Best value tri bike under 2g
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Triguy98 posted 7 weeks ago.
No one makes a bad bike. It really comes down to what fits you best. Are you short legs with a long torso? Quintana Roo, Cervelo, and Felt are your best bets. Other way around? Kuota and Trek might make good fits. Giant and Specialized are somewhere in between, in my experience. Try them all out, and don't rush into a decision.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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paganopj posted 7 weeks ago.
If you haven't looked at Giant, find a LBS that sells them. If the fit is right, you'll probably find you get better components for the price point as Giant makes their own frames and can usually be just a tad bit cheaper than the others. My roadie with Shimano 105 all around was under everyone else's with the same component packages.
Make sure you find out if the LBS has experience in fitting people to a TRI bike.
Just keep spinning....spinning, spinning....uh, do I know you?
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Triguy98 posted 7 weeks ago.
My buddy bought a Giant on year end clearance. Got a fantastic deal on it. For the price he paid, it was a solid spec, but at full price... Too much Sora and Tiagra to pay almost $1800 for. Nice frame, though.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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paganopj posted 7 weeks ago.
Triguy98 wrote:
My buddy bought a Giant on year end clearance. Got a fantastic deal on it. For the price he paid, it was a solid spec, but at full price... Too much Sora and Tiagra to pay almost $1800 for. Nice frame, though.
That does seem high for Sora and Tiagra. My roadie has 105 all around with Tiagra brakes and listed full price under $1400.00 I paid less. Of course, I understand that in 2009 bikes went up quite a bit from previous years.
This looks like a screamin' deal if you're anywhere near Miami, Florida..... http://mackcycleandfitness.com/product/07-giant-trinity-a1-29197-1.htm
Just keep spinning....spinning, spinning....uh, do I know you?
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Tri_Kev posted 7 weeks ago.
I just got a Cervelo S1 which retails for $2,200 but you'll probably be able to get it for under $2,000 with a little bargaining and/or end of season sale. I researched extensively and looks to be the best value out there. It's not a true tri bike but can be used either way with the flip of the seat post to change the geometry.
Here's a good review:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/CerveloS1-2009.shtml
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Brianwake posted 7 weeks ago.
Whatever bike you do decide to go for, I would have buying a new seat in the back of your mind. When I was doing my TT bike shopping, I definitely was not really that impressed with any of the stock saddles.
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jnrice posted 7 weeks ago.
yeah, you can't race sora or tiagra IMHO. spend the money to get a 105 or better setup.
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Triguy98 posted 7 weeks ago.
jnrice wrote:
yeah, you can't race sora or tiagra IMHO. spend the money to get a 105 or better setup.
With a roadie setup, I would agree with this, but on a tri bike, it's passable. Not desirable, or the most durable, but workable. Sora and Tiagra shifters are complete crap and are what make the rest of the group seem horrible. I would still make every effort to do an in store swap for 105.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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jonovision_man posted 7 weeks ago.
jnrice wrote:
yeah, you can't race sora or tiagra IMHO. spend the money to get a 105 or better setup.
I did IMC on a Trek 1200 with mostly Tiagra bits. I've put thousands of kilometers on it.
jono
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pcolatri posted 7 weeks ago.
I would say to try EVERYTHING you possiblyu can and see what you like best. It dan also be really fun and neat to buy a frame and build up your own bike with parts from ebay or on sale and what not. You can create an awesome bike by building it up your self. The main thing would to be just ride a bunch of different modles. Also, if it so happns that youare able to test ride the giant trinity and love the ride let me know. I have one for sale speced with ful ultegra, bontrager aero wheels, a fizik saddle and a profile design cockpit that I will give you a killer deal at. The bike is in great condition!
Have fun with your search, new bikes are always super exciting!
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slwnlng posted 7 weeks ago.
Thanks guys Cervelo p1 with ultegra SL is 1 of the 3 if I can get it under 2g. This is on the list.
I saw it under 2g online.
Anyone ever ride a Felt B14?
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TryScott posted 7 weeks ago.
+1 to Triguy98
When I was looking around, I called one shop and told them I wanted a $2,000 bike fit that came with a free bike. Ended up getting a FIST fit, which told me the stack and reach that was optimal for me. From there, I could eliminate some brands because no matter how they were adjusted, they couldn't be setup to the position that I wanted. This was bitter-sweet because some of the bikes that were a good value and looked nice were crossed off my list.
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csaf31 posted 7 weeks ago.
I have had my Felt S32 for 3+ years now. It came with a mix of 105 and Ultegra components. It has been good to me in that time. I got it for $1400 including tax and fit. Now you can probably get a 2009 for $1500-1600 more. I would say then use the extra $$$ on new aerobars for it since the stock ones are quite heavy and a different seat. Otherwise, it's a good deal. Plus it looks good.
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bytri posted 4 weeks ago.
I was in the same spot this time last year. I'm a short lower body and tall upper (5'10 with a 6'3 wingspan) so I was looking for a short long geometry. I tried Felt, Cervelo, Devinci but ended up buying an '09 Giant Trinity 1. The component parts that came stock are all respectable and even though I've swapped a few out, I could have done without.
Check it out, worth a look.
http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/road/2346/32196/
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IthinkIcan posted 4 weeks ago.
slwnlng wrote:
Thanks guys Cervelo p1 with ultegra SL is 1 of the 3 if I can get it under 2g. This is on the list.
I saw it under 2g online.Anyone ever ride a Felt B14?
Don't pay more than like $1500 for the p1. I think they list for 1750? Either way, I know a place that sells it for under list and I'll shoot you the info if you find you need it. FWIW, I own one, the fit works for me (most important part) and I love it.
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howard11792 posted 2 weeks ago.
A good fit will maximize performance more so than a more aero bike. You want to spend 2-3 hours dialing in your initial fit. More important than the brand is a good bike fitter that can tweak the bike for your body frame as well as your flexibilty.
FYI - I am in the process of getting a new bike too. It's awesome!
Park City Ski Condo Rentals
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dkhartung posted 2 weeks ago.
Love the comment from TriScott! I'd try and find a good fitter who works in a shop that can access the basic brands, got through the fitting, and have him point you to a couple bikes that are most likely to fit you and are in your price range with a 105 group.
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slwnlng posted 1 week ago.
Thanks guys for all the responses, Had some issues logging in so haven’t posted.
I received a great offer on a new 09 P1 from a local bike shop. Probably going to put it in layaway during thanksgiving weekend.
They are a hi end bike shop and includes comprehensive fitting for tri bike. F.I.S.T. Professional Measurement.
Got a good deal on a used o9 Kurt Kinetic Road Machine too.
I just finished my first tri season, I will be in the market for a Tri bike this winter. My budget MAX is 2000$ including sales tax. Id like to get best factory bike/component/wheel set value for the money. I will not upgrade this bike anytime soon so its important for me.
I have looked at entry level Cervelo, Treck, Specialized and Felt models. I have some good dealers in my area.
I really don’t know what Im looking at so Id appreciate some thoughts so I can narrow bikes down. Everyone tells me comfort is #1.
Of course I will test ride before I buy but Id like to narrow it down to 2 or 3 models before then.
Thanks