Building a dream tri bike survey

[p2000]

I figure I am a year away from a new bike. And in that time I'd like to decide if I want to buy or build. So my question is this:

If you had a 2k budget would you build, buy or buy & change?

and

What would it be?

Thanks for the opinions.

[flirtwitdirt]

I'm still pretty new, but because I'm on the market I've been glued to the classifieds and I would say: definitely build. I have a mountain bike that would sell for ~2200 new, which I built from some used and some new parts for 900.

[Triguy]

2k? ... I'd have to say...

Cervelo P2sl ultegra - $1650
Disc Cover - $100
Aero Helmet - $125
Visiontech aero basebar - $75

or...

Argon 18 Mercury $1300
Shimano 105 build kit $600
Disc Cover $100
Aero Helmet $100

__________________

Should be equally fast. Obviously the Cervelo has more bang for the buck. The Argon 18 is a little more unique.

[celerystalksme]

i'd buy all used gear for $2000...

cervelo p2sl - $1100
rear disc wheel + deep rimmed front wheel - $700
aero helmet - $150

[p2000]

i'd buy all used gear for $2000...

cervelo p2sl - $1100
rear disc wheel + deep rimmed front wheel - $700
aero helmet - $150

11 hundo? I'm in. Good call there.

[kosherdave]

invest in the frame first off, then be sure to get decent components and wheels. remember that you could have teh bike for years and every year you can upgrade, but you're not gonna wanna upgrade the frame. little upgrades might make more sense if you're on a budget and over time, you'll end up with a nicely built up ride.

[gervelo]

Go Cervelo...

[Talewinds]

Whatever you do, don't get a Cervelo. You won't be able to find it in the transition area.

[bjornm]

Whatever you do, don't get a Cervelo. You won't be able to find it in the transition area.

That was funny.:thumb:

[johnopower]

i'd go the kestrel evoke from bikesdirect.com
i'd get a thompson post for it and what clip on aero bar you can get that feels good. use the thompson (either straight or offset) for forward position to use aerobars, and use other post for road riding. the components and frame on that bike are great, the wheels are fast, and its a hot looking bike. dont worry about aero until youre fast enough for people to give it to you :)

[bikinpolitico]

There are several great bikes in that price range, and if you are willing to look at used even more. The important thing is fit and riding style as there is a real difference in geometry between say an Orbea and a Cervelo. Check out http://www.slowtwitch.com/stackreach.html for more on this. If you want to read people talk ad nauseam about how they'd spend imaginary money on tri bikes, do some searches of the forums there.