Melane

Hi everyone,

I am re-posting a thread that I started on the triathlon forum a few days ago, since I did not get any feedback there

I found this titanium bike that is currently on sale for $3500: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._da11_xiii.htm
The only size that is left is the one I need.

What do you think about it? Would you say that it is a particularly good deal, or not really worth it?
Titanium would work very well for me, for several reasons. I am not a cycling expert or champion by any stretch of the imagination, but I am thinking about getting a really good bike so that I can "grow" with it. Before that, I rode a nice entry-level aluminium/carbon road bike for a few years, but I got hit by a car, and need a replacement. I would like a bike that is fast enough to start competing.

I would really appreciate to hear any thought, opinion, or suggestion you may have. Many thanks!

Bob Dopolina 

The only Tri bike I saw on that page was a 2012 Kestrel on close-out.

Melane

Thanks, I see that the link I provided is broken. Here is the bike I am talking about: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._da11_xiii.htm

I am looking for a road bike actually, not a tri bike in particular. Thanks again!

Looigi

There are over a thousand different ways you can go in this price range, and they all appeal to somebody. If this appeals to you (Ti, DA 22, wheels, etc.) then it's a great deal. Realize of course that with mail-order bikes it's best if you are reasonably self sufficient in setting bike fit and routine bike maintenance. And any warranty issues may be more difficult/time-consuming to deal with. That said, I know of no LBS around here who would have a problem working on a decent mail-order bike. They'll just charge for what you might have gotten as part of the package had you bought the bike from them.

RPK79

That bike is now only available with a 48cm frame. Does that fit you? I ride a Motobecane. I like it and I would definately consider getting the Ti Motobecane road bike when I decide to upgrade.

halfspeed

Everything on BD is always "on sale" so don't feel you need to rush.

bikemig 

BD is probably not a good choice for the OP unless he/she can do much of the work on the bike. Also I'm not convinced that the OP "needs" titanium as opposed to wanting it. Nothing wrong with getting what you want but that's different than getting what you need. If you want a racing bike, get one but it certainly doesn't have to be in titanium to be a bike you can "grow" into.

RPK79

Why can't someone take a BD bike to an LBS for work? Will they turn their nose up and remove them from the store?

tagaproject6

If it is the right size, you like it and if you will ride it, buy it! The "fast enough" part is dependent upon the engine.

Melane

Thank you all for the different opinions. That is all very sound, helpful, and encouraging.

Regarding the difference between what one needs and what one wants... There is no way I could say that I "need" such a nice bike. Why don't I just ride another $1000 bike since I loved the previous one? Because I am interested in seeing how much more fun I will have on a bike that is a lot better. I would not spend that much on a car, for instance. Just a matter of preference.

The reason I am so interested in Ti is that the bike will have to travel quite a bit, and perhaps not always in the best conditions. I will also use the bike as my main way of getting around town, to works etc.. I have seen how my aluminium frame suffered from my "normal" everyday usage, which is why I am reluctant to move to carbon. I would love to have a bike that I can keep for years, even if a careless driver cuts me off again.

I wonder how much commuting those particular wheels can handle... Could anyone tell me what to expect, sort off? I guess I can get a set of tougher wheels for commuting. Would that be a good idea? I make it sound like I need a steel fixie! But I take great care of my bikes, I would love to ride a bike that is better than anything I have had before, and I will definitely bring it regularly to my LBS. I am fine doing the regular maintenance myself, but they know better, and that's great.

Thanks again.

Melane

Good to know!
Yes, the 48 is exactly what I need actually, in term of effective tube length. Otherwise it sounds a little small, but I understand that it comes from the semi-compact geometry of the frame.

Elduderino2412

if i was going to pay that much for a bike, i think i would prefer a better frame. Just my 2 cents

Melane

Fair point. What are you thinking about in particular? I don't really know how to assess frames...

Do you think one could find such nice components with a better frame for a similar price? Or do you mean that the money would be better spent in gears etc. that are less fancy, but a better frame?

Elduderino2412

You will have to downgrade the components some, but not much difference between ultegra and dura-ace except for some weight. You can def feel difference in various frames though.

Phil_gretz

Commuter bike that is durable, versatile, comfortable, and sporty. I realize that it's not available in your extra small size, but why not something like this:

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...egoryId=400282

Seems like more what you need. A titanium racing bike? That doesn't fit your description very well...

My two cents.

bikemig 

You will have to pay for all the work so the bike is not so cheap by the time you pay for the work. A bike shop will stand behind its bike longer than BD does (at least from the various posts I've read online). The OP isn't all that clear on what kind of bike she needs and an LBS can help her. There are times when a LBS is better; in my opinion newbies are generally better off going thru a shop. The OP may feel differently; you might disagree, which is fine, but your post is off the mark.

bikemig 

If you want a bike made to travel and to commute, you may want to check out bike friday: https://www.bikefriday.com/

RPK79

I've read both positive and negative about BD and their warranty, but I always take these things with a grain of salt since most people dont' jump online to talk about good customer service they just come here to complain. I believe they will stand behind their bikes. You may have the inconvience of having to ship the bike though...

It would take a LOT of free/discounted service visits to make up for the difference in cost between a BD bike and the comprable LBS bike.

My post is not off the mark since it was in reply to your post that said "BD is probably not a good choice for the OP unless he/she can do much of the work on the bike.". This is obsurd since they can take the bike to the LBS for work. The LBS will not turn them away just because they bought the bike elsewhere. Service and accessories is where the shop makes the best margins anyway.

OldTryGuy

New triathlete here and I understand your concerns regarding Ti vs carbon issue. I would go Ti for durability with regards to the traveling harassment the frame could be subject to. Just my 3 cents because of inflation.