Triathlete n bike advice wanted!
Discussion
Need some advice. I've saved hard and am planning on treating myself to a 'new' bike, solely to be used for triathlons. It will be my pride and joy.
I can't extend to serious money but have my heart set on a canyon Speedmax CF SL. 220triathlon rated the top spec bike very highly. I can't extend to the top spec, but could stretch to their second from bottom of the range. Is it fair to say the lower bikes in the range will still be 90% of that experience? Otherwise, I'd treat myself to a second hand 2014 cervelo p3.
What is the general concencous on this - but S/H ex-top spec, or a new middle range bike?
I'd greatly appreciate people's thoughts on this.
I can't extend to serious money but have my heart set on a canyon Speedmax CF SL. 220triathlon rated the top spec bike very highly. I can't extend to the top spec, but could stretch to their second from bottom of the range. Is it fair to say the lower bikes in the range will still be 90% of that experience? Otherwise, I'd treat myself to a second hand 2014 cervelo p3.
What is the general concencous on this - but S/H ex-top spec, or a new middle range bike?
I'd greatly appreciate people's thoughts on this.
Personally, given most tri courses seems fairly straight forward, I'd buy a well recognised frame/bike second hand and save my cash.
As someone who does a lot of time trials, at a half decent pace, the bike is SUCH a small factor in being fast. Someone I know who is incredibly switched on (prolific poster on Slowtwitch, or was) said he could not find a single aero difference between the P2 and P5 Cervelo, despite the price difference being thousands. I bought a Trek Speed Concept from him, and I've never seen the reason to change it. Over the years I've got a lot faster, and its all down to the person sat on the bike, not the bike.
As someone who does a lot of time trials, at a half decent pace, the bike is SUCH a small factor in being fast. Someone I know who is incredibly switched on (prolific poster on Slowtwitch, or was) said he could not find a single aero difference between the P2 and P5 Cervelo, despite the price difference being thousands. I bought a Trek Speed Concept from him, and I've never seen the reason to change it. Over the years I've got a lot faster, and its all down to the person sat on the bike, not the bike.
Second hand, and don't get to hung up on groupsets either.
I'd rather ride 105 and a carbon disc/deep front wheel, then dura and some alloy shallow wheels that came on the bike.
I'm building up a TT bike at the moment, and it'll be 105, Chinese Carbon wheels (disc) and a generic aero frame. It'll be around £2k all in, and I don't think there will be much difference Aero/watts wise between that and a P5/Slice/Insert high end TT bike here.
I'd rather ride 105 and a carbon disc/deep front wheel, then dura and some alloy shallow wheels that came on the bike.
I'm building up a TT bike at the moment, and it'll be 105, Chinese Carbon wheels (disc) and a generic aero frame. It'll be around £2k all in, and I don't think there will be much difference Aero/watts wise between that and a P5/Slice/Insert high end TT bike here.
I think it depends on what sort of deal you can get find on a second hand bike. I was looking at this option last year but couldn't find anything that I felt was good value vs a new bike. The main problem was that lots of people seem to take the wheels of the bike when they sell & replace with bottom end ones, meaning I would have then had to shell out for some wheels too. I'm sure there are loads of absolute bargains out there but depends whether you can find them or are willing to travel far enough - I could't/wasn't.
Looking at the Speedmax range, I'd say the CF 9.0 (2,645) is definitely the one to get (if you do go down that route). I assume this is the one you are referring to as the "second bottom"? In answer to your question, as long as you're not bothered about electronic shifting, then yes it'll be well over 90% of the experience of the more expensive bikes. You'll probably be just as quick unless you get a very hilly course, in which case the lighter models might save you a few seconds!
Looking at the Speedmax range, I'd say the CF 9.0 (2,645) is definitely the one to get (if you do go down that route). I assume this is the one you are referring to as the "second bottom"? In answer to your question, as long as you're not bothered about electronic shifting, then yes it'll be well over 90% of the experience of the more expensive bikes. You'll probably be just as quick unless you get a very hilly course, in which case the lighter models might save you a few seconds!
Many thanks for advice. I've found the situation is often that the second hand bikes I'm keen on have been put back onto low spec alloy wheels and still command a hefty price.
I hadn't considered Chinese wheels etc, some reviews look encouraging and at the prices involved, not too much of a risk.
I'll keep and eye out for anything coming up, otherwise I'll stick with my original choice.
I hadn't considered Chinese wheels etc, some reviews look encouraging and at the prices involved, not too much of a risk.
I'll keep and eye out for anything coming up, otherwise I'll stick with my original choice.
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