My first road bike was a 2009 S1 and I absolutely loved it! I always wanted an S2 but couldn’t afford the jump and still look at them in the shop wishing I had one. Since then I’ve sold my S1 and got a great deal on a couple of Argon 18’s with the road bike being a Gallium. I really like the ride but there’s something about the S2 which still catches my eye. Maybe it’s the clean lines of the aero-frame and internal cable routing. I especially like the 2010 paint scheme! One day…
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what large manufacturers are “conspicuous by thier absence” in having an “aero road bike” offering?..and when is that going to change? 
I think with that model the governing body may have had a say.
V3.0 in '12.
-SD
what large manufacturers are “conspicuous by thier absence” in having an “aero road bike” offering?..and when is that going to change?
I think with that model the governing body may have had a say.
V3.0 in '12.
-SD
Huh? Care to elaborate? No fair being all cryptic like that :-/
"the best “bang for your buck” aero frame road bike is the $1995 Kestrel Talon with SRAM Red "
+1
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"The problem is I don’t currently have a road bike, nor am I experienced riding a road bike, which makes me concerned about buying a tri bike. "
Don’t get a tri bike at this stage, get a S1 or Kestrel Talon. I switched from a Cervelo tri bike & road bike to a dual purpose Kestrel Talon and have never been happier.
It amazes me how some people conveniently forget that both Simon Lessing and Chrissie Wellington won IM on Cervelo Soloists. Not to mention that LVL won IM Kona on a Giant TCR road bike.
what large manufacturers are “conspicuous by thier absence” in having an “aero road bike” offering?..and when is that going to change?
I think with that model the governing body may have had a say.
-SD
Huh? Care to elaborate? No fair being all cryptic like that :-/
I just think that a few designs may have needed revison before their new models could fill(et) the market.
-SD
Agreed! Even the S1 is an incredible racing bike. I bought an S1 frame to race crits on and I’m very impressed.
Yes the S1 is a great bike but it is not as stiff as the S2. Some riders can feel this difference and some don’t. Those that don’t feel the difference should keep riding their S1 but those that do should ride the S2.
Sergio
Is that the major practical difference? I just yesterday put in a deposit on an S1 and have been torturing myself ruminating on whether I should hold out for the 2011 S2, which is cheaper than the 2010, and get the carbon. I’m definitely not a big-watt sprinter; vibration differences were driving my concern, though I don’t go for rides longer than 40m or so usually.
I’m still a little baffled by the notion that a $4000 bike is a good “bang-for-the-buck”.
I’m also a bit confused on why a Junior “needs” this or that. It’s very nice if the Fed is paying for it, but of the 5 Pro Tour classics, 3 grand tours, and Worlds only 1 was won on an aero frame roadie.
Thanks for this… I think it would be cheaper to buy this bike (Kestrel Talon/sram force) then it would be to buy a group and build up my S1 frame.
I actually think the P2 is a far better value than the S2 if you’re doing triathlons.
P2 - $2800 with ultegra (DA if you get a deal)
S2 - $4000 for a similar build
Both great bikes, and if you need a roadie, of course, the S2 is the roadie, but if you’re ok on a TT only, the P2 is cheaper and has pretty much the same aero technology and materials.
You can actually pick up a P2 right now for $2k on Inside Out sports, which is a sick deal. By far the best bang for the buck.
I’m still a little baffled by the notion that a $4000 bike is a good “bang-for-the-buck”.
I mentioned shortly after my initial post that I was referring to Pro Tour level bikes. I should have mentioned that in the subject.
I’m also a bit confused on why a Junior “needs” this or that.
This particular junior has been racing in Pro/1/2 races since he turned 17. I am sure that he could race in a $1,500 bike, but no one even bothers to comment or even look at his bike when this 17 year old kid shows up to the starting line racing against a UCI Pro Continental team in a S2. It is a normal bike at that level.
I do have to say that when he races against juniors, kids sometimes ask him about his bike. Kid questions.
Sergio
Agreed! Even the S1 is an incredible racing bike. I bought an S1 frame to race crits on and I’m very impressed.
Yes the S1 is a great bike but it is not as stiff as the S2. Some riders can feel this difference and some don’t. Those that don’t feel the difference should keep riding their S1 but those that do should ride the S2.
Sergio
Is that the major practical difference? I just yesterday put in a deposit on an S1 and have been torturing myself ruminating on whether I should hold out for the 2011 S2, which is cheaper than the 2010, and get the carbon. I’m definitely not a big-watt sprinter; vibration differences were driving my concern, though I don’t go for rides longer than 40m or so usually.
I think that you will do fine in the S1.
I am currently riding one of the old S1 bikes of my son. It is a black one with the silver letters. I love it. He has broken several carbon bikes in the first crash, but has crashed at least five times on this particular S1 and is still in very good cosmetic condition. It is incredible. He calls this particular bike his “warrior bike” and when he gave it to me he told me to “please take good care of her”. So many races riding on this black S1. Perhaps she will roll forever.
Sergio
I don’t know while I am a big Cervelo fan there are a number of high value, top performing frames out there which are priced lower. When I got my 1st Cervelo (Red P2K) they were perhaps better positioned in terms of value. Even today I agree they offer a greater value to performance ratio than many brands, but they diffinately have moved up to a high cost bracket now.
In the UK the top level Boardman bikes are well thought of in terms of value - they also seem to do ok in ITU tri’s (2009 - World Champ & 2010 - under 23 World Champ, 2010 Sprint Champ - etc etc) ! Planet X are top value too and have been ridden succesfully by domestic pro roadies in the UK. It could be argued that both brands don’t match the S2 in pure performance terms. Focus Road bikes are top value to in Europe. Canyon bikes also currently have Cervelo beat in value and always seem to do well in test for performance. Arguably I would say they offer one if not the best performance * value.
In terms of like for like both Boardman and Canyon have aero road bikes in development, it will be interesting to see what they will cost and how they perform. Philippe Gilbert seems to ride the new Canyon ok! Think the Canyon in not tunnel tested but is computer designed. I expect the Boardman should be pretty aero as their TT bike is well designed. Neil Pryde and of course Scott are also joining the growing number of manufacturers with aero road bikes. I expect the Scott will probably be at least as costly as an S2 Cervelo if not more though.