p2000

I was in a a shop yesterday and found they have a couple 2009 Transition's marked at 50% off. Out the door at just under $1k, it's an aluminum frame, Ultegra rear, 105 front. I have been thinking about picking up a TT/tri bike and looked quite a bit at the Cervelo P2C. But at about 1/3 the cost (which has to factor into my decision in some fashion) I am wondering how the Transition performs. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Of course I will be test riding it next week to see how it feels but this seems to be a pretty solid deal.

I currently ride a Madone 5.2 if that makes any difference.

sirious94

The only thing with buying aluminum, is that the next week you will wish you bought carbon. (or not.) If you are fine and you think aluminum is great, then go ahead, and you will have no problems. It's a great bike. But if you like the idea of a carbon bike, then it is probably better to just go carbon the first time, and not buy an aluminum, and then upgrade to carbon.

p2000

I guess that is also part of my question. I have been riding CF for the past few years so I am a little leery of moving to aluminum. Prior to that I rode steel or steel/CF so I really don't have any experience riding aluminum let alone on riding it on a tt frame for long distances.

sirious94

A lot of triathlon is a mental sport, if you are unhappy with your bike, then you won't be nearly as fast as if you really thought that your bike is the best possible bike for you. Now is that worth the extra 1000-2000 dollars? that's up to you. But if you have the cash, I would go with the P2

slvoid

If you can get over the mental thing, I'd stay with the transition. Why? Because the frame makes dilly squat difference in aerodynamics. For the $$ you're saving, get a zip 404 front and 808 rear. That's where the speed is.

MattyA

I agree with the psychology points. If you can afford more, the "great deal" feeling will waer off and you'll want to upgrade. Last year I bought a very lightly used 2008 Felt S22 off of CL for $900. The LBS took one look at the bike and couldn't believe what an awesome deal it was. It made sense for me at the time b/c I was just getting into the sport. But I can afford more and I just KNOW I'll upgrade next year.

sirious94

On the other hand, in a year, you will have another extra two grand, so in the long run you would be saving money, if you later bought the P2. Patience young slvoid, the cash to buy fancy stuff will come.

Daniel Frost

A friend recently purchased this bike to contest New Zealand IronMan 2011, its a great bike and Ive even had a ride and thought it was very nice, sounds like you can get a really sharp deal. End of the day it comes down to what you like and want.