Triathlon - Opinions on Cervelo Dual vs Felt F4C for Triathlons

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tribabe1
10-15-06, 06:05 PM
Having completed my 4th season of sprint tris, I would like to advance to Olympic and possibly 1/2 IM. I currently have a Trek 1000 and would like to upgrade to either a better road bike or a tri bike. I am not totally comfortable yet in the aerobars, but am looking to improve speed and performance. I have tested the Felt F4C and the Cervelo Dual. Any advice, opinions on these two bikes or others? I could go up to $2500.

Houston_Biker
10-15-06, 06:25 PM
Get a Litespeed Saber Titanium bike. I was a roadie turned triathlete and road many tri bikes including Felt and Cervelo. Titanium was definitely the best feeling material and I am very happy with my Litespeed.

The Saber that I have has increased my time trialing (i.e., tri riding alone) ability by a couple of MPH versus my road bike geometery with aero bars.

At a minimum, at least ride a Litespeed titanium bike if you are going to spend $2,500. Once you determine the right sizing I would suggest you check eBay and Slowtwich classifieds for used bikes. You can get some great deals on barely used bikes!

Remember that your tri sizing is generally less than the road bike sizing. I went down by 2 cm with my tri geometry bike.

Good luck as you progress to 1/2s! ;)

Steve
Triguy
10-15-06, 06:51 PM
I would say you would be better served by keeping the Trek 1000, and getting a tribike. That way you won't look back and miss the road bike but the tri bike will definately be faster and probably more comffortable in the aerobars. No matter what bike you choose get fit by a bike shop you think is good.

The new Felts are pretty nice looking...

http://www.feltracing.com/products/product.asp?pid=23&catid=18,20,51

http://www.feltracing.com/products/product.asp?pid=25&catid=18,20,51

Keep in mind, you could get the S32, and pick up a Renn disc for the price of a Dual, and I would almost guarantee the Felt + Disc setup to be way faster.

nycom99
11-08-06, 07:16 PM
I have just completed my first tri season. I rode a 2001 Specialized Allez and did OK with it. In Sept, at the end of the model year, I purchased a 2006 Felt S22...All I have to say is the difference b/t the two bikes is like night and day. The Felt is significantly faster, climbs remarkedly better, and absorbs road vibration. The 2007 S22 retails just under $2,000. You should be able to find other 2006 models at significant savings by this time of the year.

I agree with Triguy. Get a tri bike...