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Help me pick new bike!

jpmarchewkajpmarchewka
in General Training Discussions

Just finished my first season in triathlon and with Endurance Nation.  I am hooked!  I picked up an entry level tri bike last year and my dad recently just mentioned that he would like to get into triathlons too and would be interested in buying my old bike off me.  That being said, I am looking to seize the opportunity and upgrade to a new or better bike!  I know everyone likes to talk bikes so I am looking for some help. The bike I used for my first Ironman was a Felt bike so I feel a little bit like I should stay brand loyal...but I have been eyeing other bikes as well. Can you offer any help/advice on buying a bike?  I know it is more about the engine than the bike, but I am looking to compete!  Here are a couple links to bikes I have been looking at and some background info.  Thanks in advance for your help!  

  • Price Range:  Ideally under 4k (for bike itself) 
  • Already have a Quarq Powermeter

FELT IA 14 - http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2016/Bikes/TT-TRI/ia-series/ia-14.aspx

Specialized Shiv Expert - http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/shiv/shiv-expert

Trek Speed Concept 7.5 - http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/road/triathlon/speed-concept/speed-concept-7-5/p/1485000-2016

Appears to be a ton of solid used bikes on Ebay, but I get a little worried buying used as I am not the most knowledgeable when it comes to bikes.  

 

Comments

  • Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
    Jordan- I highly recommend getting a pre fit to see what bike configurations will work best for your body. I just did this myself since I'm in the market for a new tri bike too. I used Todd at TTBikeFit and it was a great experience. Lots of the team have also used him. I now have my measurements along with what bikes will work best for me and I'm shopping them around. I also found out that my last tri bike, which I rode for the last few seasons (and crashed), was not a good fit for me...which I suspected all along. I think the right fit is more important than everything, especially if you are spending a lot of time training and racing on this bike! After you're fit, you can focus in on bike makes, models, new or used, and extras like di2 shifting, etc and figure out what your options are in your price range. I saw Todd at his shop, but he will do an online fitting as well. Good luck!
  • Chris CiannellaChris Ciannella
    Felt has the best bikes for the money. I'll never buy another brand
  • SwanieSwanie
    I would add to your list the Cervelo P3. Very adjustable for proper fit, great components. This is a great time to buy as the local shops will have 2015 models for less $$. Felts have limited adjustability in the bars and aero pads. I could never get my B12 adjusted right.
  • Edwin CroucherEdwin Croucher
    Jordan, Congratulations on a great year. Your race times show you have some great ability. A good bike can help your finish times. Brad hit it on the head. Without the fit, you are just picking a bike that looks cool. If you have a high end bike shop near you, the should offer the pre-fit as part of the purchase. That will identify most importantly what bikes you should not buy. Trek bikes use to have limitations on what body types fit well on them. I am a Felt rider and have been since 2009. Felt stands behind their bikes and have been great. I will say there are lighter TT bikes out there than Felt. If you look into the bikes you have listed, there is a big difference between the Felt on the other 2 bikes. I would see what members from your area know about the bike shops out there. Todd from TT-Bikefit is a great resource. If you can't get east for a fit session, he may be able to recommend a shop/fitter for you. Good Luck.
  • Juan VergaraJuan Vergara
    Jordan, I also consulted with Todd from TTbike fit to select my current bike. Highly recommend.
  • jpmarchewkajpmarchewka
    Went to a bike shop in the Detroit area. They seem to be the most well known for bike fitting within a few hours drive. Set up an appointment for a bike fit for next Saturday, but they had 15% off the Felt IA 14 so I put a deposit down. If the Felt for some reason doesn't fit exactly right, I can transfer to another bike such as a Cervelo P3. Looking forward to seeing what the results of the bike fitting are! Thanks for the advice!
  • jello4jello4
    Fit is, first and foremost. the most important variable. I personally think you can not go wrong with Felt, they have great support and value for the money.
  • Gordon CherwoniakGordon Cherwoniak

    As other's have said make sure the fit is correct.  Don't stay brand loyal if it is not but if the geometry of the frame is similar or the same you should have a get new Felt bike. 

    Given the bikes you have listed and other have mentioned I'm sure something will fit.  I used TTbike fit as well when I first purchased and a reputable bike shop should provide the same.  My concern when I moved to a new city and had limited bike knowledge was will they push the bikes they carry thus getting the independent fit expert. 

     

     

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