Tri bike or race wheels?

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BCYoder

2011-10-03 3:04 PM

Veteran

175

Grand Rapids, MI

Subject: Tri bike or race wheels?

I am signed up for IMKY next year and thinking about either getting race wheels or a new (probably entry level) tri bike. Budget is probably around $2,500. I have used my current road bike (nothing great) for 3 HIM's averaging around 18 mph in each race. I have been comfortable on my current bike but only use it for triathlons. Would love to hear thougths on if it makes any sense to get a better wheelset for my current bike or get the tri bike.

Thanks in advance!

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Jason N

2011-10-03 3:09 PM

in reply to: #3709628

Subject: RE: Tri bike or race wheels?

Both.

Find a bike (new or used) for $2k. Then buy a used aero front for around $400, and a disc cover for your rear ($90).

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morey000

2011-10-03 6:34 PM

in reply to: #3709628

Pro

5361

Subject: RE: Tri bike or race wheels?

Cheapest solution: Get aerobars and an aero helmet. Note: aero helmet ($80) will offer a similar performance improvement as wheels costing 10x that much.

Better solution: A tri-bike.

even Better solution: a tri-bike with an aero Helmet

Best solution: Tri-bike. Aero helmet. aero wheels.

Depending on what you're wearing- a good tri-suit (vs a wrinkly road bike shirt) might make more of an aero difference than expensive wheels.

Solution suggested above- front aero wheel and a wheel cover is an excellent cost effective compromise. Heck- barely even a compromise.

Edited by morey000 2011-10-03 6:34 PM

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jgerbodegrant

2011-10-03 7:45 PM

in reply to: #3709628

Pro

3804

Seacoast, NH!

Subject: RE: Tri bike or race wheels?

You're best bang will be a IM bike fit and tri bike.

This is a perfect time of year to go get "new bike" fitted for a IM triathlon position to find out what bikes will work best for you. Everything will start to be on sale. Go get those numbers done first. Don't just go find the prettiest bike you can afford and buy it.

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tuwood

2011-10-03 7:52 PM

in reply to: #3709628

Pro

9391

Omaha, NE

Subject: RE: Tri bike or race wheels?

another vote for the Tri bike?

I saw a $3200 Trek SC 7.2 on clearance at my LBS the other day for $2300, so there's some deals out there.

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Left Brain

2011-10-03 8:54 PM

in reply to: #3709628

Pro

15655

Subject: RE: Tri bike or race wheels?

I just bought a 2011 Trek SC 7.5 for $2750......retail at near $3900.00. Bought 2011 Cosmic Carbone SR's, $2200.00 retail, for $900.00 off of Cragslist. There are some smoking deals out there right now. Be patient, research, and act fast when you see that really good deal.

Edited by Left Brain 2011-10-03 8:54 PM

tigers75

2011-10-04 6:32 AM

in reply to: #3709636

Extreme Veteran

415

Subject: RE: Tri bike or race wheels?

tri808 - 2011-10-03 4:09 PM

Both.

Find a bike (new or used) for $2k. Then buy a used aero front for around $400, and a disc cover for your rear ($90).

x2.....I spent about $2000 on my tri bike building it up from the frameset. Bought a used front carbon aero wheel initially and then mid-summer found a HED rear carbon aero wheel that included a Wheelbuilder cover to match is exactly. Found the rear wheel and disc cover on ebay and only paid $275 for both!

Deals are out there, you just have to be patient and look for them. I would start with the tri bike and a proper fit right off the bat!

Good luck in your decision.

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gts

2011-10-04 5:03 PM

in reply to: #3709628