Time for a new bike?

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2013-04-06 12:51 PM

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Elite
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Subject: Time for a new bike?

I've been on my 54cm Motobecane Nemesis for 4 years now.  Flirting with the idea of going carbon.  I've got around 2k to spend.  I found a bike shop that has a 2013 Felt B16 for $1800.  Seems like a good deal.  P2 would probably be at the absolute top of my price range.  I'd also consider most other carbon bikes.  Could go new or used depending on the deal.

The eventual goal is to bring down my ironman bike split.  I currently have two ironmans under my belt with an 11 hour PR.  This is at Florida where my bike split was 5:39.

I'm not averse to just keeping my current ride either, if you feel thats the best move.  Maybe I'll get a pair of race wheels instead.   Over rated, yes, but they look so darn good!

Basically I'm just curious on opinions of what I might have missed in my price range and what the best course of action is.  Wait for more money and go bigger?  Jump on the Felt?  Do nothing?  Any advice appreciated!  (And I know... fit + engine = important)

2013-04-06 9:27 PM
in reply to: #4689347

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Master
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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?

Lets start with the obligatory first post to this topic:

Find out what fits, then pick the bike.

Find a trusted fitter in your area and have them find your numbers, and tell you what bike you fit on.

Of course this will cut into your bike budget.  Preferably the fitter is not completely tied to there own brands and can recommend bikes outside of what the shop they are at offers.

Now that  that is over....

You can't come to a tri site and expect anyone to telly to NOT get a new bike of course you should get one.

Sometime there are good used bikes to be had as well, just get them fully checked out, I just found out my new (used) bike might have some internal carbon damage where the seat post goes.

2013-04-06 9:37 PM
in reply to: #4689347

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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?
I'm not going to be a voice of reason, but I just bought a carbon tri-specific bike, and I'm substantially faster on it than I am on my steel road bike.  
2013-04-06 11:00 PM
in reply to: #4689347

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?
I'm a big fan of my new Giant Trinity Composite, $1500 out the door, no tax, interest free for a year. Might be the most bang for the bugdet minded, solid aero frame, decent group, Shimano hubs roll great, wheels suck!
2013-04-07 12:00 AM
in reply to: #4689711

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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?

RussTKD - 2013-04-06 9:37 PM I'm not going to be a voice of reason, but I just bought a carbon tri-specific bike, and I'm substantially faster on it than I am on my steel road bike.  

I'd say this has a lot more to do with position than frame material.

I don't think you would see a large difference in average speed between the nemesis and a carbon-framed tri bike.  But if it makes you happy then go for it!

2013-04-07 12:36 AM
in reply to: #4689347

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Edmonton, Alberta
Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?
New wheels and a coach.


2013-04-07 7:51 AM
in reply to: #4689711

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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?

RussTKD - 2013-04-06 6:37 PM I'm not going to be a voice of reason, but I just bought a carbon tri-specific bike, and I'm substantially faster on it than I am on my steel road bike.  

I did the same thing. Noticeable difference and absolutely no regrets.

2013-04-07 8:22 AM
in reply to: #4689790

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?
wbattaile - 2013-04-07 2:00 AM

I'd say this has a lot more to do with position than frame material.

I don't think you would see a large difference in average speed between the nemesis and a carbon-framed tri bike.  But if it makes you happy then go for it!



x2 - the difference between a good road position and a good tri position should give considerable gains. The difference between a good tri position on an okay frame and a good tri position on a great frame is going to be quite small.

Shane
2013-04-07 8:47 AM
in reply to: #4689347

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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?
The answer to the question "should I buy a new bike?" Is always yes.
2013-04-07 8:52 AM
in reply to: #4689794

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?

Whato - 2013-04-07 1:36 AM New wheels and a coach.

I read this as "new wheels and a couch."  I didn't realize new wheels could have such an effect!

2013-04-07 9:12 AM
in reply to: #4689912

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?
gsmacleod - 2013-04-07 9:22 AM
wbattaile - 2013-04-07 2:00 AM I'd say this has a lot more to do with position than frame material.

I don't think you would see a large difference in average speed between the nemesis and a carbon-framed tri bike.  But if it makes you happy then go for it!

x2 - the difference between a good road position and a good tri position should give considerable gains. The difference between a good tri position on an okay frame and a good tri position on a great frame is going to be quite small. Shane

This is likely hard to answer...but what is a small difference?  1% faster for example, seems small, but over the course of 112 miles thats like 3 minutes.  3% even seems small, but thats 10 minutes.  I'd spend the money for ten minutes, but not for ten seconds.  You get the idea.



2013-04-08 7:46 AM
in reply to: #4689951

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?
steveseer - 2013-04-07 11:12 AM

This is likely hard to answer...but what is a small difference?  1% faster for example, seems small, but over the course of 112 miles thats like 3 minutes.  3% even seems small, but thats 10 minutes.  I'd spend the money for ten minutes, but not for ten seconds.  You get the idea.



Just guessing based on data that I've seen before but haven't double checked, I would guess that going from an okay tribike (one that looks aero but isn't really all that aero but allows the rider to get in a good position) to superbike would probably result in a max improvement of ~4s/km.

However, I doubt the average triathlete would see an improvement of this magnitude as they often take a well designed bike and start adding items to it that increase CdA so the difference between the okay bike and superbike is much smaller. For a typical triathlete, I would guess that the actual benefit would probably be much closer to 1-1.5s/km for okay to superbike and probably 0.5-1s/km for okay to very good.

Shane
2013-04-08 7:59 AM
in reply to: #4689932

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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?

ChrisM - 2013-04-07 9:47 AM The answer to the question "should I buy a new bike?" Is always yes.

YUP!!  I saw the subject and laughed---it's like asking if you should take another hit in a crack house....

2013-04-08 8:10 AM
in reply to: #4689790

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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?
wbattaile - 2013-04-07 12:00 AM

RussTKD - 2013-04-06 9:37 PM I'm not going to be a voice of reason, but I just bought a carbon tri-specific bike, and I'm substantially faster on it than I am on my steel road bike.  

I'd say this has a lot more to do with position than frame material.

I don't think you would see a large difference in average speed between the nemesis and a carbon-framed tri bike.  But if it makes you happy then go for it!

 

The 16/20 spoke wheelset and 4 lb. weight difference probably has a lot to do with it as well. :D

2013-04-08 8:23 AM
in reply to: #4690994

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?
RussTKD - 2013-04-08 10:10 AM

wbattaile - 2013-04-07 12:00 AM

RussTKD - 2013-04-06 9:37 PM I'm not going to be a voice of reason, but I just bought a carbon tri-specific bike, and I'm substantially faster on it than I am on my steel road bike.  

I'd say this has a lot more to do with position than frame material.

I don't think you would see a large difference in average speed between the nemesis and a carbon-framed tri bike.  But if it makes you happy then go for it!

 

The 16/20 spoke wheelset and 4 lb. weight difference probably has a lot to do with it as well. :D



It is actually quite unlikely that either of these elements (unless the 16/20 wheelset is also an aero wheelset and not just a training wheelset) led to a measurable improvement.

Shane
2013-04-08 4:53 PM
in reply to: #4689347

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Master
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Subject: RE: Time for a new bike?

How has this not been posted to this thread yet:

Rule #12
// The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.

While the minimum number of bikes one should own is three, the correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned. This equation may also be re-written as s-1, where s is the number of bikes owned that would result in separation from your partner.

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