TT bike advice

brh77

Hi all-

I know this will probably outrage the cyclismo fraternity on here, but I am doing a bit of triathlon now- and have signed up for a couple of long races and want a TT bike.

I have about £1200 or so to spend, and was looking at the below as options.. What does anyone reckon? Looking for something good over half iron distance- so 90 odd k in the tuck.....

http://www.leisurewheels.co.uk/products ... &vid=33611

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BH-LT102-GC-A ... 0842452689 - a random choice, but big in the US and very Tri friendly ( but my initials are BH- so does this count this out as a f***in stupid vanity to have your initials on your bike when you are decidedly amateur!)

http://www.canyon.com/_en/triathlonbike ... tml?b=3069

Or I go with a Planet X, but not too in love with that idea as I rode a super light for a bit and the fork really flawed and it's put me off them a bit....

Don't like the Shiv and I have heard that the Trek speed concept in that price range isn't great, so just wanted to make sure I am not missing something.....

Cheers!

Ben

VTech

I am new to cycling but that Felt is a thing of beauty.

nochekmate

To the OP what about about this if it's your size (he sells a few bikes on this forum and eBay). Trek Speed Concept but not the basic model.

viewtopic.php?f=40090&t=12902277

I've got the Felt B2Pro that I have bought recently secondhand - can't wait for the oncoming season.

Celt100

Get in touch with Merlin see if they can order you a Sensa Dura - specs are amazing for price their out of stock at the moment but you could also order from the eurozone

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/b ... -bike.html

got to be worth a look best of luck

Grill

Get fitted! I can't stress this enough as fit for a TT bike is completely different than a road bike and chances are you'll need to size down.

danlikesbikes

Felt B16 is a cracking bike, chap in our club has one & I have borrowed it a few times when my Felt has been out of action. Good time to buy as shops are trying to clear their unsold 2012 stock.

Found this from an American website which makes for good reading as compares the 2012/2013 models & for the cash saving looks even better - http://inspiretri.com/2012/09/13/2013-vs-2012-felt-b16/

cougie

Well worth looking at the PX tt bikes. Their pre Exocet model has been raced in the Tour.
Don't be put off by the slightly flexy fork you had - this model is completely different.

brh77

Cheers all! Much appreciated..... Leaning towards the felt at the mo, even though I think the BH frame is probably a good one (it came 2nd at Kona a couple of years back.....) - will have another look at the Planet X bikes.

Anyone ever do a Ribble bike build? They much cop?

Grill

Plant X > Ribble

mallorcajeff

Love mine.l keep your eyes on eBay some very low mileage bargains come up on there ESP felts. I bought mine on there and it's like new. I don't take it seriously I just charge around in summer on it for a bit of fun really. Get a fit as said before very different from road bike. Even tt bikes are different in themselves from one to another geo wise.

Grill

Are your shifters flipped?

mallorcajeff

Well spotted yes they are far better for me that way

brh77

I wish my £1200 would stretch to a BMC! The next one down with 105 is £1699 on sale in the UK- so a bit out of my price range..........

meesterbond

I've got the Canyon and love it... although it looks like they've downspecced a few bits from last year's model... Mine came with the carbon chainset, Rival and RTC shifters. It's not the lightest thing in the world and it's taken quite a while to get used to the position (the stem has now been flipped back the 'right' way) but on the flat it's fast.

The Canyon bike fit thingy suggested I should go for an XS, which was ludicrous (I'm 5'10), eventually settled on a Medium, although could probably have got away with a Small, so a bike fit might be worthwhile (or at the least, have a play with the competitive cyclist fit calculator).

brh77

I'm gutted they down specced it- I really like the look of it. It's for the Half outlaw (which is flattish) so the weight doesnt bother me- I am 6'3" and canyon said a medium- but I think I might take that with a pinch of salt.

I am not massively flexible (ex Rugby player), so am a little worried about the Felt being 'long and low' and therefore not being able to generate the power if I am too stretched out - and my ability to stay down in the position for 3 odd hours.

The BH is supposed to be upright- but it isnt a well known brand over here- so not sure of the reputation....

Have been keeping an eye of the forum and ebay but everybody appears to sell M sized bikes in my size- how inconsiderate!

nochekmate

See you in the Outlaw half then - look out for the Felt B2 coming past (hopefully)

brh77

Good luck-see you there on whatever I end up getting. Dont count on going past me on the bike though- I expect you to go past me on the swim.

Do you find the Felt low at the front or is it OK?

mallorcajeff

You say your budget don't stretch to the BMC, mine with ultegra and the wheels as you see it with hardly any use at all and is in mont cond was only 89£ more than your budget second hand. Lots buy these bikes then get wrong size or something. I wouldn't buy new you loose too much or for the same money as a new bike get a lot better bike a year old, just buy one thats looked after.