Free bike!!!!

 Are you looking for a faster way to say yes?

Sounds like it's shopping time. First thing: determine how much bike you need/want. Just because he's offering to buy the most expensive bike out there doesn't mean you have to go whole hog.

Second thing: after you've narrowed it sown a bit, go out and ride a bunch of finalists. Fit and feel are worth a lot more than recommendations from a bunch of strangers on a web forum.

Edited by the bear 2009-07-29 4:47 PM

no question:

 

I've always liked the Ridley
http://www.thefastestbikeintheworld.com/index.php?id=models&language=english

Edit - that links to the tri bike, click on the "Noah"

Tell your dad to adopt me or that really you are not his kid and that I am!!!  Failing that get yourself to a couple of the LBS' and check out what they have, what fits you, what you like, etc.  Sell your old bike to put some cash in your pocket, buy him a nice present, donate, etc.  Or you can tell him you want a top of the line QROO size 58-59 cm and I will pay for shipping to my house.

Edited by GaryRM 2009-07-29 4:46 PM

right now i would be inclined to request an orbea orca. i can't really help other than to say what I would do. actually, i can help. have him buy me the bike.

cant go wrong with a madone since you are obviously a trek fan.  you should also look into giant or special-ed tarmac. 

Get a "middle of the road" tri bike so you don't feel too guilty for not riding it too much. 

Or talk to your dad an get one "middle of the road" road bike and one "middle of the road" tri bike instead of one "top of the line.   Top of the line Tri bike can be around 6-7K.  You can get a lot of bikes for 3K each

Nice Dad you have, I am up for adoption

My head is still spinning and I can't think straight. I think I need to go by myself and take some bikes out to test ride. I  think Bear is right - I could very easily get a bike that is more than I need.....wait a minute....is that possible?

I have been looking at bike pjorn on this site for 4 years and now I actually might have some of my own to share <<<<wipes tear>>>>

Ok, is there any significant reason why I should not get a tri specific bike? I think that is what I really want - but am I going to be comfortable on 100+ mile rides? I think I should be able to make some adjustments so that my fit is not so agressive right?

And you are not just a bunch of strangers on a website - I really do appreciate everyone's opinion!

I ride my tri bike on some 100 mile rides...love it, fits well and I feel one with it.

My Orbea road bike I like a lot, but I don't find it as comfortable to ride over 3-4 hours. I have carpal tunnel that acts up when not riding on aerobars is probably the issue. My Orbea fits me well.

I think you need to say yes and take your time finding what bike is best for you.

I like starting with a good fit and working towards which bike will come closest to fitting you well as it is designed. Last time I bought a bike my fit guy looked at 4 bikes that fit my price range and compared to what I would be if I got a custom bike. Clearly two were the best. I went with a Gunnar as I could get it custom done in the color of my choice....bright sparkly pink! Never rode it until I picked it up...love it!

Just my $.02:
Get the road bike that when you look at it, you start grinning ear to ear !!!
Convert the 1500 to a dedicated tri machine.
Does your Dad realize the price of a "top of the line" bike? Here in one of my "dream bikes" http://www.sevencycles.com/road_detail.php?bike=axiom_sg

Give Dad a big hug & Happy Shopping!!

Yes he does.

Then like I said, big hug & happy shopping........
Do you need a brother???

X2 on the Ridley Noah! My husband is seriously eyeing up that as his next bike. Personally, I'm diggin' the Noah GREEN! WOW!! That is one sweet-looking bike.

Edited by nscrbug 2009-07-29 5:16 PM

Upgrade your bike.

Sell you "old" bike for a little pocket money to put toward your races.

Full Carbon Cervelo' tri bike from Dad
Sell above bike
Buy middle of the road tri bike for 2-3k
Pocket 6k

Paycheck to paycheck problem solved for 6 months.

Seriously, I think the post about getting a new top of the line road bike, and converting the Trek to a tri bike is good advice.  If you don't ride the tri bike too often, you will be no worse off for the slightly different geometry offered by a tri bike, right?

If you don't want a tri bike I suggest this:


Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If I was to pick out a dream bike, this would be it - fastest thing on two wheels according to some pre-release hints from Kestrel (better numbers than the P4, even):

Have you tried out Trek ProjectOne to build your own Madone? Customize it any way you like.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/projectone/
I think in the fall they will add the Equinox too.

Edited by losta 2009-07-29 9:51 PM

Holy sh*t that's a great looking bike.  My friends would totally laugh if I got a green bike (I love, love, love green) but d*mn that thing has me all twitterpated. 

I have a Trek SLR1500 with Profile bars and do OK.  If it were me, I would ask dad to buy me a Madone for $3,000 or so and maybe a Specialized Transition Triathalon bike for $2,500.  Sell the 1500 and buy some accessories for each bike.

The Nat!!!!!!! My long lost twin sister, I been looking for you and dad since we were seperated at birth

This user's post has been ignored.

I would look at the Cervelo S2 (expensive) or S3 (crazy expensive). It is a road bike but has a seat post that can be flipped easily to get you into the tri-bike geometry. Throw on a set of aerobars for the triathlons you do and you're good to go with as sweet a tri-bike as most people will every ride.
Don't forget to get a set of Zipp 404's to go with it though! Great wheels for a roady or tri bike.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to get!!

-Mike

I would look at the Cervelo S2 (expensive) or S3 (crazy expensive). It is a road bike but has a seat post that can be flipped easily to get you into the tri-bike geometry. Throw on a set of aerobars for the triathlons you do and you're good to go with as sweet a tri-bike as most people will every ride.
Don't forget to get a set of Zipp 404's to go with it though! Great wheels for a roady or tri bike.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to get!!

-Mike