Yet another "Help me choose a Tri/TT bike thread"

As expected, I've loved and used my entry level roadie for about a year, and am now itching for something Tri Specific.  I'm not terribly fast on the bike, but enjoy the heck out of riding, and so far have done 100% of my training alone, so I think I'd be a good match for a Tri bike.  I'm also in a good financial situation right now, so I'm officially in the market.

So far, ive been doing a fair amount of research around the internet, and have taken a trip to my LBS, the trisports.com retail store in Tucson where I've was given a basic fitting, and spent 45 minutes or so chatting with the sales guy.  After my research, and what I learned from my trip to the shop, I've narrowed my choices to the following three bikes.  My initial budget is anywhere in the $3k-$5k region, and I'll get a complimentary FIST fitting after buying any of the three.  The basic fitting has suggested that I fit in the "normal" part of the curve as far as fitting goes, and will be riding a 52" frame in a Tri bike.

1) 2009 Felt B12: Price $3095.00 - This bike is at the very bottom of my price range, but I keep reading how good the bang for the buck is with the B12, so I'm still considering it in lieu of a couple other slightly more pricey bikes

2) 2009 Felt B2: Price $3795.00 - I was initially looking at the B12 over this bike, but after a little more research, I've learned that the B2 frame is of higher quality than the B12, and is just a hair lighter.  I know the different headset does result in a performance increase, but I'm not sure if the extra performance is worth the $700 premium

3) 2009 Scott Plasma 10:  Price $3699.00 - I hadn't considered this bike until they wheeled one in front of me at the bike shop.  The price is comprable to the B2, but as far as I am aware comes with lesser components (ultrega instead of dura ace) and lower performance wheels.  The scott frame, however, is the same used on their top of the line bike, as opposed to the B2 which is a step down and just a hair heaver.


So, going with the "buy the frame"  philosophy I'd be led in the direction of the Scott bike, however I was under the impression that the Scott bikes fall into the "super aggressive fit" type category, and I've also read that I may be purchasing new aero bars and probably better wheels in the near future.  I absolutely love the cockpit that comes with the Felt bikes, and like the fact that I'll easily be able to use the wheels that come with either felt bike for racing for a season or two, but on the other hand, the Scott gives me an absolutely top of the line frame that could be slowly upgraded to make a screaming awesome bike in a few years.  I like the scott cockpit a little less, and find it a little less "photogenic"

The LBS told me the next step would be to bring in my pedals and shoes and take a couple bikes for a spin, but I'm not all that sure what I might learn from this process.  As of right now, I'm pretty much torn between the three.


Edited by JZig 2009-06-23 10:13 PM