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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:

  1. What other things do I need to think about in order to get my road bike ready for a tri?
  2. 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

  • I'd recommend getting a tri bike. The geometry will be different, and adding clip ons to a road bike isn't the same. The roadie won't handle as well with the weight being distrubuted differently. Also, unless you are going to add clip-ons with shifters, you will have to move around to shift which will be a PITA. I faced this choice last year and ended up buying an entry level tri bike, and I can say this was the best decision, as I also didn't have to continually adjust the fit, nutrition, etc. Plus more bikes = more fun image
  • Peter - I think a good question to ask yourself and post the answer here (in order to get more assistance) is:

    If I was to get a tri bike (any level) I can't spend more than $XXX.
  • Buy 2 bikes. Otherwise you'll just blow the money on crap like food, shelter, education, ......
  • If I was to get a tri bike (any level) I can't spend more that $2500.

    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....
  • I would love to know about good tri bikes for $2500, especially ones that work well with women's frames.
  • @Dottie: I know the Cervelo P1 is a favorite in the Haus and under that price. I have been looking at it quite a bit. I am interested in find a few other options in order to compare the fit. I think I may head into R&A Cycles (Brooklyn) this weekend to try out a few. I may also engage TTBikeFit to have them recommend a few bikes that will fit me.
  • 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.

  • Blue is a company that is getting good revues. I was looking at a road frame for about $1000.
  • I believe that's what Andreas Raelert rode in Kona.

  • Whatever you end up choosing, make sure it looks good!
  • An Orbea Ordu would match your Orca nicely :-)

    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.
  • Thanks for all the feedback. It seems that the sentiment of the Haus is to go for the new bike. If the weather clears this weekend I just may head out and try a few of them out.

    @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.
  • No thanks to me? What's up with that?

    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?
  • Peter - let me know if you go to R&A - if I'm free and the roads aren't a sheet of ice I'd stop by if you want.
  • @Tucker: Sorry, didn't mean to leave you out. I owe you for the distinct name of Buttercup!! Have you dealt with R&A before?

    @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.
  • So what did you get.....? ;-)
  • So what did you get.....? ;-)
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