Insurance settlement - what would you do?
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A week before my first IMTX, I was hit from behind and my bike (2013 Cervelo P3) and rack were totaled. Insurance paid $5,500. "Donating" $2500 to the wife for services rendered during my 1.5yrs training, leaving me with $3k to start over.
I have been humbled enough over the last 1.5yrs to know that a $1k bike and an $5k bike are going to make me go just as fast, given my skill and experience level.
What would you do given roughly a 3k budget? My must have this time around is a power meter. So a bike and PM for $3k.
Any suggestions or general advice? How would you divide the $ between bike and pm? Any brands to avoid? Craigslist and Ebay?
Thanks!!
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Ha! I was just about to post on this thread when I saw this. I would see if you can still get that Stages deal from Todd at TTBikefit, cheapest way to get into a new Power meter right now. You can get a Quarq Riken on eBay for around $600 if you are patient or the older version for ~$500 or so. That leaves ~$2,400 or so for the bike which should get you a pretty sweet bike. What size are you? How did your old bike fit (what size was it? Any back issues? Are you a brand snob or okay with any brand? Were you able to strip any of your components off of your old bike or did you have to surrender the whole thing?
Thanks JW. Is Todd on this forum or should I go to TTBikefit.com and use the contact form?
I am 5'11 and it was a 54. It fit ok after a professional fitting. Although, the seat post was always raised so much higher than anyone else. No back issues and ok with any brand. I had to surrender the whole thing. It was mostly all factory components.
Thanks for the help
Thanks Roy. Felt looks good. If you have a road bike and a tribike, is a Powertap wheel the best way to get power on both?
Todd was selling new "old stock" Stages Dura/Ace 7900, that would actually fit on just about any Shimano Crankset. You can email him at todd@ttbikefit.com to see if it's too late to get one. Tell him you're in EN. I paid $399 (+$10 shipping) for one for a spare bike.
What kind of road bike do you have? What components? Specifically what crank set. I have an SRM, but a Quarq is essentially the same and I can swap it from my road bike to my tri bike just as fast as you can swap a rear wheel. A Powertap wheel is likely the cheapest, and you can put a disc cover on it for races and you're all set. Or you go with a crank based system and have a little more freedom with swapping (or borrowing) race wheels, etc.
Any thoughts on getting a new vs used? I really don't know a lot about cranksets or gearing or components or frames....or bikes in general.
When you are dealing with carbon frames second hand, is the frame integrity a major concern?
I need to research and learn, but I also need a bike soon. I am bikeless at the moment.
Should I buy a frame by itself, then build the rest? Not sure if I am capable of that, but I could always just take the pieces to my lbs, right?
Looks like the new Felt B12 is $2k...http://visitbicycleworld.com/product/felt-bicycles-b14-213610-1.htm
I could get that and the stages and be all set at the $3k budget?
- Used is a good route to go and as you can see, the Team has enough bike knowledge here that they can pick apart any bike you post pretty quickly.
- Agree on Di2, if you can swing it. Extremely useful with a tri bike, even more so than a road bike.
A couple years ago, I did a pre-bike purchase consult with Todd @ttbikefit and it was great to have some advise ahead of time on what bikes & what frame sizes I should be looking for.
If you had that information (measurements) it might help point you in the right direction for what manufacturers and what models would work best with your dimensions.
If so, that bike in a 54 has a stack of 522 and a reach of 411. Can you remember if you had any spacers under your bars to bring them up or were they slammed down low? Did you have a normal stem or a short or long one? Do you have any pictures of you on your old bike or just of the bike from the side? The newer style P3 is slightly more relaxed than the 2012 and earlier models (which were lower and longer). So if you had a "normal" fit on that bike, then most other bikes should work for you.
You'd also be a 54 in the Felt (Stack/Reach of 510/415). You'd be a M-L in the BMC TM01 (515/418). You'd be a Medium in the Willier Crono (523/438) but you might need a short stem. You'd actually be a 56cm in a Cannondale Slice (529/407). You are "probably" a Medium in a Shiv, but their fit is a little confusing, so you might want to sit on one to check before you'd buy.
