Triathlon - Giant TCR Aero 2 or Specialized Transition Multi-sport?

I've got an option, which is pretty nice.

I can either purchase a Giant TCR Aero 2 for $1,100 or a Specialized Transition Multi-Sport for $1,050. My third option, which I don't mention because I don't think its a true tri bike would be a 2004 Specialized Allez Elite I have available also for $900.

I'll be doing my first triathalon in August (The Temple Triathalon - in Temple, TX) and intend to do this on my training bike (2003 Del Sol Veloz TS w/ aero bars). I'm really stoked, but would like to have a true triathalon bike for next season instead of a cafe racer that's been modified.

Anybody familiar with either of these two bikes? Which one would you pick, out of the two?

why don't you find a used cervelo dual and get a real tri bike. I don't think either of those are tri bikes. which is fine if that's what you want. I think they're both good road bikes with aerobars clipped on . i 'd go for whichever bike has the better component spec, which I bet is Giant.

The TCR Aero 2 is a pretty decent bike for the money. As a first tri bike, I think it's a good choice, but do not expect a "perfect" bike for $1200. Add a nice set of race wheels (and keep the Xero's for training) and you will take a big step forward. Also, as with all bikes, spend the $100-150 for a bike fit! Probably the most important investment; I see more people on ill-fitting $5000 bikes than I see people on a perfectly fitting $1200 bike, yet somehow the people on the cheaper bikes beats the spenders... wonder how?! :)

why don't you find a used cervelo dual and get a real tri bike. I don't think either of those are tri bikes. which is fine if that's what you want. I think they're both good road bikes with aerobars clipped on . i 'd go for whichever bike has the better component spec, which I bet is Giant.

Agreed. I think these bikes are marketed as tri bikes but aren't truly in that category. It is smart on the part of these companies, trying to capitalize on the part of the population that is just getting into tri, and sort of think they want a tri bike but don't want to spend the cash. Which then leads to the common question of what you really want/need. I'm not going to tell you what that would be...

Between these two though, I would go with the one that feels more comfortable to you...

i am unfamiliar with the tcr areo's geo. , but i thought that the Specialized was a tri specific frame with tri specific geometry. If this is true, what would make it not a tri bike.

well you're right in a way. the transitions all have 76 degree seat tube angles which some tri bikes have, felts for example, but I prefer 78 , which you can get with cervelo, q-roo, and many others

the multi-sport comes with STI and drops which I see as being a road set up , but it is the same frame as the other transitions which come with an aero front end.

the transition may work out just fine depending what you're after. Same for the Giant. If you want to have one bike for all riding , the Specialized would be a good choice.

I wouldn't necessarily consider a bike a road bike just because it has drop bars and STI's... There are an awful lot of european triathletes that are using just this kind of setup simply because most races are draft legal.... This is almost like saying that Simon Lessing is less on an triathlete, because of his drop's and STI's....

The TCR Aero geometry is much more of a road geometry than a true tri geometry... This works for some people (especially if you're from a roadie background...).

Do most of you with tri bikes also have road bikes for other than race rides? Or do you use your tri bikes for all road riding? I've got a nice Specialized road bike right now, and if I decided to go with a tri bike I would have to sell it first. It would be several years before I do something like that, but I wasn't sure if the tri bike would be enjoyable for all around riding???

I used to do that(one bike) but my dad upgraded to a tri bike, so i took his road bike. It is alot more comfortable for long rides(100+km). But that being said, you can ride in a tri bike for all your traingin if you want to.

I have two bikes. A Giant TCR (aluminum) with Campy Centaur/Record for the road and a Kestrel Talon with ultegra/dura-ace, X-treme TriSpoke front and Renn disc rear. A dedicated tribike is fantastic, but also limiting as you really can't ride with a group with them.. So the options are really one bike that needs to do it all, but will compromise both road and tri, or two bikes, set up specifically for tri and the other for road, but this is of course more expensive..

Cervelo Soloist, areo road frame
http://www.cervelo.com/bikes/2005/SL-Team.html

I have two bikes. A Giant TCR (aluminum) with Campy Centaur/Record for the road and a Kestrel Talon with ultegra/dura-ace, X-treme TriSpoke front and Renn disc rear. A dedicated tribike is fantastic, but also limiting as you really can't ride with a group with them.. So the options are really one bike that needs to do it all, but will compromise both road and tri, or two bikes, set up specifically for tri and the other for road, but this is of course more expensive..

I've been on group rides with others that have tri bikes ... why do you say tri bikes are no good fro group rides? Lack of handling, comfort?

Handling from the aerobars... It tend to make other riders nervous and they may not allow it. If you think about how quick you can brake on a roadbike compared to a tribike, in addition to stability in extreme manouvers (avoidance)... Plus, I'd rather save the wear and tear on the tri bike and use the roadie when training. Usually do one ride a week on the tri bike just to get that rush of tucking in and go. Nothing compares to that! :)

Most group rides actually specify that you are not allowed to use aerobars. Sure, you can ride your tribike, but how much fun is it to ride on the horns?