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New Frameset: Opinions Wanted

Workerant47's picture
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594 days
started by Workerant47 on September 10, 2009

I've recently discovered a crack in the carbon frame of my tri bike so I need to purchase a new frameset. I'm looking to spend about $1800 and have have come across 3 options so far: The Felt B16 2009, the Cervelo P2 2009 and the Specialized Transition Pro 2010. I'm looking more strongly at the Cervelo and Specialized. I would love to purchase a Cervelo P3C but I think it's just beyond my reach. Thoughts on these selections? Advice on other framesets?

CadenceGuy's picture
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CadenceGuy posted 27 weeks ago.

I am speaking totally third party here.

I have a very close friend who has owned the P3, P2 and the Specialized and in his words the Specialized is the best frame hands down that he has ever owned. Obviously some of the could come into fit and things like that but overall he liked the S. It isnt the lightest frameset, but he didnt have a bad thing to say about it. I dont know if that helps, just wanted to throw that out there for you. Happy choosing!!

Side Note: Does your frame now come with a crash policy? I know the Specialized comes with a crash policy where if you crash they will let you send it back to them and give you a discount on a new one. Just something to look into.

xc800runner's picture
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xc800runner posted 27 weeks ago.

Scrap the plastic frame and get something that wasn't designed as a throwaway item with a 2-5 year life-span. Like the new Litespeed Blade. mmm... But I guess those are 10k and don't come out until next year.

CadenceGuy wrote:
I have a very close friend who has owned the P3, P2 and the Specialized and in his words the Specialized is the best frame hands down that he has ever owned.

Swor? He's pretty quick on that bike, and can run off it too...

CadenceGuy's picture
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CadenceGuy posted 27 weeks ago.

HAHA, yeah I forgot about Swor, he just upgraded to one this year also....he is a machine on his for sure. Once he gets his swimming down hell be dangerous to a lot of people. But yes, he also has proclaimed his love for the frame, that makes both people I know a fan of that frame. I think TriGator had one also before he went to the Academy.....

TriSooner's picture
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TriSooner posted 27 weeks ago.

xc800runner wrote:
Scrap the plastic frame and get something that wasn't designed as a throwaway item with a 2-5 year life-span.

+1 Preach, brother! Amen! You made my day.

gdtkona's picture
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1610 days
gdtkona posted 27 weeks ago.

I have owned Kestrel 4000, Zipp, Cervelo carbon P3, Lightspeed Saber, have ridden Scott plasma, Specalized tri bike in Kona two years ago, Merlin, Look, Cannondale and Calfee. Hands down the winner is the Beyond new Supernatural. I have to keep checking my tires to make sure they are not low due to it's shock absorbing ability. Extremely comfortable. Immediately responsive. Stable like you are on an indoor trainer, the P3 was wimpy in this regard. Designed for a steep seat angle. Light! Spending more now for the bike you want is better than spending less as you will eventually upgrade and end up with two bikes.
As far as throwaway? A well built carbon frame should last forever. Carbon does not fatigue. It tolerates all stress until the breaking point. A poorly designed/built frame will likely have weqak points. GT

jnrice's picture
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jnrice posted 26 weeks ago.

gdtkona wrote:

As far as throwaway? A well built carbon frame should last forever. Carbon does not fatigue. It tolerates all stress until the breaking point. A poorly designed/built frame will likely have weak points. GT

+1, mostly true. As long as you are within the plastic deformation range of the epoxy you can generally assume this. A carbon frame should not be a short term investment (more than 2 years for sure. That's why I would never buy a carbon frame from anyone that does not do their own testing and carbon development (specialized, trek, etc...). The fatigue profile is impressive from a material science background, now it's just a question of who do you trust the most? Anyone can have a frame built in China and put stickers on it. I'm very happy with my Specialized even after I've done some considerable damage (my own stupid fault) to the frame (please no cracks, please don't blow up during a race). :) happy shopping.