Looking for some advice on a Tri/TT bike?

[Off the back]

Hi everyone,

I have been lurking for awhile and decided to finally take the plunge and register so hopefully this is posted in the right place?

Basically I have been doing some Tri's and time trials over the last year or so and I am looking to get a bike that is better suited to my needs as I have been using my road bike thats a few years old. I don't have a tonne of cash so looking to keep the costs reasonable but I can spend a bit. It wouldn't be used for commuting or racing or anything like that, just competing and training.

Sorry for the longish post but here goes!

First option, I could try and convert my current road bike for Tri/TT use. Swap out the handlebars, gets some new shifters, brake levers and thats probably the lot off the top of my head. This is probably the cheapest option available to me although I do like the idea of getting something that was designed for tri and tt use. Potentially I could sell the current bike and put the cash towards something else?

Second option, buy a frame set for a couple of hundred quid and try build it up myself and maybe use some parts off the road bike. Groupset and the like. Not sure I would save an awful lot though and I don't have any experience in this area which would make it hard.

Next, theres the Planet X option. Carbon frame, good reviews with 105s equipped. I don't know if anyone has any experience with them or anything but would be keen to know. Works out reasonably exxy coming in at around the $1700 mark. http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSP105/ ... trial-bike" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have found a few Felt S22s from 2011 for sale. Alloy frame with Ultegra components. New for around $1300 or second hand for $900ish. Seems to have good reviews from what I hear. http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/triath ... /102156977" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also saw a Cervelo P3 from 2012 with full Ultegra. Heard great things, seems to be a really good bit of kit and if I had a bag of money laying around I'd be all over it. Was going for $1800 but appears to be the best of what I have listed in terms of specs.

Lastly, Cervelo P2C from 2009 with Dura Ace. Personally I thought it was a bit over priced at $1400 given its age but I'd be interested in anyone else's opinion.

I know it really comes down to feel, fit and my budget but I'd also appreciate any advice from the wise souls on the forum here.

Thanks!

[Ken Ho]

I had a P3C and. Have had sellers remorse since letting go of it. I had an injury and dropped tri training, thought the bike was not needed. Fool.
The colour has changed, the bike design is exactly the same.
It's like a Ducati 916, one of those perfect designs.

[skcycle]

Firstly, do not convert your bike you will be disappointed with the performance and will end up spending more to get a decent tri bike anyway.

Go with the P2C. It may be old but it is an amazing bike and you'll love the Dura Ace.....

[Off the back]

Thanks for the input guys! I hear such good things about the Cervelo range, everyone who has had one seems to rave about them.

Just as an added option, does anyone have any experience with the 2009 Avanti Chrono Team TT bike? Im finding it hard to fin many reviews on it although the couple I did spoke very highly of it.

[nickobec]

Last year I built up a road frame to use as a TT bike after a problem (cracked aero seat post) put my "proper" TT bike off the road.

Option 1 and 2 require the use of specialised tools and knowledge. While it is satisfying to build your own bike it can be costly (tools, workstand, time etc)

Options 3, 4, 5 and Avanti questions

Does it fit you? Is it the right size? Will you need new stem etc?

How my mileage has it done? 3 to 4,000km, new chain, new rear tire, 7,000km or so new cassette and new front tyre so suddenly a cheap 2nd hand bike without warranty has added $200 + labour to the cost of a bike.

Can you spot the signs of use/abuse?

A brand new TT with warranty is the way to go if you are new or not wanting to get your hands dirty.

A lot of decent low mileage TT bikes around. You just need to find one that fits and get somebody who knows bikes to check it out for you.

[Off the back]

Thanks nickobec. That was my concerns with options 1 and 2 as well. I don't think I have the knowledge and I definitely don't have the tools.

As for the other options, obviously whether it fits will play the most important part in which way to move forward but you have pointed out something that I hadn't thought of in terms of the wear and tear. I was purely thinking age but not so much about whether it would need new parts due to ams travelled. Definitely something to consider.

I have seen a couple of pre purchase inspection people around, would using something like that be beneficial? I think I'd pick up certain signs of age and use but not everything.