Ventum Vs Upgrading Kestrel 4000 to Di2
I am trying to decide between buying a Ventum with the deal or upgrading my Kestrel 4000 to Di2. I have a great wheel set that I would use on either bike, so the difference is the frameset. The deciding factor is how much time will the Ventum save me on an IM distance race?
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Rather than trying to calculate how much faster Bike A vs. B is (which is based on many variables...well beyond just the frame itself) I'd look at it by comparing the two options.
If you upgrade to DI2 that will cost you roughly $1,500. Maybe you could sell your old groupset for $300 give or take, depending on what model/age.
If you get a Ventum UI2 without wheels you are likely talking more than 3x that, but you could also sell your old bike for $1k??
So financially...is having a new Ventum worth the premium? Only you can answer that. I have a penchant for new toys and gadgets so that plays a big role for me and I'm also a sucker for a good deal which the Ventum partnership also offers. Also, beyond speed/aero/comfort don't underestimate the practical benefits of the Ventum as it relates to the integrated hydration. This was a bigger deal than I expected. And I know based on multiple conversations with the Ventum folks that they are working on some different configurations for water and bento/storage that early adopters would get as well.
A super slippery and aero bike that's uncomfortable will be slow, regardless of what the wind tunnel tests show.
Clark, I keep my bikes for a long time, so I have only owned two tri bikes. I cannot comment on how well my bike fit is, having nothing to compare it to.
It seems like the Ventum is a good enough deal that I could sell it if the fit was a problem, and recoup my money. It just seems like allot of work if there isn't an advantage. I am very left brained, so I need to have the pro's outweigh the con's.
Assuming the fit is good, the Ventum guy made a good point on the video (somewhere on this site) - much less need to get out of aero for water, for example if you have bottles behing the seat and get up to drink. That headache is much less, allows you to spend more time in aero.
I am still unaware of any reliable head-to-head data on the super bikes. The consensus is they are all the same once you get into this level of bike, so focus on the fit.
Jeremy gives good guidance.
Another data point for you. I had been riding a Light Speed Saber for 12 years......now, still a very good bike, but it just looks old and my new 2015 FELT IA looks a lot better in terms of the COOL factor...... The difference in speed is about ~ 1 mph which is something on a 112 mile bike ride.
BUT, keep in mind, I got 12 years out of the old bike and I also got to upgrade to new gadgets/technology i.e., ETAP, PT pedals, etc.....
So, for me, 12 years was a great ROI. I really did not have to upgrade BUT, I love the new toy/gadgets and it was worth the premium to me.
SS
How do I go about getting a fit analysis. I live in a st George, which is fairly rural. I have had both my bike fits from the same guy, and after reading up on it, he did not ask me the correct questions. My understanding is that a good fit is not a single stage process. Any advice is appreciated.