Javelin Narni, Planet X stealth/chrono, or ...

[crazyrunner]

I need some help. I am looking at a "lower" end tri bike (in respect to price). I am deciding between the javelin Narni, planet-x stealth, 06 kilo, or a softride. The narni and stealth would run me about 1300, the kilo 1699, and im not sure about the softride. Any help woud be GREAT!!

[Triguy]

Wow, those are all kind of different. People either love beam bikes or hate them, ride one and you'll probably know so from here on out my discussion will focus on the others

They are all kind of slack, from most slack to steep is Planet-X, Javelin then Kilo.

The Jav has a standard 27.2 seatpost and no cut out but has Campy which is unique but doesn't increase performance. Has a kicken one piece aerobar. LONG HEAD TUBE

The Planet X and Kilo come with all the bells and whistles, aero integrated seat post, wheel cut out. However, the Kilo comes in more sizes, and I like the geometry better, but you may not your a different person.


Right now all I can say is these bikes are different enough that if you got on all four, one would probably stand out clearly as the right bike for you in fit and style of riding that is ideal for that bike. The Jav for 1300 if its new is a ridiculous deal.

[Dalai]

If you after a budget Triathlon specific bike and if you are willing to build it yourself, have you thought of a Leader frame?

I was seriously looking into buying a Planet X Chrono frameset (also used as the Lapierre TT frame and other compainies) to upgrade my TT bike. But the very slack seat angle was the clincher in not going with this.

[crazyrunner]

also if it helps any i am registered for my 1st half iron this month, and am planning on mostly long course triathlons.

[crazyrunner]

I was also eyeing the QR Tequilo?

[Triguy]

I ride and like a 2004 caliente, but it's a 650c wheel, so its geometry is different than todays QRs

[XC99TF00]

Being partial to Softrides, I obviously would put my money towards that. Haven't found a more comfortable bike over the longer distances, but that's just me... However, what softride frame is it, because they have the two different styles, and I have only used the original beam variety. Also, what types of componentry are on the bikes?

[Triguy]

not to get to picky, but where did you get this list from? As I tried showing, these are very different bikes. Any rhyme or reason to the list?

[crazyrunner]

just the bikes that really caught my eye. They are all great bikes and pritty cheap too! (if you concoder sub $2000 cheap)

[Triguy]

All right, thats cool. Have you gotten a chance to ride any or all of them yet? That will tell you more than we can...

[crazyrunner]

thats my only problem. If there was any decent bike store within three hours that sold good tri bikes i would be there riding them. This is the only reason i am asking for help online. My biggest concern is efficiency and comfort. Looks, name, flashy features etc. don't phase me.