Is it really happening!?!? Would love some help!
 

I am excited to actually be in the process of selecting my first tri bike, and have narrowed it down to 3 choices. Exlcuding pedals, I won't be spending any more than around say $2500.

On the front end, I will be professionally fitted, likely having a coach/friend with me to lend a hand, and I have been told I'm at the upper range of the flexibility range (99%+) by my trainer and bike fitter. That being said, I'm going to assume I could get comfortable on any of these frames.

Felt B12
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i1...elt_b12_sm.jpg

Cervelo P2C Ultegra
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i1...ultegra_sm.jpg

Kuota K-factor or K-Factor SL
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i1...-Factor_sm.jpg

I am reaching out to the BF community and asking for all opinions and reviews, whether subjective of objective! Which in your opinion is the fastest setup, has the best component package, or just looks the coolest? In all seriousness, this really is a tough call for me, and this is not the kind of purchase I'll likely be making again anytime soon.

The Felt and Cervelo will likely fit similarly, they're longish in the front and pretty low in the headtube. If you have a shorter torso and want to ride a scooch more upright, the Kuota may fit you better. It's a tough call.

Three excellent bike choices.

I would exclude the Kuota. Other than its light weight, external cables, and poor aspect ratios with the tubing...

Felt and Cervelo both have resulted from Wind Tunnel testing rather than just on the designers screen...

Aesthetically I prefer the Cervelo but between the two either will do the job beautifully as long as you can fit right. :thumb:

Good point about the Kuota. I can see the external routing as a plus or a minus. If I went with the SL model I think it would be internally routed though.

Does anyone know anything about the 40mm TTR wheels that come with the Felt? At first I was really locked onto the Cervelo (until I really started looking at other options). There is something really attractive about a bike that comes with race worthy wheels though. If I go Cervelo I will likely race on my race-X lites and use the rear disc cover whenever possible.

Have you checked Tom Demerly's reviews at BikeSportMichigan? He does a very thorough review of bikes at the 2500 price point, and has a quick review on the 08 Felt B12. I just bought a P2C Dura Ace and quickly sold the Shimano R550 wheelset with the Ultegra 12-25 on it for $150. Never even rode them, though they are decent training wheels because I have Jets with a PT. But the $150 (and I could have gotten a little more, I just wanted to get rid of them fast) helps me buy an aero helmet, an aero bottle or several other things I need (including tri shoes). I'm betting before too long, you'll want real race wheels anyway, 808s/404s or something.

The P2C Ultegra is an amazing deal. I don't think you can go wrong with either bike; if the Felt had a better paint scheme that appealed to my eye, I would have looked at it more closely (the P2C just looks faster to me). On the other hand, it might be nice to own a bike that the rest of the free world does not also own. I have read that the TTRs are race worthy.

edit for link http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/2500wars.shtml

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bik...-feltb12.shtml

Woops. Sorry.

Okay, so cables are sorted, but still stand by my comment in regards to the aspect ratio of the tubes... As your flexibility is fine also, you may find the SL too tall in the front?

About what?

"Okay, so cables are sorted, but still stand by my comment in regards to the aspect ratio of the tubes... As your flexibility is fine also, you may find the SL too tall in the front?"

I agree that if that's the case it's more of a factor (no pun intended). This race is now likely between the P2C and B12. I've read everything that I can find from Tom Demerly. My conclusion from him was that they are both great bikes. Everyone who has a felt I read about loves it, as well as the P2C. I'm thinking it comes down to the intangibles. I'm going to a shop today and hopefully getting on one or both of them.

My vote is for the Cervelo. I've been riding the P2 SL for over two years and I still love it. I know serveral people with P2C's and they all love them. Last, that paint job is really sexy.

The felt and cevelo seem the best to me, from a technical aspect. They also look the coolest. One thing to take into consideration is the hand position on the bars. IMO the cervelo is more comfortable on your wrists...

cjbruin, in the past I recall you giving some good advice, couple that with my predisposition towards the P2C, AND realizing that the B12 is actually a wee bit out of my budget, and...tadaaa! We may have a winner! (And it will not bother me if 80% of the folks at my next tri are on the same bike, I still love the way that P2C looks)

I'm going to hopefully get fit on a P2C soon.

As a commentary on the B12 though, in person the gloss black carbon, sculpted fork, and mix of curves make this one sharp bike that batman himself would be proud to ride.

We'll see what happens from here...

I'll vote for Cervelo

first and foremost I am jealous, both bikes are amazing. Second, you've done well to exclude the Kuota.

You'll never know what works til you try riding them. Get on each and I bet one will speak to you.

Who would know this could be so hard? I test rode the P2C in a 56 and a 58. Is it possible for one to feel a tad too small and the other a wee bit too long?

I'm leaning towards the 58. Does anyone know what the minimum suggested stem length is on that bike? I forgot to check the length on the one I rode today, but I'm guessing stock would be 100 or 110? In anycase, I need to ride it again and do some adjusting. I'm thinking my hip angle is too open right now. FWIW, I'm 6'1. Any other 6'1 riders out there and what size P2C are you riding?