Rogue Leader

So the local tri shop has leftover Small and Medium 2008 Argon 18 Mercury frames in Red/Black. I REALLY like the Mercury, based on reviews and experiences, plus I think it looks sick as well, however i can't justify a tri bike expense especially after just getting my road bike built up last year. If I ever did get a full Tri bike it would definintely be an under $2000 model.

Anyway the Mercury frame usually retails for $1400, but they have these leftovers for $1099. Part of me is thinking to buy it and hold on to it until I can afford to build it (maybe next year). I do all my work myself so building it isn't an issue, I'd likely do all Campy parts as well since my road bike is Campy.

I'm not familiar enough with the prices to know if this is worth it, anyone think it is? Worst comes to worse I could alwas ebay the frame as well and probably get most of my money back. I don't imagine Id miss out on any "new technology" since I am never going to be in the position to buy a frame thats all new tech anyway.

Triguy

I personally would pass. First and foremost, the Cervelo P1(formerly p2sl) is a much more refined frame, and retails for about $1100. It's got better geometry, internal cable routing, and is most likely more aerodynamic.

Secondly, aluminum triathlon frames are not really selling that well, especially second hand.

Rogue Leader

Thanks for the reply. I don't really agree on the P1 being a better frame, except for the internal cable routing which the Argon 18 doesn't have, however the Argon 18 is carbon fiber from the seatpost back and the fork of course. But I don't know enough to say whether the geometry is better or aero is better, and from what I read I don't know that theres anything to support that but if you know of any articles or reviews I would like to see them to make a better comparison.

That said I found one (Mercury) in my size lightly used on ebay which I am going to bid lightly on and watch, and the price is REALLY low, I expect it to go up significantly in the next 2 days, but who knows I may snag a sweet deal.