General Discussion Triathlon Talk » new tri bike vs new wheels Rss Feed  
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2011-05-25 1:49 PM

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Subject: new tri bike vs new wheels

Hi folks,

my actual bike is a road bike, nothing fancy, just change the seat post and put some aerobars to gain a little bit of aero position.

Thinking of next year already with an IM in mind , I'm thinking also of improving some of my tools (toys ??)

What would be the most beneficial over 180 km ? a good wheelset or a tri bike with stocks wheels ?

Assuming, of course :D , that the engine will be ready at that time

 

Thanks



2011-05-25 2:21 PM
in reply to: #3518462

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Subject: RE: new tri bike vs new wheels

There is a big differance in both cost and value-for-money (i.e. time gained per dollar) on these two items. A decent tribike can be had for $1400 (i.e. Cervelo P1), and for $2500 you will get a bike that typically is more than good-enough for 99% of AGE GROUP atheletes out there  (i.e. Cervelo P2, Cannondale Slice, Scott Plasma 10). 

A good set of race wheels is tougher to define - a carbon clincher set with 30-40mm front and 60-80mm back with a brand name hub will run $750 to $2000 depending on manufacturer & new vs. used.

In terms of value the Tri-bike is a much better bang-for-the-buck than the wheels.

If I only had $1500 I'd buy a Cervelo P1 and use the stock wheels. If I had $2500 I'd get the P2 or Slice and keep the stock wheels.  If I had $3000+ to spend I'd get the P2 and maybe a set of wheels... maybe...

I would not buy race wheels for my roadbike to race an IM - you won't get that much of a time boost. A better investement would be high performance racing (low Crr) tires (i.e. Vittoria Open CX 320tpi), latex tubes and TT aerohelmet.  

  



Edited by mgalanter 2011-05-25 2:22 PM
2011-05-25 7:05 PM
in reply to: #3518543

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Subject: RE: new tri bike vs new wheels

Hi,

thanks for the reply.

This was exactly right was I was feeling as well but prefered to ask rather doing something stupid...

I was thinking of P2 or Trek SC7.0... I'll see how I feel between the two.

and I keep the advice for the tires. Regarding the aerohelmet, I already got one

 

Thanks

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