General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2018-08-21 10:46 AM


26
25
Subject: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?
Can anyone give me their experiences and opinions on used triathlon/TT bikes I should steer towards (brand, what year not to go beyond, would like to keep price at $1000 or less, are Shimano 105 “bad” parts?) I was interested in a 2011 speed concept but it sold the day before I made an offer. Really appreciate everyone’s thoughts, thank you


2018-08-21 11:30 AM
in reply to: Brandon443

User image

Champion
7542
5000200050025
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?

FIT, FIT, FIT,

If you've had a professional fit, they should give you what would be your "nominal" ideal fit for a TT bike.  That, more than brand, age, or components will set you up well.  You can generally find geometry details even for older bikes online.  

Shimano 105 are mid-range (Dura-Ace, Ultegra, 105, Tiagra, Sora) were the Shimano lineup best-to-cheapest a few years ago.  Some on BT have run Sora drivetrains for several thousand miles per year.  Is it worth an extra $200 for Ultegra over 105 or Dura-Ace over Ultegra?  Some think so, others don't (capitalism at it's best!!!)  

If you're looking locally, see if you can get a candidate bike thoroughly inspected before you buy (especially Carbon Fiber).  

 

2018-08-21 11:44 AM
in reply to: Brandon443

User image

Pro
15655
5000500050005001002525
Subject: RE: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?

Originally posted by Brandon443 Can anyone give me their experiences and opinions on used triathlon/TT bikes I should steer towards (brand, what year not to go beyond, would like to keep price at $1000 or less, are Shimano 105 “bad” parts?) I was interested in a 2011 speed concept but it sold the day before I made an offer. Really appreciate everyone’s thoughts, thank you
\

If you are looking for another SC in a Large frome I can probably make you a deal you can't refuse.

2018-08-21 11:55 AM
in reply to: Left Brain


26
25
Subject: RE: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?
i believe a large frame is too big for me. right now the road bike i have i do believe is a 54cm. i'm 5'6 and 150lbs
2018-08-21 12:08 PM
in reply to: Brandon443

User image

Pro
15655
5000500050005001002525
Subject: RE: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?

Yep, too big.

2018-08-21 3:27 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

User image

Champion
7542
5000200050025
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?

Originally posted by Left Brain

Yep, too big.

but...but...it's too good a deal to pass up!!!



2018-08-21 4:48 PM
in reply to: Brandon443

User image

Master
8247
50002000100010010025
Eugene, Oregon
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?
It depends on fit, but usually a fitter can recommend a number of brands/models in different price ranges that would work well for you......

I have been very happy with my 2010 Cervelo P2 that I bought used in 2015. Both the original owner and I put in a ton of hard, sweaty miles on it on rough roads in tropical conditions and on the trainer. The original owner trained for and completed several SE Asian full IM events with it; I trained for and raced nine HIM on it, including two World Championships, as well as some shorter races, hauled the bike between North America and Asia numerous times, as well as to/from Australia once and frequently to/from Singapore and Indonesia. It's comfortable and durable and travels well; not particularly flashy, but good value for the money. I pass people riding far more expensive bikes on it all the time. I've been so happy with it in fact that my next bike is going to be a new P2.
2018-08-21 6:07 PM
in reply to: #5248286


26
25
Subject: RE: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?
That’s good to hear, one of the bikes I’ve been looking at a lot is the p2 (from what I know the used ones I’ve seen somewhat locally have been reasonably priced for what I want to spend). I’ll have to try and get to bike shop and see what they say as far as fitting and recommendations. Hoping I can fall into something that’s is 2011 at the oldest.
2018-08-21 6:39 PM
in reply to: Brandon443

User image

Champion
7595
50002000500252525
Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?

I wouldn't fixate on the year.  A older bike in excellent condition beats a newer bike that has been hammered and abused any day. 

After you know what fits, pay attention to condition and the bike's history of use and care, and since you have budgetary concerns, also pay attention to things like whether you will need to replace some components right away (cables, chain, cassette -- they add up quickly), and the condition of the wheels.

2018-08-21 6:59 PM
in reply to: #5248313


26
25
Subject: RE: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?
Good point about fixating on the year. So I anticipate maybe doing an Ironman or two in the next few years. Outside of that mostly sprints and Olympic. Would you say a carbon frame bike would benefit me that much in a shorter distance race?
2018-08-22 9:00 PM
in reply to: Brandon443

User image

Champion
7595
50002000500252525
Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?

In general, all other things being equal (but they never are), the faster and harder you will be riding, the more a higher end bike will make a difference.  (Warning -- the difference the bike makes pales in comparison to the difference you fitness and ability make.)

(I'm talking about percentage of finish time, not absolute time, of course.  In terms of absolute time, it takes much less savings 'per mile' to add up in a 5-7 hour IM bike ride as opposed to less than an hour in a sprint.)

In the category of "For What It's Worth" (probably not much):  You'll see plenty of road bikes in an IM, and some of those riders will ride to some pretty decent splits.  At least in the sprints and Olympic races (non-drafting) in my parts, nobody on a road bike is even near the front of the pack on the bike.  That's probably because you really are doing a more or less all-out time trial at those shorter distances, and for a race of that nature, a bike designed for the task makes more difference.



2018-08-22 9:16 PM
in reply to: 0

User image

Pro
15655
5000500050005001002525
Subject: RE: Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike?

Originally posted by McFuzz

Originally posted by Left Brain

Yep, too big.

but...but...it's too good a deal to pass up!!!

Yeah, that's why I would suck at selling cars.

I'll make someone a hell of a deal on a really nice bike.....but I'm not gonna sell it to someone who may not know it's not the right bike for them just to get rid of it. 

Besides.....it's hanging on my weight rack....and if I sell it I woun't have an excuse for not using the weight rack......and I DO NOT want to start using that.  LOL



Edited by Left Brain 2018-08-22 9:19 PM
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Entry-mid level triathlon/TT bike? Rss Feed