New bike - advice on two choices - Look vs Specialized

[Deleted User]

Hi everyone.  I am in the market for a new tri bike.  My local shop has two contenders in my price range - a 2010 model Look 576 for $2,500, and a 2011 Specialized Transition Comp for $2,600.  Any advice?  They carry a somewhat limited number of brands, but I like this bike shop because the main bike mechanic is pretty good with dealing with PT powermeters, and is generally very good to work with.  I'm pretty heavy (200+ lb ballpark soon), and 6' 1", if that makes a difference in choosing a model.

Any input? Pros and Cons?  Thanks ahead of time!

Tom Glynn

First and foremost is fit. I'd try on both bikes at the LBS. The bikes will probably have different geometry, so you may possibly eliminate one, just by sitting on it. Post pics here; lots of folks have a really good eye for fit.

tom

[Deleted User]

Yes - fitting will happen next week, and I'll try them both out (at least sit on them).

Nemo Brauch

Fit, Fit, Fit. Find the bike that fits.

[Deleted User]

Okay - so let's say they both fit great... What do people know about these bikes?

Carl

Both are great bikes.

Michael Byerts

If you subscribe to the FIST theories of Dan Empfield and Slowtwitch on bike fit, then the difference is geometry. Here is a list of the sizes that I am guessing you would fit on:
Look Stack Reach Specialized Stack Reach
MD 547 401 Large 526 405
LG 561 429 XLarge 542 421
XL 580 450 XXLarge 554 450

I am not an expert, but think what this means is that the Look bikes are significantly taller (from the bottom bracket to the top tube) for the same distance from the bottom bracket to the stem (about 2 cm). One of these bikes is likely to fit you much better than the other without adjustments. The LBS can probably force a fit for the other bike, but it will involve swapping out to a much longer or shorter stem and maybe spacers then the manufacturer intended. This matters because, depending on how big the adjustment is, the bike's handling will be compromised.
In sum, you really need to ride both for at least 10-20 minutes.

[Deleted User]

Good info Michael, thanks!

Keith Wick

Provided that both fit you properly, you may want to look at what your using for a wheel set with the powermeter. Many people are not able to use a wheel cover on their training wheel with the specialized as the wheel cover rubs.

Cary Blanco

I have a 2010 Transition and I'm very happy with it.

Something to consider with the transition - some folks have a hard time with the chain stays rubbing against a wheel cover (if you use one).

[Deleted User]

If both fit, I would go with the Look. I have a 2009 Look 596 and I love it. It handles like a dream and what I really like about it is that the Look is not a bike that everyone has. But that just my two cents! Ride both and get the one that fits the best and the one you love.

kjanracing

LOOK!