And not because it’s made by Trek, or it’s the same frame with a different sticker than blah blah… I’ve heard it all before.
All my money now goes to road bikes. But I need a new tri bike for the annual IM event, and all the other half’s. I raced a QR Kilo for many years and loved the geometry but I got rid of that bike about a year and a half ago. Before that I had a QR Volt. All where aluminim and I was happy with that (note, carbon is the only material on my road bikes anymore, although I long for the days of steel).
I can crank out power but I don’t weigh a lot (155), so I don’t need the stiffest frame in the market. I can’t tell the difference between Ultegra and Dura Ace. Shimano 105 is decent for race day, IMHO. So I’m even leaning towards the Equinox 7. I know some people think that theis is an entry level bike, but I sure wish this much technology existed 14 years ago when I started. I figure that with the money I save on the bike I can pay for upgraded components - in particular a new kickass wheelset (where I can gain some real speed).
The angle is a solid 76 degrees. The top tube length is tight for the frame size. The frame has aero lines, and the weight is decent at this price range. They didn’t over do it on the stickers.
The only other bike I am even considering is the Felt S25, but I don’t know anyone who rides them. Plus I support my LBS, and he’s a Trek dealer.
Plus, it’s the engine on the bike that really makes a difference on race day.
Probably only reason is because you can get more bike for your money with a Felt or perhaps even Cervelo. But if you like the Trek, just go for it. Who cares what we all say.
Actually, I do care. I’d like to hear someone say - I own that bike and it’s a piece of junk, or that is the greatest bike I’ve ever owned, or I really compared several bikes including the Trek and it won/or another I chose another because of the following…
Or you get more for your money with this other bike because of the following reasons … I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing and I just need to get some honest opinions at this point.
BTW, the Trek bike has 3 day delivery. I can get credit for the components I don’t want and use that money for upgrades. I can literally be on my new ride next weekend.
A few monthes ago, I posted a huge rant on this bike.
I’ve since seen several more, and I guess I need to soften up a bit.
I still don’t care for either that much, but the equinox 9 is a better frame than I had given it credit for.
I still have yet to see a 7, though, that I would have any amount of confidence in. I don’t know if it’s the finish quality, or the paint, but the equinox 9’s seem to be better built framesets.
Personally, I’d choose the Felt over the Trek. Felt knows geometry, tubing, paint, and how to build a super value bike. I can’t say all the same for Trek.
The Equinox 7 and 9 are exactly the same frame. Just different color. I can’t tell the difference between the Felt geometry and tubing compared to the Trek. The top tube is different on the Felt but that is all I can see as being different.
Not trying to justify the Trek, just trying to understand.
If your LBS can fit you on the Eq 7 -, and you’re not that picky it will do.
I saw one at my LBS a few months ago and checked it out for a friend who was looking to get an entry level bike.
I found it to be a bit on the heavy side for a 55ish frame.
It was spec’d OK ,but I did not recommend it.
It only mimicked its awesome carbon big brother the 11.
But in aluminum form, I felt it was a tad pudgy.
For a bit less money I think the Felt s32 is a steal!
And for a tad more than the Trek-you can’t beat the Cervelo Dual.
I have yet to meet someone that is not happy w/ their Dual.
Money is hard to come by as you well know.
I’d spend some time researching this,and your fit is key!
I know some guys that are having problems running off the bike now that the season is under way.
I’m convinced its fit issues.
Always good to support your LBS,but, don’t short change yourself either.
then again…its only my 2 bits.
Good Luck !
Fish
PS: As far as the 3 day delivery thing- that convenience is short lived once you realize your bike is only so so.Trust me…been there done _ !
FWIW- there are outfits like Nytro that do great over the phone fitting,and stock most bikes in a lot of sizes.You can get it pretty quick.
OR- if you are close enough to travel to LBS’s like Bikesport,or R&A Cycles it is w/o a doubt worth it.
That kind of hands on experience is invaluable.
On paper it’s the same frame, I’m just speaking from experience. The 9’s I’ve seen have been finished better than the 7’s. Cleaner welds, the tubes seem to line-up better, and the finish is smoother (looks like an extra layer of clear coat, but I don’t know for sure.)
The Felt’s tubes bulge at the bottom braket to increase stiffness. (They may also be butted in more spots, but I don’t know off the top of my head.)
Personally, I like what Felt builds, and I like the way Trek builds their road bikes, but for a tri-bike I’d ride a felt.
&%$#@&&, 25 pounds? Dang.
I wouldn’t wish that on my arch-rival. (Or freestyle, either.
I also have to wonder about comfort. I haven’t ridden either, but I have heard glowing reviews about how felt’s rides. Trek’s hilo on the other hand, was known for being an arse beater.
You spend a lot of time training (I assume, unless you are genetically gifted) for race day. This sport means a lot to you (again, I assume), yet Trek has never been largely committed to the tri market. They put out a model for a year or two (think Hilo) and pull out. Hop in, hop out. There are other bike builders who are more vested in the sport--and you as an athlete than Trek. IMnsHO, Trek tri-bikes reflect their attitude towards the sport--tertiary at best.
Supporting the LBS is good, but if you’ve purchased a few of those road bikes from them, they should survive the season without selling you an Equinox.
I just went to the Trek websight and this is the new Eqinox 7. Trek bicycles get no respect around here but to me it looks like a great bike. The 2005 model has the same carbon fiber frame as the 9 and 11 and nothing beats carbon fiber for bicycle frames. Another thing about Trek; Trek seems to be the only bicycle manufacturer who goes to the wind tunnel for R&D. All the others seem to go for advertising. I say go got the bike, ride it, race it and enjoy it!
If it fits you well and you like it, you don;t have to justify your purchase to anyone. For that matter, even if it doesn’t fit you, you still don’t have to justify your purchase.
The customer is *always *right.
The first guy I ever worked with a high end bike shop, Chris Gustafson, said it best:
“Tell me what you want and I’ll tell you why it’s the best.”
Not any more it’s not. The picture about is of the 2005 Equinox 7; carbon fiber!
As I said in my previous post, it is aluminum. Next time, please check your facts first before you attempt to correct my correction.
