New road bike recommendation - Triathlon Week

Griz · 01-06-2005, 08:11 PM

Hey all, Anyone have and brand/model recommendations for a race-friendly road bike? I don't have an unlimited budget, and I would only be using it for a couple of tris/road events per year. The rest of the time would be for road rides, so I'm not looking for a tri-specific bike.

I'm not looking to win events, but I would like something that has race geometry and decent components... I'm looking at the Litespeed Solano and similar models. I'm hoping to spend under 3k.

Any insight or feedback you can give me would be appreciated.

**daphne** · 01-08-2005, 04:53 PM

Try the Giant TCR Composite 1. It is the lightest carbon fiber out there, and has a lifetime warranty. It costs about $2600. It good for race and road rides also. Try it out.

pyschosyd · 01-27-2005, 04:47 PM

Hey Griz
I'm in the same boat as you. Look at the Cervello Soloist. It has an aero frame, and adjustable geometry so you can have a great tri bike and an decent road bike in one. The trouble with road bikes is that not all are suitable for adapting aero bars.
However the Giant is nice as well.

Yellow Dog · 02-15-2005, 02:45 AM

The Litespeed Tuscany is a great crossover bike. It's a standard road geometry, yet many of it's tubes are bladed and very aerodynamic. Slap some aerobars on it and it's ready to tri. Plus, it's a Litespeed. I know carbon is hot right now, but Ti is still the finest frame material there is.

rhino52 · 03-31-2005, 09:13 PM

Ya know i wish i visited this site instead of impulse buying but i have a really nice bike trek 2100 with ZR 900 frame bontrager and shimano components. road distance bike cant beat the clip peddles i'll take my chances with a hard bike push and hopefully smooth transitions any suggestions about the transition period in tri racing??

Smartt/RST · 04-03-2005, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griz

Hey all, Anyone have and brand/model recommendations for a race-friendly road bike? I don't have an unlimited budget, and I would only be using it for a couple of tris/road events per year. The rest of the time would be for road rides, so I'm not looking for a tri-specific bike.

I'm not looking to win events, but I would like something that has race geometry and decent components... I'm looking at the Litespeed Solano and similar models. I'm hoping to spend under 3k.

Any insight or feedback you can give me would be appreciated.

Look for a frame with a 74degree seat tube and modest top tube length. What's a modest top tube length you say? Well, compare a few bikes and you'll see a difference in the ratio between the seat tube and top tube. A top tube on the shorter side and a seat tube angle that is in between a traditional road frame and a full on TT bike will increase your ability to go back and forth from your road to Tri set ups.
Other than that...and by the way, "only" having 3k to spend is not a budget issue...look at warranties, service provided by the shop that you make the purchase from and the components that come with the bike. These days, there is really very little difference in the quality of the ride/bike between mass produced bikes that are made from the same material and within the same price range...if any difference at all.