Which of these tri bikes is the best value?
29
Member
301 days
dawgruff posted 36 weeks ago.
I don't know much about bikes obviously but are the compnents on the cannondale better than the compnents on the allez and if so does not that make a difference in consideration? i agree the allez looks like a better bike btw
2302
Member
2338 days
Tribro posted 36 weeks ago.
ya. both of these are 58. Sounds like you have a long torso and shorter inseam. I'm 5'11" and ride a 56, have a shorter torso and 32-33 inseam. A 58 is far to big for me so I would not get either. My brother rides a 58 but is 6'2" with 34 inseam. Best bet is to go to a local bike shop and get properly fitted, see what they can offer, get on a specialized and cannondale, then shop around again. The worst thing you can do is get into a bike that doesn't fit, it'll make training miserable...
107
Member
368 days
kakman posted 36 weeks ago.
The cannondale has better level components - 105 vs tiagra/sora on the specialized - but it certainly isn't what I'd call 'excellent - mint' condition. If the rust on the chain is any indication they may not have been looked after all that well and may need some servicing or maintenance.
They're road bikes, not tri bikes but if you're just getting going I guess that's not going to matter too much.
But having said all that, if they don't fit, they're not really suitable.
/k
29
Member
301 days
dawgruff posted 36 weeks ago.
Thanks guys. Is there a signifigant difference in frame size between Road and Tri? Someone told me that a person riding a 54cm Tri bike would ride a 56cm Road bike because Tris are built smaller? It is too bad but I feel I am getting really bad info from some people who act like kow it alls. That's why I came here. Thanks for the advice.
Tribro - I'm a big fan of your bro. I thought he might have had it this year in Hawaii. He just keeps getting better.
Also, I am a beginner. I've been running and swimming a lot but haven't invested in a bike yet. I'm looking to spend around $500 to $600 for a nentry level road bike. I took your advice 3 weeks ago, ("Best bet is to go to a local bike shop and get properly fitted, see what they can offer, get on a specialized and cannondale, then shop around again.") but they tried to sell me a $3,000 bike before they had even gotten done shaking my hand.
2302
Member
2338 days
Tribro posted 36 weeks ago.
True that geometry on many tri bikes will put most in a smaller frame size. However that is to compensate for the aero position and thus the torso being stretched out. Assuming a size larger in a road bike might not work for you as you appear to have the longer torso/shorter inseam frame, so would still need the smaller bike regarless of top tube length.
Ya, he made a go for it didn't he. Had awesome race.
Unfortunately ya many shops will push the sale. Maybe just go in and stand over few different sizes. I would guess a 56 but definitely not a 58. a little too small is better than a little too big, especially if you want to throw aerobars on eventually.
767
Member
795 days
tsilcyc posted 36 weeks ago.
These two might be a wash because I think the Cannondale is older but with nicer components while the Specialized is newer with lesser components. Size is probably going to be key, if you are local to the seller, ride them both and see which feels better. Also, another thing to consider is the triple on the Specialized. If you're going to climb and are a high cadence person, the triple is going to be more to your liking.
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http://atlanta.craigslist.org/bik/516303317.html (allez)
or
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/bik/516933379.html (cannondale)
Also, I am 5'11 - 6' tall and weigh 190 lbs. I wear a 36" wasit pants with a 31" lengtth. According to this site -http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit#inseam#inseam
I should use a 54cm or 55cm frame BUT many people have told me I need a 56, 57 or 58cm frame? The 58cm frame has a 32" standover. My inseam is only 31" so I would crush my you know whats - wouldn't I?