The Felt B14 you linked to is a nice bike. It has several advantages: Brand New bike, Newer 11-speed build, decent components, and most importantly, you could have it almost immediately by walking into that shop, assuming it is local to you. They might even give you an extra 10% off if you ask for it or at a minimum give you some add-ons and/or future tune-ups, etc.
When you are buying a bike on eBay, you can usually get either a really good deal, or get a bike quickly. It's rare you can have both. If time is super important, you could pick from the current bikes available and simply decide if they are a better "value" for your money vs buying the Felt. i.e. can you pay less and get roughly the same performance, or pay a little more and get a lot more bike...
Here are a couple I found that would work for you, all have some pros and some cons. I personally also agree that Di2 is WAY nicer on a tri bike, but you'll have to pay more for it. That's a personal decision based on available $$.
Any of these bikes would work for you (in order of my preference, but I'm prolly less $$ sensitive than most...):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/351429460165?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Not sure where this one will end up, but cheap below $3k. Wouldn't leave you much left for a Powermeter if you have a $3k hard cap.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151719596355?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
This bike will be a bit cheaper, and has a "coolness" factor. It's a few yrs older though and might be a little bit heavier, but supposedly nice and aero (and it just looks super cool).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291496521223?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
You'd need to try one first to be sure it fits. "New" bike, with 10-spd Dura-Ace components. I think it's a bit overpriced. If you had the luxury of waiting a month or so, this one "should" probably trade a few hundred dollars cheaper.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171821840531?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
This is the 2012 model that has the old geometry (498/419) so it will be a more aggressive fit than your old bike, especially with the drop bullhorns. It's older than your old bike with 10-spd, but will save you some $$. I'd prolly just get a new Felt over this 3yr old bike, but some people would choose the older P3.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Cannondale-Slice-5-TT-Tri-Shimano-105-Shimano-Wheels-Size-56cm-/281730844697?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4198778819
2012 bike with cheapest components of the bunch, but still a very functional/nice bike for cheap. You could buy a Powermeter AND race wheels for your budget, and maybe even upgrade the deraileurs down the road if you really wanted to.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Cannondale-SLICE-Hi-Mod-Sram-Red-Hollowgram-Cranks-54-cm-TT-Tri-/301658210145?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item463c3aff61
Great bike with a nice build, but might be a bit small for you (509/398). You'd surely need a long stem if you went this route.
I don't think I do. I had it done in January at Tad Hughes custom studio. No idea why I threw it out but maybe I can contact him and get a copy. Will try to get, thanks.
John - you the man! Above and beyond.
Yes, I had the newer style P3 that you linked to. Yes, I had spacers installed. I think the stem was the factory 3T regular length? The aero bars were 3T.
Here is a picture of me on the bike lifted off finisherpix...yes I rode 112 with a cracked frame and other issues. The height of the seat post/saddle felt right, but I always thought it looked wayy too high - like I should have a different sized bike and the seat post at mid height. I only had another maybe 2in of post left in the frame.
My big question is how are you finding these bikes on ebay? What search phrase are you using? I searched "tri 54cm" and got none of the bikes you listed.
I really like the BMC and both the Cannondales. Added to watchlist.
What is the deal with electronic shifting - Di2? Why so much better? Is the Di2 an easy upgrade down the road, or is that something that should be factory installed from the beginning?
You can add later, but it depends on the frame. If the frame is already set up for "Di2 installation" then routing wires and hiding the battery is easy. If not, you get an install with a lot of wires showing, zip ties and tape. It works great, but it's not that "clean".
Thanks Dino. Are most frames Di2 friendly? Certain brands? Or is that something you need to read about in the fine-print spec sheet?
Any thoughts on the pedal ones? I thought vector pm was way out of my league, but these are under $1k: http://www.trisports.com/garmin-vector-2s-pedal-set.html?gclid=CMO-mNi4qMYCFQccaQod73IAHw
Everything equal, data on each pedal is better right?
Or you could buy a Quarq for $600-800 depending on the specs: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=quarq&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&LH_Sold=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=55356-9750&_sargn=-1&saslc=1&_salic=1&_sop=12&_dmd=1&_ipg=200&LH_Complete=1
Or you could bid Dino for his Garmin Vector pedals as he might have a pair to go...
