Bike Value vs. Speed Increase
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mdd posted 43 weeks ago.
Buy whichever one fits you best, not the one that looks cool or whatever. Once you get over a couple grand there really isn't much difference in bikes. Speed comes from the rider and less so from the bike. A top rider can blow people away on a 1970 10 Speed while a crappy rider is still a crappy rider even on a $10,000 dream machine.
Good luck!!
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Triguy98 posted 43 weeks ago.
The fit and geometry of those bikes is pretty different. Did ya ride em both? Get em setup the way you would need em and give them a good spin, even if its just on the trainer.
The price of a bike is not a good indicator of its performance. Case in point- the BMC Time Machine. A $10k bike that's not really a good tri bike due to it's super lax geometry. Carbon is nice, but not really the end all. Personally, I would get the P2C. Or even the P2SL before I got the Specialized.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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fpugsley posted 43 weeks ago.
Thanks for the input guys
mdd;73456 wrote:
Buy whichever one fits you best, not the one that looks cool or whatever.
Of course, but they are both very comfortable and both come with a full aero fitting from the shop. Plus, I seem to like almost anything I throw a leg over. But I have ridden them both at $50 a pop for a test ride (applied toward purchase of course)
mdd;73456 wrote:
Once you get over a couple grand there really isn't much difference in bikes. Speed comes from the rider and less so from the bike. A top rider can blow people away on a 1970 10 Speed while a crappy rider is still a crappy rider even on a $10,000 dream machine.
Well, I would like to think I am to a point where a 5% increase in aerodynamic efficiency (yes over 25mph i know) and any weight savings would make the difference between winning my age group, and just getting top 5, or top 5 in some of the races around here.
So what I am asking... is there a 5% difference? Considering drag goes up with the square of velocity. Or at this point am I just splitting hairs and over thinking things?
Or should i put the $1k toward going to a destination race or something. (sure would love to go to Brazil or Hawaii :D )
Well, I called and they sold the last 61 S-works anyway.... :-/
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UFTriGator posted 43 weeks ago.
There's not a 5% difference in aerodynamics. The aerodynamic differences in frames is actually pretty trivial. Wheels make a MUCH larger difference. However, the way the bike fits can very easily make a 5% difference in power, which can usually mean 30-60 seconds over 40k. Being more comfortable will also let you run faster. All that said, the Cervelo is a better bike....unless you wait for the 2008 Transition (just a few more months!!!!), so I don't think you missed out on an amazing deal or anything.
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mdd posted 43 weeks ago.
I agree that in general the Cervelo is the better bike and that you will not gain a 5% increase from just aerodynamics as it is much more complicated than that. You need to factor in power and fit just as UF mentioned. You can be super aero but have zero power and vice versa. For the pure experience of it you might have more fun spending the money on Brazil or Hawaii and you would still probably be more than fast enough to have a great finish time. Go for the exotic location, take your family, and have an experience to remember! :)
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vanjames posted 43 weeks ago.
Cut out a starbucks a day for a year, get the Cervelo AND go to an exotic location!
So I told myself that I would look at getting a TT bike when I was finishing well, and 1-2 mph on the bike would make a big difference.
I really want the Cervelo P2C because they make a 61cm (my road ride is a 63) and it comes with decent components (but junk wheels). So for $4k plus or minus I could be out the door with this bike on some decent zipp wheels.
BUT!
my LBS has the S-works Transition on sale for $3k and it comes with Mavic Cosmic Carbones and pretty much full Dura Ace components...
Now, my question is this:
The fit and finish of the P2C just looks more well thought out than the Specialized in regards to aero, etc. PLUS, that little word carbon comes to mind.
Is it worth it to save the $1,000 and pull the trigger on the S-works?