General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Which Bike Would You Buy? Rss Feed  
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2014-12-15 8:05 PM

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292
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, Massachusetts
Subject: Which Bike Would You Buy?
I just got fitted for my first tri bike. I'm fortunate to have a well-established tri-specific shop in the area and I feel that they did a thorough job understanding my needs and fitting me appropriately. I'm definitely looking in the lower end of the price range with a max budget of $2,500. Based on my fitting I have four options available to me from my local shop (of course I don't have to buy it there but I'd prefer to give them my business, and I get 50% of the fitting cost credited back if I do).

Option 1: 2015 BMC Time Machine TM02 105 - $2,500. Comes with the new 11 speed 105 group including cranks, Dura-ace shifters, Shimano brakes, etc. No real off-price parts from what I can tell. Top end of my price range but the frame is gorgeous.

http://www.bmc-switzerland.com/us-en/bikes/road/aero-timemachine-tm...

Option 2: 2015 Felt B14 - $2,000. Comes with mix of parts - Ultegra derailleurs, FSA Omega cranks, Microshift shifters.

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2015/Bikes/TT-TRI/B-Series/B14-Avai...

Option 3: 2014 Felt B14 SRAM Rival - $1,800 (original list $2,199). On sale because it's a leftover but I actually like the matte black color scheme better than the 2015. Downside is that it's a 10-speed drivetrain.

http://2014.feltracing.com/USA/2014/Bikes/TT-TRI/B-Series/b14.aspx

Option 4: 2011 Felt B10 - +/- $2,000. This is a new leftover frame that the shop owner cannibalized the original Di2 parts off of. He is willing to build it up with Ultegra parts and it would come in somewhere under $2k, or I could have it built with other parts as well.

http://2011.feltracing.com/USA/2011/TT-TRI/TT-TRI-Series/B10.aspx

I'm leaning towards the BMC - the new 105 parts seem pretty solid, the bike has great reviews, and it's just plain sexy. The shop owner is also willing to build me the 105 bike on the Ultegra frame (same frame just black and white instead of red). I honestly don't think I can go wrong with a Felt either, but something about the BMC appeals to me more. Second choice would probably be the 2015 Felt, but I feel like there are parts to be upgraded right out of the gate.

Thoughts, recommendations, biased opinions?

Thanks!


2014-12-15 8:21 PM
in reply to: dgconner154


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Subject: RE: Which Bike Would You Buy?
All the frames are in the same ball park, so for me, it would be all about the gruppo. I would lean toward the 11 speed 105's assuming the rest of the bikes are coming with a 10 speed drive train. I've not ridden the 11 speed 105's but if it's anything like the 11 speed Ultegra, you won't be disappointed.

2014-12-15 8:28 PM
in reply to: ziggie204

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292
100100252525
, Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Which Bike Would You Buy?
Thanks. The 2015 Felt is 11 speed as well but it's a mix of components.
2014-12-15 9:00 PM
in reply to: dgconner154

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Subject: RE: Which Bike Would You Buy?

Originally posted by dgconner154 Thanks. The 2015 Felt is 11 speed as well but it's a mix of components.

Why are you concerned with this mix of components?  It's $500 cheaper and you're getting an upgraded front and rear derailleur.  If you are concerned about the crank and shifters, you could still upgrade them to an Ultegra 6800 crank and Dura Ace bar end shifters for about $350.  You could even throw in an Ultegra cassette and chain for less than $150 and you would have full Ultegra for less than or the same price as the BMC with 105.

2014-12-15 9:51 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Which Bike Would You Buy?
I am biased, but I say bmc. I wouldn't get caught up in components, 105 is great. My 105 actually came with a tiagra front derailleur. I still ride fop in spite of that mechanical disadvantage.

Personally I say go with the bike that turns you on. That is the one you will ride

Edited by ChrisM 2014-12-15 9:52 PM

2014-12-16 3:26 PM
in reply to: Jason N

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292
100100252525
, Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Which Bike Would You Buy?
Originally posted by Jason N

Why are you concerned with this mix of components?  It's $500 cheaper and you're getting an upgraded front and rear derailleur.  If you are concerned about the crank and shifters, you could still upgrade them to an Ultegra 6800 crank and Dura Ace bar end shifters for about $350.  You could even throw in an Ultegra cassette and chain for less than $150 and you would have full Ultegra for less than or the same price as the BMC with 105.





I'm not really concerned, I was just pointing it out as a difference between the bikes. If I went with the Felt I'd probably do as you suggest and upgrade the cranks and shifters.


2014-12-23 7:02 PM
in reply to: dgconner154

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292
100100252525
, Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Which Bike Would You Buy?
Update: I went with the BMC. Picked it up today and can't wait to ride it. LBS only had the Ultegra version in stock, so they built it with 105 cranks/brakes and Ultegra derailleurs and gave me the 105 price. Not a bad deal!



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2014-12-23 9:55 PM
in reply to: #5074861

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Subject: RE: Which Bike Would You Buy?
Very nice! Now go tear up the pavement!
2014-12-24 5:34 AM
in reply to: dgconner154

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5892
5000500100100100252525
, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Which Bike Would You Buy?
That's an outstanding bike! I've just finished up my race bike for next year, a BMC TM01 built up with Di2. Just a stunning ride!!!
2014-12-24 7:34 AM
in reply to: audiojan

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292
100100252525
, Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Which Bike Would You Buy?
Nice! I can't wait to get out for a ride!
2014-12-25 2:55 PM
in reply to: dgconner154

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Subject: RE: Which Bike Would You Buy?
Great choice. I would do anything to have a ride like that. I am a big BMC fan so as soon as I started reading this I was like BMC ALL THE WAY!!!


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