bike choices

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2012-07-15 10:24 PM

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Subject: bike choices
Im def a noob, but looking to really put more time and energy into triathlons.  I have found 2 equipment packages one includes a quintana roo lucero (total package $2600), the 2nd includes a cannondale slice 5 force ($3000 total package), both packages include wetsuits, tri cycling shoes, pedals, bag, shorts and top.  my final option has me looking at just a felt b16 ($2100) no package.  any opinions comparing the 3 bikes?

2012-07-15 10:57 PM
in reply to: #4312885

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Subject: RE: bike choices
Some will recommend the packages, but I like the Felt. Consider whether your races will actually require/need a wetsuit. Her in FL, many races I don't need one. Just a thought. I'm sure the packages are great deals too.
2012-07-16 12:39 AM
in reply to: #4312885

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Subject: RE: bike choices

yeah, I'd look at specific bikes and blow off the packages.  The B16 is $2100 and gives you $500 to $900 to spend on tri stuff you need (compared to those packages).

All tri gear should be considered piece by piece, those packages just toss in cheap stuff that you wind up buying something else later on.

2012-07-16 1:27 AM
in reply to: #4312885

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Subject: RE: bike choices
I bought most of my stuff piecemeal glad I did. You might save money but you'll lose the benifit of getting what you want and I've learned a lot having to shop for everything separately. Someone told me recently the 4th event in triathlons is shopping. You might as well learn the tricks now.
2012-07-16 9:01 AM
in reply to: #4312885

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Subject: RE: bike choices
Great advise in comparing the quality of bike I never considered the rest of the equipment I'm getting in the package might be crap. On that point then keeping with felt, would the b12 be a worthwile improvement over the b16 for an extra $800? Basically a component upgrade from ultegra to DA.
2012-07-16 10:21 AM
in reply to: #4313325

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Subject: RE: bike choices

All that depends on you and what you want. Plenty of information on forum about slight upgrades in components. For me, I would probably see little benefit (better time over 25-56 miles) by an upgrade like that. A great/experienced biker might.

If you can afford it, do it, if it makes you happy. Then you can wait and research/shop for other stuff as you need it. I did a whole season before I "needed" a wetsuit etc. Shoes are a very personal choice and you'll want to try some on before just accepting a package deal etc. Good luck.

2012-07-16 10:21 AM
in reply to: #4312885

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Subject: RE: bike choices

Not sure about you monetary situation, but if you are new to this you mgiht want to ask yourself if you like tri's enough to drop $3-5k on it?

Also you may want to go back to the initial beginner question of tri versus road-bike?

Many actually do a short sprint -tri on any bike they can get their hands on, just to keep cost low and try the waters ;-)

2012-07-16 10:24 AM
in reply to: #4312979

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Subject: RE: bike choices

Tofu - 2012-07-16 1:27 AM I bought most of my stuff piecemeal glad I did. You might save money but you'll lose the benifit of getting what you want and I've learned a lot having to shop for everything separately. Someone told me recently the 4th event in triathlons is shopping. You might as well learn the tricks now.

I'm must disagree we all know the 4th event of triathlons is pooping!!! Laughing

2012-07-16 10:27 AM
in reply to: #4313522

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Subject: RE: bike choices
timf79 - 2012-07-16 10:21 AM

Not sure about you monetary situation, but if you are new to this you mgiht want to ask yourself if you like tri's enough to drop $3-5k on it?

Also you may want to go back to the initial beginner question of tri versus road-bike?

Many actually do a short sprint -tri on any bike they can get their hands on, just to keep cost low and try the waters ;-)

I second his thoughts! ^^ Go out and get yourself a really nice roadie for a significantly less amount of money. Train your arse off and if your absolutely hooked go out and buy that super nice tri-bike. Your roadie can then become your training bike and all is balanced!!! By going with a less expensive option you'll be able to get your other gear and have plenty of extra money to sign of for a few races. Just a thought.

2012-07-16 1:25 PM
in reply to: #4313325

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Subject: RE: bike choices

triitoncemaybetwice - 2012-07-17 4:01 AM On that point then keeping with felt, would the b12 be a worthwile improvement over the b16 for an extra $800? Basically a component upgrade from ultegra to DA.

 

Ultegra is perfectly fine. DA doesn't offer anything except less weight really.

I have both, and can't tell the difference. Save some $ and spend it on gear.

2012-07-16 2:57 PM
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Subject: RE: bike choices
metafizx - 2012-07-16 2:25 PM

triitoncemaybetwice - 2012-07-17 4:01 AM On that point then keeping with felt, would the b12 be a worthwile improvement over the b16 for an extra $800? Basically a component upgrade from ultegra to DA.

 

Ultegra is perfectly fine. DA doesn't offer anything except less weight really.

I have both, and can't tell the difference. Save some $ and spend it on gear.



X2. Ultegra is great stuff. I know of nobody held back from performing because they had Ultegra and not Dura-Ace.

2012-07-16 3:49 PM
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Subject: RE: bike choices
Cervelo P2. ha great bike! 
2012-07-16 5:41 PM
in reply to: #4312885

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Subject: RE: bike choices
i actually have a road bike with ultegra components and aero bars.  cycling and running individually arent really new to me, its just the combination along with swimming.  hoping to lower my bike times with a decent tri bike (at least on more flat courses, i would use my road bike for hillier ones).   actually really leaning toward the felt b16.  for the additional weight the ultegra components will add compared to the sram red maybe i will carry a 16oz bottle instead of a 24oz lol.  thanks for all the feed back...its great to get other ppls insight when shopping around
2012-07-17 10:05 AM
in reply to: #4314700

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Subject: RE: bike choices

triitoncemaybetwice - 2012-07-16 11:41 PM i actually have a road bike with ultegra components and aero bars.  cycling and running individually arent really new to me, its just the combination along with swimming.  hoping to lower my bike times with a decent tri bike (at least on more flat courses, i would use my road bike for hillier ones).   actually really leaning toward the felt b16.  for the additional weight the ultegra components will add compared to the sram red maybe i will carry a 16oz bottle instead of a 24oz lol.  thanks for all the feed back...its great to get other ppls insight when shopping around

You dont sound like a noob to me!

If you're comparing a canondale to a felt, you should take fit into account.  Felt's are built with a longer reach vs stack, whereas canaondale's have a shorter reach vs stack.  What bike would fit your body type better?  Are you longer in the torso or the legs?

If you are looking to spend upwards of $2000 on a tri bike, spending a few hundred on a  comprehensive fitting with a competent bike fitter would be a wise decision.

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