(Thanks for your comments)
I have been riding a Specialized Allez for around 3 years now and I want a new Tri-bike. I will be doing a HIM on this new bike and then next year I am going to be doing a IronMan (can’t believe I just said that). I only want to spend max. $1900ish; so here are the 3 bikes that I have seen in my price range that make sense:
06 Specialized Transition Elite Price $1,097.00
07 Trek Equinox 7 $1,346.00
'08 Cervelo P2 SL (Dura-Ace) $1,849.99
I know the Cervelo will probably get the most picks but is the extra money worth it?
I guess I am looking for a bike that is a true Tri-Bike, meaning more aggressive than road not a “in-between” bike.
Thanks
-Mat
PS I hate the fact that the '08 Cervelo P2 SL (Ultegra) only comes in yellow…
Of those three bikes, the P2SL would be my recommendation–assuming it fits you. Looks like it has much better components than either of the other two and certainly fits the “true tri-bike” profile.
You may also want to check out Felt’s S32 and S22 and the Quintana Roo Kilo. Both are in your price range and are tri-specific bikes.
For my money, I’d try to find a Cervelo Dual (Dura Ace) in your size. You’ll give up virtually nothing compared to the P2SL. And, you’ll save more than enough money to buy an aero helmet, disc cover & skinsuit and end up being faster in the end.
I like my Dual much better than my BIL’s P2SL. The finish looks much nicer, and I don’t have to deal with the horizontal rear dropouts.
I agree, it is too bad they lock you into that color. If you have a good relationship with your dealer, you might be able to work something out on your own hybrid version. I don’t know what the color options were on the 2006-7 models were, but you might be able to find a new old stock version for even cheaper.
If you are looking to buy very soon, bikesportmichigan is having a huge sale on their bikes through tomorrow (memorial day sale). I just bought a cervelo soloist team for 1699 down from 2000. I believe they had p2sl dura ace for 1649 and the ultegra model (in the grey color) for like 1499. (dont quote me on those prices though) Give them a call and find out, anyway you look at it, you are saving some dough!
I am going to have a local shop around here build it for me. they said it will be around 50 bucks. then they will also do a fit on me for about 60 bucks. another good point of buying on the internet at bikesport, was i did not pay any tax. so that saved me about 120 bucks. about frame size, i know i was a 61 cm, so that is what i ordered. but if you call them, you can give him some measurements and he can say what frame size he thinks you would be…hope this helps. congrats on buying the new bike. my soloist team purchase was my first bike purchase…cant wait for it to come in!
I bought a bike last year online. I’m definitely not a wrench. All the cables were installed. It took me about 15 minutes to build. It basically came built except the bars weren’t attached at the stem and maybe the rear derailler was unattached. Very minor stuff.
is the Specialized a “new 2-year old” bike?
if the Trek a “new 1-year old” bike?
I am not necessarily a pro Cervelo guy, but assuming the bike fits nicely I would rather get a brand new bike so I would vote for Cervelo.
However, if you go with the Specialized, what do you with the extra money? Same question if you go with the Trek but you will get less extra money?
I was in your position last year. I also rode an Allez for several years but, after my first tri season, wanted to get a tri bike. It’s obvious from my screen name which bike I chose. My short list was down to the Felt S22, the P2SL DA, or a leftover Dual Ult.
I went with the P2SL for a few of reasons.
Value. Based on reviews and components it seemed to be the best bang for the dollar.
Anodized finish. Don’t underestimate the benefit of the anodized aluminum. It’s damn tough.
Brand. I’m not one to “drink the Kool-Aid” but there is a reason that every other bike on the transition rack is a Cervelo.
I never did drink the Cervelo kool aid and ended up with a New Old Stock Javelin during that crazy sale they had a while back. That said I rode the P2C Ultegra recently and it was amazingly comfortable. This bike is currently out of your range but may be worth seeking out if you can find it discounted. I know it retails for $2,500 but bikesport just quoted me $2,125 with free shipping (I had to call and find out) through the 31st of this month. I was amazed at the comfort of having a full carbon frame provided me on choppy roads (which there are plenty in the north east) after a long ride. My current bike has carbon seat and chain stays which are nice but the P2C was super nice…
Thanks for the info I am going to a LBS tomorrow morning for a test ride on that Cervelo; man that is one nice bike. I hope it is aggressive and comfortable.
-M
Questions for you: Do you have any other tri accesories (helmet, snug clothes, etc.) If not, does that factor into your $1900 budget? While the Cervelo has the nicest parts, you may blow your original budget.
I can’t speak on the Specialized on your list, but I bought the Trek E7 as a frameset. I love the stiffness of the frame and it just “feels” fast under me. Buying the Trek will save you over $450 to purchase other things. I ride it with an 80 degree seat tube angle with 13cm of drop so you can get it pretty agressive if it fits you.
With that said, I’m not a big fan of the components they use. I just bought the frameset and used my own parts.