After much thought wrangling, and research, budget massaging, and comparison shopping, I’ve purchased a 2010 Specialized Transition Pro Frameset. It’s brand new, but was never sold, so I got a seriously smoking deal on it. I’ve saved so much money in the budget that I can now afford to go full Dura Ace, or SRAM Red, if I so choose. I also happen to really like the style and design of the bike.
My other option was the new DA3 or DA4, which I think is a great bike for the money, and would fit me well.
Ultimately, I chose an older frame with high end components over a high end frame with mixed components. Since I’m a solid MOPer, I decided that I’d benefit more from this arrangement. Am I silly? Is the Transition still a competent enough bike, worth spending money on, or should I cancel the deal while I still can, and go looking for a DA4?
Good bike, pretty much equal to the p3. I would save money again and go with a force rival setup and get fast wheels if you don’t have them. Or maybe even a power meter if the wheels are already in place.
I have a Z808 and a Z900 disc that I run for races. I’m debating a Quark power meter on a SRAM crank, but then I’d have to change from a Polar computer to something else.
The Garmin 500 can be had for around $200. You could probably sell your polar and help cover the difference.
Good bike, pretty much equal to the p3. I would save money again and go with a force rival setup and get fast wheels if you don’t have them. Or maybe even a power meter if the wheels are already in place.
+1 Dura Ace never made anyone faster than they were on Ultegra. You’ve already got sweet wheels, so get a PM, or do other upgrades (aero base bar/extensions, new aero helmet, upgraded wetsuit, etc.).
Smart move. I made a similar choice last year … I’m riding a 2010 Transition Comp frameset, but I carried over my old Dura Ace parts from my 2006 S-Works Transition. Used the savings to pick up some FC 808s w/ a powertap.
As for your question – is the transition a competent enough bike? My bike splits are consistently in the top 5/10 for my AG (M35-39) at the Oly distance, and I broke an hour on the bike at my most recent race. At each race, I passed plenty of guys on more expensive rides. So I’d say it’s a very solid bike.
Then again, I’m riding a Transition Comp frame … since you’re on a Pro, you’ll probably be faster. :-p
Cheers,
Hoya
I’ve been on S-works, comp, & pro. They’re all the same. Stiff is stiff is stiff. And it’s still a plenty fast frame, in the whole scheme of things.
It might not look as flashy as a Speed Concept or TM01, but spend an extra week or two training & save yourself several $k.
I’m on a Pro now, I love it. Very little desire to own any model of Shiv. I love how the Transition now feels ‘old mold,’ but I take joy in the relative simplicity of a non ‘super-bike.’