I would figure out the bike first, then add on the PM so you get exactly what will work on your bike (i.e. BB30 vs GXP bottom bracket). Just know that you should budget ~$400 if you're lucky enough to get a left-over Stages at the discount price to like $500-800 for a Quarq, or $700 for the single pedal Vector or $1,000 for the double sided Vectors. If it were me, I think I'd get a Quarq Riken after you figure out your size which should be around $700 or so...
The cheapest way is likely to buy a used Powertap wheel for $400-500: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=quarq&_udlo=300&_sop=15&_mPrRngCbx=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1311.R5.TR11.TRC1.A0.H0.Xpowertap.TRS0&_nkw=powertap+wheel&_sacat=0
I search for a whole bunch of different things on eBay. Here were a few:
54cm bike
54cm tri bike
54cm tt bike
54 cm bike
54 cm tri bike
54 cm tt bike
54cm Di2
Cervelo P3
Shiv
BMC TM01
Cannondale Slice
Trek Speed Concept
Blue Triad
Scott Plasma
After I put the search in, I sort by price (Highest First), then I scroll down through the list... Don't forget to look all the way down as some might have recently been listed with low opening bids. Then I put any and all that seem interesting on my watch list.
Looking at all those spacers under your bars, I think you would fit fine on a higher stack bike (i.e., don't buy the older P3). Even the Felt will be a little long for you. The Blue Triad or Scott Plasma might be a good one for you as well. The M Shiv would probably be good fit for you or even the 56cm Slice. The Willier or the BMC would be no worse than your old setup. You could probably also ride a 56cm frame in most bikes. Or even some WSD given how long your legs are. How tall are you and what is your inseam?
Here are a couple other bikes:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-New-Scott-Plasma-30-Size-56-Crabon-Fiber-/331571614741?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d33355415
would bid the guy $1,700 and see what happens
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-TREK-SPEED-CONCEPT-9-8-CARBON-ULTEGRA-MODEL-SIZE-56-TRIATHLON-BIKE-TT-BIKE-/252002321547?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aac82448b
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Trek-Speed-Concept-9-8-triathlon-time-trial-bike-excellent-condition-/231598552323?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35ec597503
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-Blue-Competition-Cycles-Triad-SL-Carbon-TT-Bike-/291499495383?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43deb94fd7
I sent this guy an email to confirm the size... I'll bet this bike trades below $2,000, maybe well below it if you're lucky.
Depends on the make and year of the frame. My Colnago frame comes in two formats. Di2 with special holes and wire routing or standard that has cable guides and other things to support a conventional set-up. Calfee can retro fit a frame for you, but that would be wasted money in this case plus 4-6 weeks without the bike.
If future Di2 is on your mind, just check to see if the bike is compatible.
Regarding Vector, I have a set and they work great, but I don't like the Keo cleat system that is required. I also end up second guessing every install as I worry about the proper torque being applied to the bolt.
I primary use it now for older vintage bikes that are complete and I wouldn't want to change the wheels or cranks. Vector works great there, but I not racing with it any more. I did train and race for Ironman Chattanooga last year with Vector and it worked fine. It's actually a great system if you don't mind the Keo cleats.
I've been looking at eBay, Craigslist, and some bike trading sites - fitting that Di2 is tough under $3k.
Here are my measurements:
Height: 5' 10" 3/4
Inseam: 33"
You think I should be looking at the 56cm models?
However, I'm not rushing out to buy it because I can't seem to go more than two weeks without someone in a group ride being stuck in one gear (dead battery) or some other electric malfunction. Been riding since the late nineties without worrying about a dead battery. I will admit to some mechanical issues, but I can probably count them on two hands over three different biking phases in my life (mountain, roadie, and now Tri). My point is just make sure you do your own calculus before deciding on the jump to electric. As you've discovers, that narrows the range of possibilities of you do decide its right for you.
Be sure to check out https://www.mybikeshop.com/bikes
I recently purchased a 2014 Blue Triad EX Di2 with a Quarq for $3500 shipped. This was a factory demo that came with the full factory warranty and really didn't look like it had ever touched the road.
The guys at mybikeshop are super nice and helpful. Once I decided on the bike I wanted, I just called them and asked about a PM and they said oh yeah we can do that and hooked me up pretty good. If they have something that is your size, they are probably going to be tough to beat on price.