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natethomas2000
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Blue Competition Cycles Triad w/SRAM Force review

  • Price Paid:$2,800.00
  • User rating:
    (4.8)
  • Would buy again from this company: Yes
  • Used product for: 3 months
  • # of logged workouts: 426

"In the three months that I've had my Triad I've put in just over 600 miles. I love how effortlessly I can cruise at 24-25 mph on the flats, and even slight uphills get eaten up rapidly. The bike also climbs quite well. In my opinion it also looks pretty unique, especially with my race wheels (HED Jet C2 6/9) on the bike. I wasn't looking to spend this much money on my first tri bike - more like $2500 total, but I couldn't pass up a deal like this. I now have a bike that I can grow on for years to come. Right now, the bike is better than I am, and I feel a little unworthy. I'm hoping that over the next couple of years I'll get my riding abilities to be on par with the quality and performance level that this bike demands. "natethomas2000

(4)

Ease of use

Very easy bike to get comfortable on. It took only two rides until I felt like a pro getting in and out of the aero bars.

(5)

Quality of Construction

Bike is top notch and very well put together. Paint is excellent and carbon layup looks superb.

(5)

Fit

Got a great fit at ATA cycles in Concord, MA. Took a good 1 1/2 hours to figure out measurements and what bikes would work, and then another hour after purchase dialing in the Triad to fit me.

(5)

Comfort

I'm very comfortable on short rides and rides up to around 2 hours. Over that my sit bones get a bit sore, but that probably has more to do with the saddle, which I'll probably replace at some point.

(4)

Adjustability

The bike is great for me, and the seatpost was cut for my size. If I happen to sell the bike, Blue has a way of adjusting the seatpost for another rider.

(5)

Durability

I've only been on the bike for about three months, but so far it's been flawless.

(5)

Value

The bike retails for over $4000, and I got a 2009, which the bike shop had lying around. Saved over $1200, which I put into a set of HED race wheels. The frame alone goes for $2500, so I feel as though I got a great deal.

(5)

Appearance

I love the way that this bike looks. It really stands out in a crowd, and I've gotten lots of comments at races and out on the road by other riders.

(5)

Customer Service

Haven't had any issues, but I know that Chance, a Blue rep, is a regular poster on slowtwitch.com, and does a lot to promote and support their product.

(5)

Performance

So far, I'm loving the bike. I was 7th overall on the bike leg in my first tri (out of 230) and 6th overall on the bike leg in my next race (out of 672). I'm averaging around 25mph on the flats with relative ease, and there's still a lot of room for improvement. I'm aiming for the top bike split in a race during the next season!

Strengths

The bike seems very stable, even at higher speeds. Power transfer is great, and I can get up to speed quickly. I really like how the bike stands out in a crowd - I've only seen two other Blue's out on the road when I've been riding, and I ride in an area that has lots of bikers.

This bike also come with 1 hr of free wind tunnel time in Georgia. For me in MA, that's not great, but I'll probably get there at some point.

Weakness

I think one area of weakness is braking. Trying to bring the bike down from high speeds on a descent is a bit tricky. The rear brake is 'hidden' under the bottom bracket for aero purposes, but I think that some braking power is compromised by doing this. However, I realize that this is a bike made to go fast, and braking is not meant as its strong suit.

Buyers clubTriad w/SRAM Force
  • 2 people use
  • 427 workouts logged
  • 12612.89 miles / 518.38 hours logged