Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks

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2008-10-29 12:29 AM


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Subject: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks

Hey all,

I'm new here, and I just joined my school's Triathlon Team after completing my first tri on a full-suspension mtn bike (bad juju). Anyway since I anticipate doing tris for the next few years, and have $1300 available, I'm looking to buy a new racing bike. The LBS sponsors our team, giving us a 10% discount on any bike we purchase, so I could essentially spring for bike costing around $1500. I'm looking for the best Tri/TT bike available in that price range, regardless of brand. In case it makes any difference, I'm male, 5'6", 125lbs, and have a 30". Look forward to hearing from you!



2008-10-29 2:18 AM
in reply to: #1772562

New user
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2525
Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks

30 inches, huh?  I thought I was the only one!

Fortunately my inseam is 34 inches, so there's no dragging or anything. 

 

Chris

2008-10-29 6:47 AM
in reply to: #1772562

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Master
1741
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Chapel Hill, NC
Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks
I actually won a Valdora AC Tri bike from this website. (I've never won anything before). It's a fantastic bike. I got a top AG bike split on it at my last race, and 12th overall bike split out of a competitive field of women. I don't know if they sell it at local bike shops, or if Valdora is strictly a mail order brand. I am exactly your size tho, well, except I weight a bit more. I am 5'6" and wear 30x30 mens jeans because my quads are too big for women's jeans.

Before getting this bike, I used a road bike with clip on aerobars. I can't believe the difference in a tri bike - I didn't know what I was missing. Unless you plan on doing a lot of group riding and centuries, I say a tri bike is the way to go over a road bike.

Even tho I love this bike, I wouldn't purchase a bike without riding it first. Hard to do if it's mail order. Now is a good time to buy a bike - lots of end of season closeouts!

Keep in mind that building a bike, fitting, pedals, possible saddle upgrade, bike shoes, are all going to add to the cost of your bike. I paid $375 for my free bike.

PS: how can you weight only 125lbs??? Not fair!

Edited by keyone 2008-10-29 6:55 AM
2008-10-29 7:26 AM
in reply to: #1772562

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Expert
2189
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Dodge County, MN (out in the corn)
Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks
My husband (close to your size) recently bought a Quintana Roo.  He loves that bike.  I think his is a 49 and it fits him well.  The entry level QR (Kilo, I think) is about at your price point. 
2008-10-29 7:37 AM
in reply to: #1772562

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Regular
104
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Southern Rhode Island
Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks

The best advice is to do your research... Go to the LBS and try out different bikes, If they do bike fittings get this done. Most Bike shops subtract the cost of the fitting from a purchase price. You should be able to find a great deal at this time of the year on a 2008 or even a 2007 closeout. The 2009 bikes will jump 7-15% in price due to fuel costs and the economy.

Just find a bike that fits you and you are comfortable on. You don't want to spend the money on a bike and have it be torture to ride.

Good Luck
Mark

2008-10-29 7:58 AM
in reply to: #1772562

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Master
1996
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Woodbridge , Virginia
Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks
Go out and ride a couple different brands.. The Felt S32 is in the price range, Trek makes a hybrid tri bike, Quantana Roo, and also fuji has bikes in the range you are looking to spend.. All the 09 bikes are being shipped out, so you can get a killer deal on an 08 bike.. Keep an eye on that.

2008-10-29 10:29 AM
in reply to: #1772562

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2008-10-29 10:39 AM
in reply to: #1772562

Extreme Veteran
326
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Zephyrhills, FL
Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks
i ride a giant trinity, and you may be able to find a 2007 for 1500, not sure tho. it may end up being a little more than that. the trinity gives you a great bike for under 2000 with a carbon/alu composite and DA/ultegra/105 mix. you may want to check it out and see if you can find something in your range. my best advice would be to pose this same questions to your LBS and if they're an honest shop, they'll be able to help you out with something they have in stock or can get for you. and they'll fit you on it as well so you wont have to pay extra to have that done. good luck
2008-10-29 11:23 AM
in reply to: #1772562

Veteran
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Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks
I ride a Quintana Roo Kilo and love it. It has a good mix of componets, Dura Ace, Ultegra, FSA cranks. I have roughly 5000 miles on it with very little maintenance.
2008-10-29 11:47 AM
in reply to: #1772562

Champion
5575
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Butler
Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks
Motobecane Nemesis with DA and Carbo crank and fork from bikes direct is around $1200 and is a fantastic bike for th price, IMO.
2008-10-29 12:40 PM
in reply to: #1772562

Pro
6520
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Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks
Are you stuck on buying a new bike? For the money you can buy a lot more bike by looking at something used. There are great deals out there if you know where to look and are patient. For $1,500, I bought a like new QR Lucero. Before that I bought a QR Tequilo for $800 for my wife. We have one season on them now and they have worked out really well.


2008-10-29 3:52 PM
in reply to: #1772562


798
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Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks
I paid $1150 for my Fuji Aloha, but I suspect you could find one closer to $1000 right now.  The owner of the store really worked to get the fit right, so it actually feels much better than some of the more expensive bikes I tried.  The money I "saved" went towards new pedals/Sidi's, HRM and a helmet.  Through 500 miles it has been great and I finally get to race it sunday.
2008-10-29 4:44 PM
in reply to: #1772694

Champion
10020
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks

I second the Kilo, and I am also your size.  Not your weight, sadly, but your height and inseam.  I also ride a Small Kilo.   It was the "best" in my opinion because it has the nicest components in that price range.  The 2008 was, I think, 1599.  Of course you'll need pedals, etc.  I spent about 1800 at the end of the day.  Should be able to get one in your price range, just see the bike shop can accomodate you.

I think it's pretty sharp looking too:

rowdypaint - 2008-10-29 7:26 AM My husband (close to your size) recently bought a Quintana Roo.  He loves that bike.  I think his is a 49 and it fits him well.  The entry level QR (Kilo, I think) is about at your price point. 



Edited by BikerGrrrl 2008-10-29 4:46 PM
2008-10-29 10:44 PM
in reply to: #1773426


15

Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks

popsracer - 2008-10-29 11:40 AM Are you stuck on buying a new bike?

 

I'm really looking to buy new so I get the warranty and all the support that comes with a new bike versus a used one. I've got no qualms getting a used bike other than the warranty/support issues. Thanks for the tips so far, and keep those suggestions coming!

2008-10-29 11:00 PM
in reply to: #1772562

Master
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Subject: RE: Best Tri/TT bike for 1300-1500 bucks
Just one little thing you may have not considered - while Motobecane and other not-so-well-known bikes are perfectly good, there is no doubt that reputable brands such as Cervelo have much, much better resale value. So if you anticipate down the road that you may sell your bike to upgrade, you may end up saving money by sporting for a 2007 Cervelo P2SL Ultegra which is about $1700 - which likely will retain most of its value down the road, versus a huge drop for the other less-well known brands. Just a consideration. 
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