I am buying a tri bike. I already own a road bike and have put ~3000 miles on it. I am ready for a new T bike and my budget is ~1800. I do mostly Olympic distances and want to do two 1/2 IM this year. Whats the best bike I can get for my buck? All responses will be greatly appreciated.
…and it’s likely that you’ll get nearly ten different answers. ‘best’ anything questions are always trouble. anyway, i’d say it’s worth looking at the cervelos (i’m not sure which one would fall into that range), airbornes can be pretty affordable, and i’ve heard a lot of good things about them, and i think giant may have a ‘tri’ bike on the market in that range (i say ‘tri’ because it may be a road bike with aerobars, but i’m not sure, i’ll let you check for yourself). also, cannondale may have a tri bike in that price range, and i believe the kestrel talon is near that price as well. happy hunting. later,
The Felt S22 is definetly a strong bike for the money, good frame, great components. Since you are considering the half IM’s you may wan’t to try the BP Stealth. (Bikeparts.net) chucksbikes.com also has the frame for sale for cheaper. Cervelos are nice, but you might also keep an I on ebay. Just watch for fakes. I’m happy with my QR. Personally though, the biggest difference is going to be fit. I would recomend going to your LBS and talking to them. (Assuming they are at all Tri-minded.) Good Luck.
Many have said the p2k but I don’t think that fits your budget because you say in your post ~$1800 and the p2k is $2000. You then have to add the little extras (like tax, water bottle, etc) and you are at 21-2200. If you like cervelo I think the duel is more in your price range.
There are a few P2K blowout deals out there for less than 2 grand mail order…if they have your framesize in stock. After which if you want to get the bike right, you’ll need to take it to your local tri shop or fitter who knows Cervelo to ensure proper fit (a really good fitting will cost 100-150 bucks). Of course, to ensure proper frame size in the first place you’ll need to work with a Cervelo expert or dealer. The 300 bucks you save may become an $1850 plus shipping mistake if you get the wrong frame size. If I had ordered my own Cervelo vs going to an expert, I’d have ended up buying a 56-57cm frame…and would have had the wrong bike (I’m on a 55cm which fits me perfectly). I’ve seen plenty of eBay and RBR ads for real sweet new bikes being sold by people who bought the wrong sized frame.