat, aero bars, spacers, etc. all adjustable to dial in. In the end my fitter had me a little higher stack then the bike had set up, due to some flexibility issues I have. Moved me forward to get a more comfortable angle and less arm strain. Also moved my cleats which made a lot of difference - really surprised me. Took me off a Cobb saddle and has me back on an adamo. It took about 3 hours, with a few imteruptions but overall, a great experience.
Overall, the fit is well worth it and my guy’s view is, get a bike you like (visually) and is designed for your overall body type and fits your financial ability and then let your fitter dial it in.
The closest shop to me that offers the F.I.S.T fitting process quoted me $125-150 to get sized up. Is this an ok price? Also what will I get from this: a set of #'s / dimensions?
The closest shop to me that offers the F.I.S.T fitting process quoted me $125-150 to get sized up. Is this an ok price? Also what will I get from this: a set of #'s / dimensions?
Depends on the fitter. I paid $200 for mine. I got all the standard dims (see your profile on ST). Also got pics before and after. I heard I’d get that $$$ off the cost of the bike if I bought one from him. I’d ask in advance what you get. $125 sounds like a good price. I hear $175-200 in my area for most bike fits.
So I’m winding down my second season doing sprint triathlons. I’ve placed in the top three of my last three races(in my age group). I’m currently on a caad 10 with wheels and aero bars. So, I’m thinking next season I’ll probably want to invest in a Tri bike. There’s a lot of bikes I like the looks of it, but it seems kind of like golf clubs, you don’t really know if you’re going to like it until you use it for a while.
My local shop, where I can get some price breaks, Carry Canondale – Cervelo – Quintana Roo. They’ll let me test ride to my hearts content, but there’s just so many other brands to choose from. I’m super happy with my Cannondale, and I am partial to the slice rs di2. What advice do you have on selecting a new ride?
If I were you, I’d do the F.I.S.T , and then start test riding everything your LBS has. Eventually you’ll find one or two that really catches your fancy.
So I’m winding down my second season doing sprint triathlons. I’ve placed in the top three of my last three races(in my age group). I’m currently on a caad 10 with wheels and aero bars. So, I’m thinking next season I’ll probably want to invest in a Tri bike. There’s a lot of bikes I like the looks of it, but it seems kind of like golf clubs, you don’t really know if you’re going to like it until you use it for a while.
My local shop, where I can get some price breaks, Carry Canondale – Cervelo – Quintana Roo. They’ll let me test ride to my hearts content, but there’s just so many other brands to choose from. I’m super happy with my Cannondale, and I am partial to the slice rs di2. What advice do you have on selecting a new ride?
If I were you, I’d do the F.I.S.T , and then start test riding everything your LBS has. Eventually you’ll find one or two that really catches your fancy.
That’s what I’m thinking. I don’t mind spending money, but I do mind spending it and not being happy.
The closest shop to me that offers the F.I.S.T fitting process quoted me $125-150 to get sized up. Is this an ok price? Also what will I get from this: a set of #'s / dimensions?
Depends on the fitter. I paid $200 for mine. I got all the standard dims (see your profile on ST). Also got pics before and after. I heard I’d get that $$$ off the cost of the bike if I bought one from him. I’d ask in advance what you get. $125 sounds like a good price. I hear $175-200 in my area for most bike fits.
I talked with the fitter and let him know what I was wanting to do. There service starts with the cleat position and works up through the crank, saddle ect… You get the dimensions and the $150 comes off the cost of a new bike if I opt to get one from them. They are a F.I.S.T. Dealer and use a fitting stationary bike. I think I’m going to schedule an appointment.
Think about a bike fit to see what will work best for you. Have a budget in mind that your willing to spend. work around those to important subjects first… there are a lot of great bikes , ereyone has different needs…
look into value suited for your price range… the needs of a top age grouper or pro are more expensive than the needs of a person entering the sport… there are lots of things to consider, spend the time to learn about it, even a budget bike is expensive so be informed.
I used a high end cheap road bike for just short of two seasons till i made a decicision…
I bought a p2 with cosmic rims and love it… that being said I have been in races and just tearing it up and some dude and or women has gone zipping right by me on an old clunker and I think how the hell is that possible so keep in mind it not always the bike, the rider is a big factor also
my life dictacts that im suoted for 70.3 so thats what i mainly do although I would really like to do a sprint on an old pennyfarthing hiwheel bike ( replica ) if I can find one for under a grand im gonna buy it… you should think about one of those babies as well, yeah daddy
I got a bike fitting scheduled next week. Whatever I get I know I want Di2. Are the remote satellite shifters integrated into the brake levers available in Ultegra yet?
Sadly Canyon doesn’t have a US distributor (they’re a direct sale company and they don’t ship to the US). Unless you have a friend in one of the countries they ship to (preferably Germany) who’s willing to buy one and ship it to you, don’t get your hopes up.
