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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Newbie needs bike recommendation

957845

Oct 23, 09 17:08

Post #1 of 9 (428 views)

Newbie needs bike recommendation	Can't Post

My running hobby has now become a Tri hobby due to a knee issue, but cross training for Tri's is working well, and I am hooked! (yes I like suffering). I did two oly's last summer and did great in the swim only to see most of the pack pass..no make that, fly by me on the bike. Very humiliating, yes, I suck and I plan on a 70.3 this summer(not sure why.. suffering need?). So, I am determined to fix this bike short coming by riding alot and buying a Tri specific bike. I have been fitted professionally. I have narrowed my choice down to a Look 576 with Force, and stock wheels, a Felt B2 DA, and a specialized pro with red. Both the Felt and Specialized come with better wheels and cost about $800 more because they have better wheels and components? They all look good, and I live in Colorado, it is the off season so all would need to be ordered from a LBS, so riding them to see which I like best is not a viable option now. Which bike would you choose and why? the fitter said all would work with the right stem and of course right size frame. He leaned more toward the Look and Felt. How do you choose when you know so little? They all look great and fast on the brochure?

heliskyr

Oct 24, 09 9:38

Post #2 of 9 (376 views)

Re: Newbie needs bike recommendation [957845] [In reply to]	Can't Post

When you say you were fit professionally- to which bike? While understanding some of the variables of your fit is useful (ie. how low you can comfortably make the bars, etc.), bike fits are generally specific to a particular frame due to differences in geometry, tube lengths, etc. For example, a P2 and a P3 outwardly look quite similar, but tend to fit people differently, something that you may discover on a long test ride and/or bike fit.

Have you had a chance to ride any of these bikes? It's nice to actually get one underneath you to see if you like the feel of the ride, in terms of handling, comfort, etc. If your LBS doesn't have your size in stock you may want to check other shops to see if you can get a test ride in.

Regarding the differences in wheels, you may want to consider if you will be buying a race-specific set of higher end wheels and use trainers in between the races, or if you'll just run the same set all the time. If you're planning on a getting a set of race wheels, I wouldn't spend extra for the better OEM wheels on the bike you choose- save that $$ and put it into the race wheels. If you're going to run the same set of wheels for training and racing, then spending the extra $ for nicer wheels would make more sense.

All 3 of those are very nice bikes, and none of them cheap, so I'd make sure you have enough info from riding them to be confident of your decision.

Titanflexr

Oct 24, 09 10:23

Post #3 of 9 (348 views)

Re: Newbie needs bike recommendation [957845] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Make sure you have a frame and cockpit that fit you, and spend some $$ on some race wheels (use the wheels that come with the bike for training). The aero wheels will also move with you from bike to bike. A set of 60mm deep wheels will be faster than stock wheels by far more than the aero differences between the frames you are considering. Also, get an aero helmet (by far the best aero bang for the buck).

Also, ride lots. If people are flying by you on the bike, you need to work on the engine not just the chassis. The great thing about being new to a sport is the ability to improve by leaps and bounds!

MAGGBO

Oct 25, 09 15:11

Post #4 of 9 (280 views)

Re: Newbie needs bike recommendation [957845] [In reply to]	Can't Post

if you live anywhere near Boulder, go to Colorado Multisports and see Geoff and Ryan. they will dial in your fit, and give a newbie a ton of great info. i just got an e-mail from them and the LOOK 576 is even on sale. all those bikes will be great and you should do just fine with the stock wheels for training over the winter. worry about race wheels later. anthony

957845

Oct 25, 09 19:38

Post #5 of 9 (240 views)

Re: Newbie needs bike recommendation [MAGGBO] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks, I will check them out

trikicks

Oct 25, 09 19:53

Post #6 of 9 (234 views)

Re: Newbie needs bike recommendation [heliskyr] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have to agree. I just went through a fit process that took a few hours and we easily narrowed down my choices to only a couple options, and it was clear of those which ones would need more adjustments to various elements of the bike than others.

That being said you just got great advice, which is the same I got as well...go for a frame that you are comfortable on and save money on other stuff to buy race wheels. Good luck and post pics once you make your decision.
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IronRN

Oct 26, 09 3:47

Post #7 of 9 (182 views)

Re: Newbie needs bike recommendation [957845] [In reply to]	Can't Post

FWIW, all are nice bikes, and yes as long as the frame size is correct you can adjust things to put you in an ideal fit. What it really boils down to is the feel of the bike. I really believe that you need to ride the bikes and you will find one that "speaks to you" one will just feel better (all other things being equal) and the confidence and trust you will get from that will translate into better bike times.

A girl in our club last year had her heart set on a Cervelo, she rode one and liked it but then rode a specialized and immediately felt at home on it. She was torn between what she thought she wanted and what "felt" better. She went with the specialized and has never regretted it for a minute.

957845

Oct 26, 09 8:24

Post #8 of 9 (148 views)

Re: Newbie needs bike recommendation [IronRN] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for posts, and I guess I wanted to hear which bike is best, and what you said makes sense spending this amount of money I need to figure which one "speaks to me". (even in Colorado during the off season) I did get great advice from a friend to go get fitted/sized at Retul, and then choose what bikes fit me best. I just feel a bit like a slime ball not using my local bike shop, but I can always buy wheels, clothing and other stuff from them.

957845

Oct 28, 09 15:42

Post #9 of 9 (93 views)

Re: Newbie needs bike recommendation [957845] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I beat the snow storm here in Colorado and did test ride the bikes yesterday even though I had to go all over the place to get it done. I was suprised with the bike I chose, I thought it would be the one I liked the least, but the Specialized felt the best. I went with the 09' transition pro! I am on way, thanks for all the suggestions.