Tri Bike Advice

Bambaata

Hey all, i've recently started saving for a tri bike (I don't have one at the moment, just using focus cayo roadie). From reviews I've read and the budget i'm looking at the Cervelo P2C seems to be what i will go for. I have a few quick questions:

I ride a 58 roadie, would it in turn translate that i should ride a 58 P2? I wasn't exactly fitted to the Cayo but ive never had any aches and pains aside from the original few when just starting cycling regularly. I feel very comfortable on it. I am hoping to get measured for it but since ive never been fitted before, or even rode a Tri bike, i really don't know how i should feel!?

2007 v 2008 v 2009 frame. It seems all that has changed in the past few yrs (and with next yrs) is the colour scheme. Is that correct? And how available are the 2007 and 2008 frames?

Wheels - am i as well finally investing in some zipps? A 606 set perhaps, 404 or 808? And then the whole clincher v tubular. I think im inclined towards clinchers for now as i am new to cycling and i have a lot to learn as it is without having to look after punctures on tubulars! What should i expect to pay for a 606 set? I'm heading to Berlin this weekend, anywhere there that might be worth a shot? I know Zipps don't generally vary much in price but i suppose every avenue is worth a look at. cyclesuperstore have a 404 2007 set for €1,250.87, a 404 2008 set for €1,210.54 and a 606 2008 set for €1,377.58? Strange to see for 2008 404's cheaper than the 2007 model?

Any advice would be great, or even better of anyone knew anyone selling any of those items could you send me a pm?

tunney

Try before you ride.

I tried P2c's before I bought and I got a 54cm. I love my bike and can maintain close to road bike power.

One of the country's top triathletes got a 56cm P2c, he hates his bike. He likes mine.

Make sure you get the right size, and and expect to spend 2-3 months dialling your position in. (Took me closer to 6) and you may have to change stems etc etc

I would look to Rob from Wheelworx for the P2c. His fitting will get you *almost* right and you can tweak it over the winter.

2007 and 2008 come with different forks. The 2007 forks are ideal for trispokes/quad spokes but not recommended for normal spoked wheels. The 2008 is the opposite. (Actually they changed the fork mid season). Haven't seen the 09 but would reckon its designed for a spoked wheel.

Wheels. Zipp 606 is nice and versatile. deep but not too deep, still light and usuable in cross winds. 404 front, 808 rear. Pricey, and zipps (along with all components) are going up in price this year. Zipps 10-20%.

Clinchers vs tubs. On alot of boards its clinchers clinchers clinchers due to some studies that have should reduced rolling resistance on clinchers. However I'm not sure, I think that to get this low RR you have to use a super lightweight tyre and a latex tube. Latex tubes loose their air overnight and even during the course of an IM bike leg.

I ride tubs and I like them. That being said I would struggle to decide if I was going for Zipps again. However if clinchers are that great why don't we see more on pros bikes during TTs?

You won't get Zipps any cheaper in germany I reckon. Expect to pay 1400 euro or so. Not included skewers, wheel bags or tyres.

Don't fall into the trap that many people did and get Planetx deep section wheels thinking that because they are as deep they are as aero. Yes they are cheap, no they are nowhere near as aero. its the shape of the rim that is important.

Another brand of wheels to look at is Hed. They have some nice deep section rims, and the deep H3c is very nice.

tunney

If you do get a TT bike then remember to do at least one session a week on it, preferably a high end turbo session. It's no good having the bike if you can knock out the watts on it.

tunney

Bambaata wrote: »

Strange to see for 2008 404's cheaper than the 2007 model?

Are they new though? Or are they ones sponsor riders rode and returned at the end of the season?

Do the 07 ones have tyres on them?

Bambaata

i rang cyclesuperstore about the zipps and am told they are on sale at the moment. no mention of used products. all seem new but not including skewers and tyres etc. i think he has convinced me to go tubular. that said i did also ring wheelworx and was told rob is out today so i should ring tomorrow to talk to him. getting correctly fitted really is a must so i'll wait to hear from him tomorrow. what road bike frame size do u use tunney?

When you say tri ride before etc is that a case of asking the shop if i can try it out somewhere like the park etc or on a turbo trainer in store or would i be best try and source people with the bike already to test theirs out?

thanks a mil for some food for thought there. i know no bike is perfect for all but throwing in as many thoughts as is possible to get my own mind focused is what i am after!

tunney

I would double check the wheels

Try it outside, borrow a bike for a week, the more the better.

Bambaata

unfortunately i only know 1 person who has a tri bike. his is a felt b2 pro. i am hoping to join a club soon but havent yet and wont be until just after the marathon so i wont get that chance. i'll just rely on rob in wheelworx i think