TT or new Roadie + Clip on aero bars?

[944fan]

I have a Trek 1.1 bought on cycle to work. It is perfectly suitable and I use it for commuting, training (winter, summer, turbo), and competing in Triathlons. Other than a MTB it is the only bike I have and it is becoming a pain to take off all the lights, locks, guards etc every time I race.

I am changing jobs so can get another on cycle to work ( I pay HRT so it is worth it for me).

I can't decide whether to buy a entry level TT bike or a better roadie and put clip on aero bars on. Triathlons are my main thing.

Budget is £1 - £1.5K. For that I would be looking at a Madone 2.1, which gives me carbon forks and Shim 105 over what I currently have. Or I Could get a Speed Concept 2.5 with SRAM Apex.

These bikes are just for example, I am not holden to Trek. Although I do love my 1.1

What would be best? Definitely thinking a TT bike is the way to go. I do like long rides at the weekend, but I could still use the 1.1 for those.

[anonymous-user]

Keep the 1.1 and get a tt specific bike, cant see any reason why you would get a better road bike if tris are your thing and you can still train on the 1.1. I'd go for the Planet X stealth which is hugely popular at club level but also proven at pro/ironman level. £1500 gets you a carbon frame, good drivetrain and some super wheels but there is a budget version thats £500 cheaper. This Cannondale Slice 105 is a good deal if they have your size in stock but its not a patch on the PX in real terms.

[upsidedownmark]

Sortof agree, and sortof don't

Yes. Get a TT bike.

The two identified are *VERY* different bikes; the PX bikes are more 'pure' timetrial bikes. They're low. The stealth has a pretty 'road' kindof seat tube angle (exocets are rather more forward). You'll need to be fairly flexible to ride one. In comparison, the slices are more of a short/tall fit, and (generally) better suited to *most* folks for triathlon.

You really need to make, or better yet, get someone qualified to make some assessments of your flexibility and fit requirements. TT bike fit is a little more critical than road bike fit as there's generally less wriggle room.

I suggest heading over to slowtwitch.com and ploughing through their fit articles..
HTH.

[Disco You]

Get a TT bike.

You aren't allowed to spend over £1k on the CTW scheme though, anything over that with cash out in yourself and the seller is doing a fiddle.

[944fan]

You normally cant go over £1k on the scheme unless they employer has a credit licence. Thankfully my newvplace has. They are on all schemes as well.

cannondale slice looks nices as does the px.

[okgo]

Secondhand cervelo p2 I reckon. None of this cheap crap

[IroningMan]

okgo said:

Secondhand cervelo p2 I reckon. None of this cheap crap

Cracking bikes, but sadly not on C2W...

[okgo]

No. You may have to spend your own cash but it's worth it.

Actually, why aren't they on the scheme? Isn't it just down to the bike shop?

[944fan]

okgo said:

No. You may have to spend your own cash but it's worth it.

Actually, why aren't they on the scheme? Isn't it just down to the bike shop?

Yes it is down to the shop to join. Think they have to pay an admin fee.

The trouble with spending cash is SWIMBO. If she knows I ma getting a good chunk of tax off and paying for it monthly she will agree. If I have to pay out £1.5K in one go that just isn't going to happen.

[IroningMan]

I meant that secondhand ones weren't going to be doable on C2W - mind you, with a cooperative LBS it might be possible.

[Barchettaman]

Just leave all the lights, locks, guards etc on when you race it!

https://www.facebook.com/redshiftsports

These guas are coming out with a very interesting new product...