Triathlon - Which Equinox combination is better?
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BackRoadsBiker
09-22-08, 07:56 AM
I work at a shop that sells Treks, so I have pretty much decided on getting an Equinox for next season.
My question is this-
1. Should I get the TTX 9.0 and keep use the stock wheels
or
2. Get the Equinox 7 and upgrade to Flashpoint 80s
Damon Rinard from trek has stated that the tubes, shaping and forks from the two models are damn near the same except for the stays. So, they should be close to equal with regard to aerodynamics.
The parts kit is damn near the same.
So, you asked which would be better?
That I can't answer. I haven't ridden either. The fit is different between the two. I'm a great fit to a 52cm E7 but a stretch on a small TTX E9
Which is faster? Well I'd be inclined to guess the E7 with upgraded wheels. While you're at it, change out the base bar too.(thats another 25 seconds/40k probably).
Which will have more value in two years? I'd guess the E9.
BackRoadsBiker
09-22-08, 03:38 PM
Which bars would would you suggest? I was going to swap them for some T2+ that I already have.
I would recommend the basebar with the smallest Frontal Area(size from the front).
The T2 base bar is a decent bar for the money. If you've already got it, it's better than a 26.0 round basebar.
If I were to buy a basebar tomorrow with someone elses money, I'd probably get the Syntace Stratos CX. It's wings are as narrow as anyone elses(15mm), it's got a supernarrow clamping area, it comes in a sub 40cm width. Problem is it's clamp area is 31.8, which means you may need a different stem and aerobars.
If I were to buy a basebar tomorrow on a more limited budget, I'd get a Visiontech basebar. It's $100 and offers 90% of what the Stratos CX offers.
BackRoadsBiker
09-22-08, 04:28 PM
Thanks so much. Do you have a link to the info about Trek's wind tunnel testing by any chance?
Actually, the aluminum has never been tested, I didn't mean to imply it, however, here is the thread where Damon describes the bikes... http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1586579;search_string=aluminum;guest=42795901&t=search_engine#1586579
I do believe the Trek has done the best job in making a "carbon" like front end(deep head tube, smooth, good cable routing) out of an aluminum bike.