Anyone bought a TT bike lately ??

Poncherello

I'm starting my research into buying a TT bike. I feel like I am a strong enough cyclist to gain the benefits of spending a few quid on a good machine. It will be used mainly for Olympis/HIM distance races, will do a full IM in a couple of years.

Speed is my main concern, I dont care what the bike looks like.
It needs to last me at least 5 years.
Budget is 4K ish (for entire bike including set of Zipps or equiv)
Can have the bike built if buying components sepearately is considerably cheaper.
Just wondering if anyone has gone through this type of research themselves... you might be able to narrow down the models I should look at.
I havnt a clue where to start in terms of what brands to be looking at.
I will be in New York in December, with the $ where it is would there be savings to be had in my Budget region on frames ?

Thanks

interested

Poncherello wrote: »

I'm starting my research into buying a TT bike. I feel like I am a strong enough cyclist to gain the benefits of spending a few quid on a good machine. It will be used mainly for Olympis/HIM distance races, will do a full IM in a couple of years.

Speed is my main concern, I dont care what the bike looks like.
It needs to last me at least 5 years.
Budget is 4K ish (for entire bike including set of Zipps or equiv)
Can have the bike built if buying components sepearately is considerably cheaper.
Just wondering if anyone has gone through this type of research themselves... you might be able to narrow down the models I should look at.
I havnt a clue where to start in terms of what brands to be looking at.
I will be in New York in December, with the $ where it is would there be savings to be had in my Budget region on frames ?

Thanks

If you're in new york a trip to jersey to racycles might help you.

Kuota Kueen has had rave reviews this year http://www.racycles.com/triathlon/triathlon-framesets/kuota/kuota-kueen-k-2009-frameset.aspx

Quintana Roo always score well in the tunnel tests
http://www.racycles.com/triathlon/triathlon-framesets/quintana-roo/quintana-roo-cd-01-2009-frameset.aspx


Im sure more opinions will be along soon.

tunney

Poncherello wrote: »

I'm starting my research into buying a TT bike. I feel like I am a strong enough cyclist to gain the benefits of spending a few quid on a good machine. It will be used mainly for Olympis/HIM distance races, will do a full IM in a couple of years.

Speed is my main concern, I dont care what the bike looks like.
It needs to last me at least 5 years.
Budget is 4K ish (for entire bike including set of Zipps or equiv)
Can have the bike built if buying components sepearately is considerably cheaper.
Just wondering if anyone has gone through this type of research themselves... you might be able to narrow down the models I should look at.
I havnt a clue where to start in terms of what brands to be looking at.
I will be in New York in December, with the $ where it is would there be savings to be had in my Budget region on frames ?

Thanks

So the budget for the bike is 2.5k? Look at HEDs rather than zipps.

Cervelo p2c. Perfect for IM distance racing, works well at shorter distances.
At 2500 there aren't really any competitors.

Well if you could pick up a ridley dean......... emmmm

This lot do good reviews of bikes
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/


To narrow it down:

Treks - overpriced for what you get
Felt - build problems
Look - build problems
Scott - very nice, but pricey
Specialized - steer clear of the transition, but the new TT bike is nice
Cervelo - all good
Kestrel - the new talon is testing well
PX - steer clear
Argon - expensive and heavy

tunney

interested wrote: »

If you're in new york a trip to jersey to racycles might help you.

Kuota Kueen has had rave reviews this year http://www.racycles.com/triathlon/triathlon-framesets/kuota/kuota-kueen-k-2009-frameset.aspx

Quintana Roo always score well in the tunnel tests
http://www.racycles.com/triathlon/triathlon-framesets/quintana-roo/quintana-roo-cd-01-2009-frameset.aspx


Im sure more opinions will be along soon.

QRs score shockingly in all tunnel tests.

The Kueen is THE bike to go for if you are concerned with stiffness. If its aerodynamics, then steer clear.

Carb

I was in a certain shop on the quays recently and they were offering a TT build for €3k or €3.6k with Dura Ace. Cervelo Frame. Can't give any further details, availablility/wheels/frame size.

