Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes

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2012-06-14 1:22 PM

New user
45
25
Landenberg, PA
Subject: Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes
Time for a new bike! Pretty much decided on the road bike route since I do mostly small group rides on hilly, winding terrain but want something that will also do well in the 3-4 tris I do a year. I know fit is all important, but interested in what folks have to say on the topic. Local LBSs carry Felt, Cannondale, Fuji, Kestrel, Trek, Specialized, and Cervelo. Thanks!

2012-06-14 2:02 PM
in reply to: #4261846

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Pro
4528
2000200050025
Norwalk, Connecticut
Subject: RE: Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes

Kestrel Talon or Cervelo S2 or an S1 if you can find one.

Get a set up clip ons for a road bar set up and you have a very good multi-use bike.

2012-06-14 2:35 PM
in reply to: #4261935

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Champion
7136
5000200010025
Knoxville area
Subject: RE: Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes
Rudedog55 - 2012-06-14 3:02 PM

Kestrel Talon or Cervelo S2 or an S1 if you can find one.

Get a set up clip ons for a road bar set up and you have a very good multi-use bike.

+1

 

But I mean really Rudy... S5 is the king of *best of both worlds*

2012-06-14 3:00 PM
in reply to: #4261846

New user
45
25
Landenberg, PA
Subject: RE: Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes
Thanks to you both for the input - the one shop carries both the Kestrel and Cervelo - will have to go see which one fits and take'em for a spin!
2012-06-14 5:24 PM
in reply to: #4261935

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes
Rudedog55 - 2012-06-14 12:02 PM

Kestrel Talon or Cervelo S2 or an S1 if you can find one.

Get a set up clip ons for a road bar set up and you have a very good multi-use bike.

^^^^x3

however- there's another solution.  Find a 2011 Felt B10 with Di2 which has dual position shifting, and you can ride your TT bike like a road bike on the hoods, with shifters and brakes in your hands.  Plus- you can justify the extreme price of the Di2 by reasoning that you're saving money on buying 1 bike instead of 2. 

Perhaps this one is in your size? 

http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=444513&posts=4&start=1

 

2012-06-14 6:00 PM
in reply to: #4261846

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Pro
5892
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, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes
Get a well fitting road bike and then add shortie (ITU) clip-ons for the tri's you do each year.

I would disagree with getting a Di2 equipped tri bike (although it's a very nice tri bike option!), as you still have the aero bars, which may or may not be accepted by the group rides you do, and very commonly are outright banned in organized rides/races (charity, centuries, etc.).

2012-06-17 1:21 PM
in reply to: #4261846

Member
16

Elmhurst, IL
Subject: RE: Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes
I was in the same position last year. I had (still have if anyone wants to buy it) a 2008 Trek 1500, but wanted something a little nicer. Instead of a dedicated tri bike, I went with a Trek Madone 5.2. It shifts a little nicer than my 1500, and I like the full carbon.

At least now my bike is not my excuse for being slow!
2012-06-18 9:56 AM
in reply to: #4261846

New user
45
25
Landenberg, PA
Subject: RE: Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes
Sadly that Felt is too big - but one gorgeous bike! Fewer and fewer Felt dealers nearby too which is ashame because I really like the Felts. Fortunately the group I ride w/is pretty informal and about half the folks have aero bars on their roadies - just don't use them during the ride. Good point about the charity/century rides - haven't done any but would like to so I'll have to factor that in. Time to make an apt. to test ride the Kestrel and Cervelo. Thanks!!
2012-06-18 1:08 PM
in reply to: #4261846

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Extreme Veteran
863
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West Michigan
Subject: RE: Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes
I miss my Felt AR-4. It was an awesome dual purpose bike.
2012-06-23 12:58 PM
in reply to: #4267292

New user
45
25
Landenberg, PA
Subject: RE: Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes
What happened to it? how did it ride on hills? I don't have anything major where I live but it is very rolling and narrow twisting country roads which is why I looking for 1 bike rather than a separate tri bike. I'm currently on a Felt F65 (2005). I'll have to hunt down some Felt dealers - would hate to make a decision without at least testing the Felt. Thanks.
2012-06-23 10:15 PM
in reply to: #4276712

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Master
2701
2000500100100
Salisbury, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Recommendations on best dual purpose (road and tri) bikes
Definitely recommend the Soloist. I had an S1... just a fabulous, fast bike in either mode.

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