Best Tri bike for the money

[aosias]

Looking to get a real tri bike, not my cobbled together road bike version. Curious what people out there are riding and I know there are a few tri folks on here.

So, what's the best bike for the money. I'd like to be on the lower end of the price spectrum but want something I'm not going to want to replace in a year or two.

Alex

[1of40]

have you tried Bikesdirect.com?

[rijosho]

If you're buying now you're close to the peak season, so you may not be able to talk the salesman down much, but take a look at the Jamis. Jamis Comet. FSA, Ultegra, DuraAce mix.

[WhiteD90]

My wife got a Cervelo P3 last season for the race here and loves it. Not going to get out cheap but there are a few places like Play it Again Sports or ExcelSports near you in Raleigh, NC that sometimes have "blem" models for sale, that is the best bang for the buck I have seen.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=195407

[John_Karlsson]

Here you go: <http://circlecitybicycles.com/atrike.htm>

[bharris]

by a tri bike I assume you mean a dedicated TT bike... as such I'd suggest that more than in any other category fit is most important and I'd say your best deal is going to come from finding a small builder to make a custom ride for you... as long as you don't insist on silly things like titanium or CF you'll end up with a very good value for your money...

[John_Karlsson]

Ohhhh.... :)

[mjekogian]

I have saved thousands just going in and out of my local Bike shops and asking them what they have from past season taking up space. I found a Trek E9 basically at the shops cost. He had too many to move. Yes it was out of season that helps. But I saved at least $1000. You need to find the bike that fits you don't think that every bike of the same size is! I have found that the geometry changes from brand to brand. Go try on some different bikes then start shopping. I like Felt ,trek, specialized,
If you like to go fast downhill watch the Cervelo P3 I have talked to a few ridders that say there is a nasty speed wobble.
there are a ton of Tri Bikes on CL right now.
what size will you need (estimate)?

[tomaco1]

How tall are you, a friend of mine has a couple of tri bikes laying around. lightly used, but they 650 wheels. A bit old school. but I think they'll make a comeback someday(or Not). Ones a Kestrel KM40 the other is a Softride. he's 5'10" theyd be cheap

[mjekogian]

How tall are you, a friend of mine has a couple of tri bikes laying around. lightly used, but they 650 wheels. A bit old school. but I think they'll make a comeback someday(or Not). Ones a Kestrel KM40 the other is a Softride. he's 5'10" theyd be cheap

yea you can get a nice set of deep dish airo wheels for a 650 CHEAP. ( no one will ride them).

[aosias]

How tall are you, a friend of mine has a couple of tri bikes laying around. lightly used, but they 650 wheels. A bit old school. but I think they'll make a comeback someday(or Not). Ones a Kestrel KM40 the other is a Softride. he's 5'10" theyd be cheap

5'6"- so far it's been a small frame.

I just starte looking so I'm interested in what others have found they liked and didn't like about their bikes.

[mjekogian]

you are on the taller side but might find a 650 that works for you.
the pluses are easier to get up to speed corners and short sprints, more comfortable for smaller riders. cheaper parts,
the minuses: slower on long straits and downhill, parts are hard to find, low resale value,
ultimately it comes down to what you feel good on and what you can afford. you can spend 10 K and not be fir right or you can spend 750 and have a perfect bike (for you). I will recommend looking into the womans specific designs they may fit you better. if your odd proportioned elite will make you a beautiful bike at a fair cost and treat you like a pro at all the races he attends. costumer service with him is unprecedented. let us know what your looking at.

[aosias]

Cervelo P3, Orbea Ora TLE, Specialized Transition

70.3 in August and IM in October are the races