I bought recently but at half your budget. It'll be a while before the bike is holding me back.

interested

tunney wrote: »

QRs score shockingly in all tunnel tests.

The Kueen is THE bike to go for if you are concerned with stiffness. If its aerodynamics, then steer clear.

Im sure more <informed> opinions will be along soon

and there you go ...

Lumen

What about Cannondale? Friend of mine uses a Slice for IMs and is happy enough.

tunney

Ah don't steer clear of the kueen. I'd happily ride one though, but not if I was paying for it.

Giant have some nice offerings too.

Cervelo, Giant, Kestrel, Specialized, Scott.

So much choice.

Just make sure you ride one first.

tunney

Lumen wrote: »

What about Cannondale? Friend of mine uses a Slice for IMs and is happy enough.

I had one for years, nice bikles, but bang for buck has gotten bad recently.

Edit: Still have it 7 years on actually.

blorg

Note tunney's distaste for Planet X is quite irrational

DirkVoodoo

Why steer clear of P-X Tunney? I thought the stealth was a very good machine. Planet X (the username) has a lovely looking one.

tunney

blorg wrote: »

Note tunney's distaste for Planet X is quite irrational

Maybe, maybe, but I really really don't like them. There are rumours of a non UCI legal bike coming out and that I would like a look at, but as it is its a horrible TT frae with sharp edges, horribly shaped tubes and heavy to boot.

tunney

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Why steer clear of P-X Tunney? I thought the stealth was a very good machine. Planet X (the username) has a lovely looking one.

See blogs post

Lumen

The Planet-X is too cheap for this thread.

It's against the rules to recommend stuff that doesn't stretch the OP's budget to breaking point.

He said the budget is €4k ish. There's weakness right there.

Here's a lovely P3C for £4175. Give Gordon and Mervyn a few more weeks to flush the remains of the UK economy down the toilet, and it'll be bang on budget.

Chips Lovell

Anyone got an opinion on the Canyon. €2,500 makes it look very tempting.

Lumen

el tonto wrote: »

Anyone got an opinion on the Canyon. €2,500 makes it look very tempting.

The wheels look a bit weedy. Can you get a disc cover for the Cosmics?

Chips Lovell

Lumen wrote: »

The wheels look a bit weedy. Can you get a disc cover for the Cosmics?

Weedy? Those Cosmics are meant to be tough as old boots. Anyway, if I were to get one, I'd sell the Cosmics and buy a disc with the proceeds.

tunney

el tonto wrote: »

Weedy? Those Cosmics are meant to be tough as old boots. Anyway, if I were to get one, I'd sell the Cosmics and buy a disc with the proceeds.

Given the op wants to use this for IMs a disc is not perhaps the best choice. But this is getting a little too tri for this board

Lumen

el tonto wrote: »

Weedy? Those Cosmics are meant to be tough as old boots.

Sorry, I meant weedy as in not deep enough. Don't see the point in getting a waffer-thin TT frame unless you're going to stick an epic wheelset on it. The Zipp wheelcovers seem a good choice for different conditions.

You only want a TT bike so you can wear a full-length zebra skinsuit.

Chips Lovell

tunney wrote: »

Given the op wants to use this for IMs a disc is not perhaps the best choice. But this is getting a little too tri for this board

See, I was dragging it a bit off topic to start talking about my own wants.;)

Lumen wrote: »

The Zipp wheelcovers seem a good choice for different conditions.

I've never heard of these, where do you get them?

Lumen

el tonto wrote: »

I've never heard of these, where do you get them?

Read about them here. More info in the FAQ.

Maybe they're not Zipp, just Zipp-compatible.

They come in white too.

Quigs Snr

Regarding the Planet X, I have one and am happy with it. I would have gotten a Cervelo if I could have justified it (it would have been my third Cervelo).

