Triathlon - 06 or 07 FELT S22 for +$400 more -- worth it? Pls help!

I can pick up last year's S22 for $2050 or the 2007 S22 for just under $1600. Is it worth the extra $450? The bikes are just about identical, with the exception of the following:
*** BARS-- 2007: FELT Basebar with NEW Profile Design R Bend T2+ Extensions // 2006: FSA Vision Alloy Base Bar & Carbon PRO Clip-on Extensions
*** F/DER-- 2007: 105 // 2006: Dura-Ace
*** CRANKSET-- 2007: FSA Gossamer Pro, 2-PC Alloy with Super CNC Alloy Chainrings // 2006: FSA SL-K, 2-PC Monocoque Carbon Crank and Spider with CNC 7075/T6 Alloy Chainrings
*** BRAKES-- 2007: Shimano Super SLR Dual Pivot with Cartridge Brake Shoes // 2006: Dual Pivot Alloy with Cartridge Brake Pads
*** HUBS-- 2007: ALEX ALX 295R with Sealed Bearings // 2006: Easton Vista SL Aluminum Hub with Sealed Cartridge Bearings
*** RIMS-- 2007: ALEX ALX 295R* A-Class EXA Material with CSW Braking Surface // 2006: Easton Vista SL Aluminum 28mm Parabolic Aero Section with Machined Braking Surface

Both are 10spd, all other features the same, except the 07 frame has a deeper rear wheel cut-out. I just can't decide if the 06 is that much better to spend the extra $450, or if i should go with the 07 and have $450 to put towards race wheels. Thanks in advance.

Matt

I would go with the 2007. Use the extra money for some race wheels. IMO the 2007 frame is nicer, thats the most important component. Front derailer doesn't matter. Hubs dont matter, expecially if you are going to get some race wheels. Cranks matter, the 2006 is a little nicer. But the 2007 are nice too, nice enough that this shouldn't be a deciding point. Unless you are a pro, the differnce in those cranks wont affect your performance. Ill think you will be happier on the 2007 for longer than the 2006.

I own the 2006 S22. It's a great bike and a huge upgrade from what I had been riding. BUT, I wish I had waited for the 2007 models. I agree with rhodeshq regarding the frame...

Go for the 2007 model...Use the remaining money for wheels...

2007, even at the same price.

I'm not saying because I am waiting for my '07 S22 to come in but go for the '07. Felt did a lot of work on the frame for '07. Here is some feedback from Dan E at Slowtwitch.

http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/product2007/tribikes/felt.html

Here are a couple other things to consider when deciding which bike to purchase and how to budget your money.

Getting the bike fitted is essential. A fitting should run $50-100, maybe more if you need to add components.

Another item I think you're going to want is a new saddle. The stock saddle on the S22 is not at all comfortable. When looking at a side view of the saddle, the nose bumps up slightly. When in the aero position, this bump will hit you right in the perineum. To minimize this discomfort, I put the nose of the saddle down. However, what was comfortable was too much of a downward slope causing a change in my riding position, causing knee pain, etc...

I just purchased a new saddle (Fizik) and am waiting for it to come in.

i have been doing sprints for a couple years now and want to upgrade my bike. I want to use the bike for triathlons as well as general road riding. What are peoples thoughts on road vs tri bikes. Is it worth the money to buy the tri bike now or just buy a road bike and put aero bars on it? I was looking at the Cervelo Dual....Opus 2100 and then a variety of the Felt road and tri bikes. I would appreciate anyones thoughts this topic.

When is it time to move to the next level and buy a tri bike?

the deal just got even better -- the 07 effective price is down a $100 to just under $1500. an absolute no-brainer. i'm pumped -- ordering it up monday or tuesday. now i need a good set of race wheels, but i'll be holding off till the spring to hopefully pick up a sweet used pair.

to twannabe's post, i'm getting a tri bike now after 2 seasons of racing on my road bike (a bike which i love, by the way) with aero bars. figured that after being sure i'm going to continue racing triathlon, i should have a tri-specific bike. if nothing else, it will make me feel faster!

i know nothing about the opus, but i did also ride the dual -- i didn't really like it. if i were you, i'd find a good local store that has a good selection and just spend an hour riding everything in your price range. you'll quickly settle into something you like. but definitely go for the tri-bike -- you're far enough in, and you can then always keep your road bike for variety.