Scott Plasma

kjc777

Hi all,

So I am tri bike shopping and test road a Scott Plasma 30 with a set of Sram race wheels (or 60/80 combo)on Saturday and loved it. This was my FIRST time ever on a tri bike and I was comfortable and fast (well fast for me) and amazed. I can't believe how much faster this felt than my road bike.  It took about 5 miles to get used to steering but after that I was flying.  I currently ride a Scott CR1 and was thinking about using this for IMLP but if I do get the Plasma will probably use it there.  Was wondering if there were any numbers on improved mph using a tri bike as opposed to a road bike there?  How about race wheels, are they worth the investment.  (this is one expensive hobby )

Anyone else with a Plasma out there?  Anyone know if the geometry changes much from bike to bike. Is it much different than Cervelo P2 or a Specialized Transition or Cannondale, etc?  

thanks

zwuba

Well where should I start now ... yes I absolutely LOVE my Plasma!!!

but I need to say I own a first generation Plasma but I absolutely love it and yes you will for sure improve your bike+run splits!

I would go with a decent 60/60 combo with Aerocover option. If you plan to use your Plasma for training as well I'd recommend a separate set of training wheels. That's for sure not a must but if you have some pretty cheap wheels around for that purpose you're fine

For the geometry - yes there are huge differences between vendors so don't believe that an 'M' frame from Scott will work just because the 'M' frame from Simplon did!

kjc777

Thanks Stefan, that is a great picture.  Kinda like looking at a Ferrari.

Jeff Unruh

I think Ed Gross (Chicagoland) just got a Plasma. Maybe he can add his thoughts...

Awesome rig Stefan -- liking the FLOs...

John Withrow

Scott Plasma's are GREAT BIKES! They are generally thought to have a slightly higher stack with a similar geometry to say a Blue Triad (think tall and less long), as opposed to a Cervelo P3 which has a shorter stack and a longer reach (think lower in the front and slightly longer). The P2 is similar in geometry to the P3, but ever so slightly less extreme with the short stack. It's all about what is the best fit for your body type. The Cannondale Slice is also a similar geometry to the Plasma, but their frames generally run a little small for their stated size compared to other standard bikes, so if you're a 48 in the Plasma, you might actually be a 51 on a Slice for instance. Some of other bikes like the Shiv and the Speed concept have geometries somewhere in the middle of the others I mentioned and they use different cockpit setups to dial the bike in for a given rider's needs.

If you do drop the $$ on a new tri bike, you would DEFINITELY use it at Placid. I have no idea how many minutes it will save you though...

You could rent race wheels... or get a disc cover for the rear and rent a front race wheel like many people tend to do to get the most bang for their aero buck (especially if they already have a Powertap training wheel). I think I recall you already having power, but if not, that's a much better investment than race wheels... An aero helmet is also a really good bang for your aero buck as well.

kjc777

@Jeff, thanks for the reply

@John, thanks for your, as usual, in depth and knowledgeable reply.  I think the top tube on the Plasma is a little less than most others in this class and that works for me. 

robin sarner

Just to confirm John.    I am high stack.   short reach.     Per Todd Kenyon the fit man.     Plasma and Cannondale Slice and Blue Triad are three of the frames he recommends.