Triathlon - Trek Bike query

Hello folks. I'm a somewhat experienced triathlete (read 25 races from sprints to a half-ironman, whatever that means to ya ;) who is looking at getting a new bike. I'll be getting a Trek, that is a settled issue. Trek helped me out with a shady bike shop problem I had when I was getting my feet wet in triathlon, so I'll be continuing with Trek. I'd rather not spend alot of money, however, I would like a bike that rides smooth and relatively fast. Sadly, I'm ignorant about bikes. All I know is how to ride them, so when I went looking for reviews about Treks, I was blown away at some websites about all the "upgrading" people said you need to do with them.

So what I'd like is to buy a bike and really only change the bike seat, though perhaps the tires as well. I don't want to spend more than what it would cost to get a Trek 1500. I'd rather be under $1000 if possible. But I don't know what I'd be sacrificing by getting a 1000 (there seems to be a camp who supports the 1000 and a camp that despises the 1000) or a 1200 or any other intermediate bike between the 1000 and 1500. I'm aware the bike doesn't make the cyclist, as I've passed by plenty of nicer bikes than my 470 in races :p, so I don't want to gain any frivalous gains for a couple hundred extra. I'd appreciate any help people could offer. I'm looking at doing mainly sprints and a couple du's this season, and my cycling will be rather hilly (typically I'm good on hills, I'm actually looking for something that'd help me get a little faster on flats), being in the Cuyahoga Valley, some of the best cycling in Ohio.

The 1500 is probably at the level where you don't have to change anything... The wheels are seriously downgraded if you step down to the 1200 and at the level of the 1000, you're also sacrificing the derailleurs (Tiagra is pretty low on the Shimano totempole...).

At the level of the 1500, you would have to add pedals (clipless), maybe aerobars (if you are using them, or you may already have them on your old bike...), and since the seat is very personal issue, that depends on if it's comfortable to you... All-in-all, long term, this level is probably the best investment if you're not interested in fixing stuff, or upgrading stuff.. Do some looking around at the LBS... They may still have some of last years models left where you can get really nice deals!

Sounds like you've already got a serviceable road bike. Why not buy a dedicated tri bike? Going to the 1000, or even the 1500 is not going to make you significantly faster. A bike built for TT's or Tri's will. I'd get at least the Equinox 5 (about the same price as the 1500.) and if you're into enough that you've completed 25 races, don't you think it would be worthwhile to invest in a nice bike? i.e. the Trek TTX, or perhaps an Equinox 9 if you didn't want to go all out.
An Equinox 9 (aproximately $2000) amortized over another 25 races, is only $80 bucks a race, a lot cheaper than greens fees. And if you figure 25 training rides for each of those races, then its down to $3 a ride. Come on you're worth it.

Sounds like you've already got a serviceable road bike. Why not buy a dedicated tri bike? Going to the 1000, or even the 1500 is not going to make you significantly faster. A bike built for TT's or Tri's will. I'd get at least the Equinox 5 (about the same price as the 1500.) What do I get with the Equinox 5 that I don't get with the 1500? Sorry for such a silly question, I simply don't know enough and am not really willing to pretend that I do with a $1400 purchase.


and if you're into enough that you've completed 25 races, don't you think it would be worthwhile to invest in a nice bike? i.e. the Trek TTX, or perhaps an Equinox 9 if you didn't want to go all out. An Equinox 9 (aproximately $2000) amortized over another 25 races, is only $80 bucks a race, a lot cheaper than greens fees. And if you figure 25 training rides for each of those races, then its down to $3 a ride. Come on you're worth it.Wow! No way I'd pay $2000 for a bike. I just don't have that much money to just spend it on a bike. I kind of shiver at the idea of spending $1400. While I've raced in a number of tri's and a handful of du's, I'm hardly competitive enough to justify such an expense. In a race, I'm usually top 50% rank in the swim, top 25 to 35% rank on the bike and top 5 to 15% in the run. I do well enough to be happy, but I'd feel silly riding such a nice bike at my competative level. Besides, I don't have clips anyway.

What do I get with the Equinox 5 that I don't get with the 1500? Sorry for such a silly question, I simply don't know enough and am not really willing to pretend that I do with a $1400 purchase.



A bike designed for triathlons, complete with aerobars, and with geometry that will facilitate getting into an aero position, and the transition to the run.

It's a triathlon specific bike. It isn't the best choice for your only bike, particularly if you want to do group rides, or possibly consider doing a bike race some day. But given that you have a functional road bike already, and do a lot of tri's, it would seem to make sense to buy a traithlon bike.

And not a silly question, this kind of question is what the forum's for.

Thanks for the help. I went for the Trek 1500 in the end. It is significantly less expensive in my mind and it offers pretty much what I was looking for. It'd be nice to have aerobars, but those are something I'd rarely use because you shouldn't use them in practices, except to practice actually using them. The lighter weight of the 1500 compared to my 470 will also help, especially in hill climbs. I'm sure the Equinox is better, but I really wasn't ready to pay that sort of price. Appreciate the help. I look forward to sticking around this board as I'm looking forward to this racing season.