Triathlon - Bike advice - Giant/Felt/Cannondale

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2pyrfam
07-08-05, 08:27 AM
I am looking to get back onto a bike after about 20 years so I can do shorter distance tris and to just ride. I have been reading, looking, and riding a variety of bikes and have decided to go with a road bike at this point and am looking in the $1000 range (have to get a bike for my wife too!). I have narrowed the field down to the Giant OCR1 ($900 - compact geometry, full ultegra, carbon fork), Felt F70 ($1069 - reg geometry, full 105, carbon fork and seat stays), and Cannondale R700 ($1100 - reg geometry, 105 w/ultegra rear derail., carbon fork). I'm 5'7" w/about a 29.5" inseam. The rides are all nice and I'm having trouble deciding. Of course the cranks, wheels, tires, handlebars, and brakes are all different which makes it harder. Am I over thinking this? Any experience with these bikes, suggestions, feedback helpful!! Thanks!!

audiojan
07-08-05, 10:01 AM
I like the TCR better than the OCR, but either one is a terrific value. In general, Felt also has very good value, especially if you take the quality of components included....

Most important, test ride! The one that feels the best, is the right buy for YOU.
SnowyL
07-08-05, 09:05 PM
Most people either love or hate Cannondales. That's what I ride for my triathlons. It's a super stiff ride that I'm quite comfortable on. How long were the test rides that you took? I got my husband an R1000 for right at $1000.

Out of the 3, I'd pass on the Felt unless it really feels great. Giant is probably the best "value," but I'm a Cannondale girl, (even though I have a Giant MB). One thing to consider is if you'll be comfortable on a compact frame on a longer "short" ride.

cacyclingfan
07-09-05, 01:06 AM
I really like my Giant TCR. It climbs like a mountain goat, however, if I hadn't biked in 20 years I might look for a less stiff frame.
2pyrfam
07-11-05, 10:27 AM
Thanks for the input! I wound up buying a Felt F65 this weekend. Turns out I was getting some poor advice on fit when I rode other Felts and this one just was a great ride out of the gate. Spent a little more than I wanted to but got better wheels and ultegra shifters and derailleurs. Can't wait to start putting some miles on it!