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Bike Advice

Rob MohrRob Mohr
in General Training Discussions

I've been riding a road bike for over a year now and I'm looking to make the switch to tri bike. For myself and the others on TeamEN in my situation, what are the best tri bikes out there (maybe best to compare by price)? Also, I often see similar discussions referring to tri bikes and time trial bikes as one and the same - how important is it to distiguish? Thanks for posting your thoughts! Really appreciate the help.

-Rob

Comments

  • tuckermtuckerm

    The best bike is the one that fits you best!

    Well kidding aside, that is a very difficult topic since there are so many variables, pricing and fit being among them. 

    Here is the bike count from Kona this past year: lavamagazine.com/gear/2011-kona-bik...z1cVDbilKn

    Picking the best bike is like a religion to some people.  Some get very protective of their brand.

    To me, you can't go wrong with a Cervelo, Specialized, Trek, Felt, BMC.  And if money isn't real y an option you could go the custom frame route!  Seriously there are lots of good bikes out there now.  If you are looking for a bike, it's best to find some good shops and test some out. 

    As for the TT/Tri question, they are basically the same bikes.  Only a couple companies have made tri specific bikes.  Usually a company will make a TT bike for their professional riders and just offer that bike out to triathlon market.  Trek released the Speed Concept 2 years ago and that was completely designed for the Tri market.  This way they are not bound by design rules of the UCI. 

    You live in Mahattan right?  If money is no issue, Signature Cycles will take good care of you.  They can tell you what bikes will fit you best as well as get you setup with a custom bike if that is the way to go.  www.signaturecycles.com/#s=0&mi...0&at=0

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    There are some (like me) that believe you should have BOTH road and tri bikes - to address any and all possible situations; training, racing, fun, race prep, etc.

    But FIT IS PARAMOUNT! Use the EN set-up with ttbikefit.com to have them tell you what frames will fit you, instead of going to a LBS and having them sell you what 'could' fit you out of their brand limited selection.
  • GeneGene
    Posted By Scott Alexander on 01 Nov 2011 08:20 PM



    But FIT IS PARAMOUNT! Use the EN set-up with ttbikefit.com to have them tell you what frames will fit you, instead of going to a LBS and having them sell you what 'could' fit you out of their brand limited selection.

    + 1 for fit.  I know a lot of freinds that have bought bikes for vcarious reasons (bargins/sales/colors/you name it) who are unhappy with the "comfort" of their bikes.  Start with your fit.  Your body will not change drastically over the period of one bike.  Find a bike that fits your body.  All of the major brands make quality bikes.  1)Set your budget. 2)Find a great bike shop that specializes in triathlon bikes 3)have an open mind.  

    I have not worked with ttbikefit.com, but I'm sure they know what they are doing based off of others opinions on the team.  

    FIT IS KEY. some bikes will naturally align better with your body/preferences.  

    Gene

  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    x4 on getting the right fit. Todd at ttbikefit can help with this. Some bikes are slightly longer with a lower stack which will allow you to get more aggressive on them (i.e. Cervelo P3 or Kestral). Others will have a higher stack (i.e. Blue Triad). Depending on your body shape (longer legs or longer torso) one or the other of these types of frames will likely be better for you.

    Bikes depreciate very fast in price terms, but they actually stay functional for a reasonably long time. Figure out what brands in what size will fit you (most likely you will fit many different brands), then head to eBay to get the exact bike you're looking for for 1/3 of the price. The only thing that really changes on them from one yr to the next is the paint job on the frame. With all that said, I love my D/A equipped 2008 Cervelo P3, and yes I bought it on eBay...
  • thugbusterthugbuster
    And I will add that if you're looking to buy before next season, now is a great time to look as bikes are just like cars and bike shops look to move the current years model to get the next years in. So you might get a good deal by shopping now. But, as others have said the bike has to fit, so if you get a deal on a bike that doesn't fit you haven't saved much. Two years ago I got a good fitting Felt B12 for $1,000 off MSRP when I bought it in December.
  • Rob MohrRob Mohr
    Really appreciate the advice guys. Will definitely take all into consideration.

    Hard to say that money is no issue... but can be somewhat flexible on price. @tucker I'll be sure to check out Signature Cycles, even if just to talk gurus there. From the great reviews, ttbikefit.com is a resource I'll be using too.

    I'll let you know where I net out. Thanks again for the great responses and feel free to keep them coming!
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    Go get a proper fitting and the fitter will be able to suggest a good bike for you but be careful of their bias if they work for a shop. That's why Todd at ttbikefit.com would be a good sounding board. He's not in it to sell you a bike.

    A bike like a Trek Speed Concept 9 series (although more on the natural order of a tall and narrow bike) can be customized to fit just about anyone due to the many different bar/stem configs. A bike like a Cervelo or Felt (that are naturally long and low and a better fit for longer torso riders) takes a bit more effort to fit someone that fits naturally better on a more tall and narrow bike. Sometimes it can be done well and sometimes not.
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