Triathlon - Bike Debate around 1600

Well, I like to look to the future, simply put next fall. This is most likely when I will be getting my next bike(maybe sooner if my racing goes well early on next season meaning cash or a sponsorship comes to me). Only problem is, I am fairly picky about my bikes. I am going to be looking for exact things. And first and foremost it is around a 1600 dollar price tag. So heres the start to the list...

1. Cervelo Dual
2. Felt S25
3. Guru Cron Alu 105
4. Cannondale Ironman 800
5. Trek Equinox 7
5. QR Kilo
6. Javelins got a couple

Let me say strait out, I have 2 favorites while writing this. Dual and Cron Alu. This is for two main reasons...
geometry
geometry

I want a steep seat angle(78 +) and a low head tube(+/- 11cm). So lets start the clearing outing... First ones out...

2. I've been professionally fitted on a Felt didn't care for it, its out.
5. At first I really liked the Treks appearance but it just ain't me.
6. Javelins have the exact opposite of what I'm looking for in geometry

Now to keep in mind price, 1600. For those of you who don't know the new Kilo is set at a msrp of 1900 dollars so and the Cannondale Ironman is also a bit above but I may work in a bikestore that sells them...

5. QR Kilo = an all new bike, an all new price. It is out, a damn shame because the 06's are drool worthy.
4. Cannondales are either gorgeious or hideous, and they're a bit expensive for me.

So whats keft is my original 2 winners. When it comes down to it, it'll be the one that I can find in my size for the cheapest, most likely the Dual because my LBS doesn't carry Guru.

Whos got insights as to there favorite bike in my price range? by the way, the reason for my price choice is to allow for money for a Hed Jet 90 and be under $2000.

I can't help anymore than you've done for yourself. I went with a Cervelo P2K that I got new for about that price because I had some wheels and an old drive train, so I was basically buying the frame. Worked out very well for me. I don't know anything about the Guru, except you see quite a few of them on the tri circuit up here in the NW. That said you also see alot of Cervelo's. I like going with bikes that fit but not alot of people have, I didn't do very well with the P2k, except I love that bike. My next bike I think is going to be a Carbon Soloist- to mate up with my R2.5. make a nice trio don't you think.
Good luck with the decision, have fun racing.

I was in the same position you are in a few months ago and I finally went with the Dual 10. It’s the best bang for the buck. Nytro.com sent me one with a free upgraded DA derailleur, free shipping and no sales tax. Came out to be a nice deal and I’ve been real happy with the bike.

Good luck.

barleyrocket, I don't know what to say about that trio. Jealous? Yes, but it is so much more than just jealousy.

Actually I would ride a 55cm Kilo(I know there is one on there), but I'd rather go 700c for exchanging wheels between my road and tri bike especially since I will be doing ITU type stuff. It is very tempting to go after the 55cm kilo though.

Why did you have to point it out, now I'm just staring at the 55cm, thinking about how easy I could change over certain parts from my current bike(basebar and saddle), track down cheap race wheels and bam new bike and feelin good.

Personally, I am a fan of the softrides, assuming you are still using this for your tri bike. In the 1600 range, I would say check out the Softride qualifier SE TT. Complete package is 1800-1900 (includes wheels you could sell off to help pay for the HED's), and includes 105 components for the most part, FSA crank, TT handlebar set up, etc... Anyhow, that is my favorite in your aforementioned price range.

Softride Qualifier SE TT (http://softride.com/product.asp?p=18)

I know it isn't on your list, but have you looked a specialized transistion? I just picked up a multisport and I love it, aeros and drops...though it is 105/tiagra tripple....

I am still wary about Softride. The whole beam thing seams complex and the geometry would put me a guy of about 5'9" on a L I believe and the head tube at that point would be a little long.

Specialized doesn't fit the bill on geometry.

Mainly the ability to change geometry that is more short person friendly, ie usually steeper seat angles, no toe overlap on front wheel. 650s are supposed to be quicker at accelerating
Disadvantage is that there isn't as much BB drop. The gearing gets wierd, basically a 53/39 on a 650 is like running a 50/36 on 700s or something to that effect.

And as always personal feel. I like the 2003-2004 55cm QRs because they come in a 53-53.5cm or so top tube and a fairly low top tube. I've decided to wait after this weekend and a talk with the local head of our elite team about me joining for 2006, in which case I would probably be on a new Dual in no time.

I am considering the Kestrel Talon Tri and the Cannondale Ironman 2000. One is carbon - one is aluminum. I can get them for similar pricing. They have similar wheelsets and both are basically full ultegra.


Anybody have any thoughts?

Hey Jennings,
You sure found a simple way around this process compared to me. Gut tells me, Kestrel Talon Tri. However, my gut also says that you should try making your choice as complex as mine. Find all the tri bikes under your spending limit, look at what geometry you are most comfortable with, then narrow it down one step at a time.

Beetl, I am guessing that a 55cm with 650s would be around the right size, though I'm no expert. I would definately say the 57 would be hard to make work well. Your tri bike should have about a 2 cm shorter reach than your roadie. For example, my roadie is a 54.5cm top tube with a 90cm stem, but the seat all the way back. My tri bike is a 54cm with a 100m stem and saddle all the way up. So even though the top tubes are near identical, there is about a 1 inch difference in saddle to stem clamp length. So a 53cm top tube for you is very close if you run a little shorter stem than is on your roadie.

Jennings,

I have a Talon with full tri setup (Hed Aerobars, Renn Disc, X-Treme WindCheeter Trispoke front, etc.) and absolutely love it! It looks fast, feels fast, and if the engine was up to it, it is fast! :)

It's also very comfortable... I used to do time trials years ago, and the Kestrel's aeroseat post (they just released a carbon version of it, and that is really, really nice!!!!) allows for enough flexibility to setup the seat angle that works for you. I tend to ride a bit slacker and not so steep, probably due to my TT background.

Highly recommended!!! I liked mine so much that I actually bought another one to setup for the road!

Jennings,

I have a Talon with full tri setup (Hed Aerobars, Renn Disc, X-Treme WindCheeter Trispoke front, etc.) and absolutely love it! It looks fast, feels fast, and if the engine was up to it, it is fast! :)

It's also very comfortable... I used to do time trials years ago, and the Kestrel's aeroseat post (they just released a carbon version of it, and that is really, really nice!!!!) allows for enough flexibility to setup the seat angle that works for you. I tend to ride a bit slacker and not so steep, probably due to my TT background.

Highly recommended!!! I liked mine so much that I actually bought another one to setup for the road! Thanks for the feedback. I love how the kestrel looks and have only heard good things. My main problem is that my buddy who is manager of my LBS loves Cannondale. He used to work for them and is so biased. He is strongly recommending the Cannondale over the Kestrel. He admits that it is because he is biased and that he doesn't have a definite reason. I really like the looks of the kestrel better than the cannondale. I know that shouldn't be the main reason you make a decision, though.

I may be able to add one more option to this list in the next week. I don't want to say too much about who but I might be able to do custom steel for a decent price leaving me just at about $1600. Now, the weight may be a little more than my other options, but I may be able to get some very nice other touches, like a Head Tube under 10cms. For now I need to see what the builder says about pricing and my chosen geometry. Only problem is, if he says everything is a go for a reasonable price I will probably have to sell my old bike to fund this thing, and I don't know if I want to see her go.