Here we go again!
About this same time last year I was struggling with the decision on whether to buy a new road bike or tri bike. After evaluating the upcoming season and my future goals, at the time, I settled on the road bike. I ended up with an Orbea Orca. I am 100% satisfied with my decision and love my bike.
Like many people in the Haus my future goals quickly changed. My 2011 season consists of several one-day and multi-day cycling races for which the Orca will excel. The issue is that I also have both a sprint and IM triathlon planned. My original plan was to simply use the Orca, adding a set of clip-ons, a new fit, etc. However, as I start thinking about what it is going to take to get the Orca ready I am having second thoughts.
I estimate the clip-ons to cost $200-300. The fit, which I will then have to swap back and forth, will cost $200. I then need to figure out how I am going to carry enough nutrition to get me through an IM. I assume this is going to cost me as well. The $$$ are starting to add up. Finally, I am not quite sure of everything I need to think about in order to make my road bike tri-ready.
So I have two questions:
- What other things do I need to think about in order to get my road bike ready for a tri?
- Should I simply buy an entry level tri bike and leave my road bike as is? I am thinking cost-wise it might just be an even wash.
Pete
Comments
If I was to get a tri bike (any level) I can't spend more than $XXX.
One consideration I have made, which may help convince the DW, is to also sell my older Trek 2.1 Pilot road bike. Every little bit helps. The primary thing is to ensure I have at least 2 bikes available so that I can deal with the shipping process. But why 2 road bikes? I believe a new tri bike is definitely in my near future....
There's quite a selection of carbon bikes with excellent components in that range including the Cervelo P2, Quintana Roo Seduza, Felt B14 to name a few. If you buy previous models you could get a bit more for your money.
Always a good idea to get a fit first to see if a frame is right for you.
I believe that's what Andreas Raelert rode in Kona.
It may be above your price limit but Orbea introduced a new silver version of the Ordu. It's the same mold as the gold version but is uses a different carbon layup (i.e. cheaper and heavier) but that reduces the cost of the frame significantly.
Otherwise as many folks mentioned there are a lot of great buys in around $2000. I would focus on getting a solid frame that fits right and not worry about the components as Rival and 105 are actualy very good and will work just fine.
@Matt: Yeah, an Ordu would be a good choice. Might have to burn some SAUs for that one.
@Chris: Blue definitely makes some nice rides.
@Matt: Thanks for the suggestions. There are certainly quite a few bikes to choose from, even in this price range.
Oh and if you do go to R&A, haggle with them. Obviously you can see what they have on their website before you go in there. What size are you?
@Cary: Thanks for the offer. Have you dealt with R&A before? My first goal is to try out a few bikes and determine what size I need and what my options are. I have a couple off-line options I am looking at, but the bike sizes aren't perfect, or so I think.