Heres a picture of Cadel Evans winning a TT in the 2007 tour (following Vinoukourovs disqualification) riding a planet X frame with Ridley badges. Personal opinions aside, that means in reality that if you entered the 2007 tour and didn't win the TT on the Planet X then it would have been your fault. Not the bike !

http://www.thehubsa.co.za/uploads2/20090226_015246_Evans_Tour_De_F.jpg

and here is Dominique Cornu of Belgium winning the Worlds U23 in 2006 on another rebadged Planet X Stealth TT.

http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/photos/2006/worlds06/index.php?id=/photos/2006/worlds06/worlds062/Cornuaction

If you are on a tight budget you will not do better, but you have a nice budget so....

Regarding other brands. One of the local riders here turned up last summer on a BMC TT bike and won the Munster champs on it pulling in a few sub 20 minute 10 milers on it. Rates it very highly, quite a good looking machine too.

I'm with Tunney on this one though. Get yourself a Cervelo P2, 3 or 4, whichever you can afford. Can't do better than them. Go to all of the Tri forums (slowtwitch, tritalk etc...), the Cervelos are THE machine to own.

tunney

Lumen wrote: »

Read about them here. More info in the FAQ.

Maybe they're not Zipp, just Zipp-compatible.

They come in white too.

And are loved by the slowtwitch people. Especially as you can get a PT built into an 808 clincher and use it for training and racing.

Quigs Snr

By the way, Slanecycles sent me their newsletter today. 2008 model Cervelo P2C Framset for £999 delivered apparently. Check it out.

Poncherello

Thanks for all the replies folks my head is spinning !!

Would there be much difference in the 08/09/10 P3 ? Groupset only perhaps ?
I didnt realsise there are so many types of deep section wheels to choose from !
It appears you can get the 09 P3 for 1300 euro frame only in that shop in New Jersey ...
Obviously need to get it home then

blorg

Poncherello wrote: »

Obviously need to get it home then

There are no particular problems getting it home, with Aer Lingus transatlantic I think it is just part of your baggage allowance. I travel with a bike regularly myself. Only issue is that if you were bringing just a frameset you would be at higher risk from customs than if you were bringing back an entire bike...

E@gle.

tunney wrote: »

So the budget for the bike is 2.5k? Look at HEDs rather than zipps.

Cervelo p2c. Perfect for IM distance racing, works well at shorter distances.
At 2500 there aren't really any competitors.

I think slane cycles doing the p2c with a set of zipp 404's for around €4000

http://www.slanecycles.com/productdetail.aspx?id=2137&subid=318&catid=66

cunavalos

Another one to add to the mix. Ticks all the boxes and comes in at less than €3500 . Not many reviews available but walser is one of the top names in time trial design and the components are very high end. sram red, zipp 808s, 3t bars.
If i was in the market for a tt/tri bike it would be between this and the canyon (Note the canyon frame is available for 1500 until tomorrow) but i think the value for money is with the focus.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Izalco_Chrono_2009/5360039384/

tunney

E@gle. wrote: »

I think slane cycles doing the p2c with a set of zipp 404's for around €4000

http://www.slanecycles.com/productdetail.aspx?id=2137&subid=318&catid=66

I know so many people that have been sold the wrong sized bikes by this crowd i wouldn't touch them.

Quigs Snr

Were they sized wrong, or did they ask for a specific size and get sent the wrong one ? I will be able to comment on my experience in the next few days when my new frame arrives from them.

Lumen

cunavalos wrote: »

Another one to add to the mix. Ticks all the boxes and comes in at less than €3500 . Not many reviews available but walser is one of the top names in time trial design and the components are very high end. sram red, zipp 808s, 3t bars.
If i was in the market for a tt/tri bike it would be between this and the canyon (Note the canyon frame is available for 1500 until tomorrow) but i think the value for money is with the focus.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Izalco_Chrono_2009/5360039384/

How important is UCI compliance, morally?

Cycling Weekly wrote:

Designed by time trial guru Andy Walser and produced by Focus and distributed by Wiggle, the Izalco Chrono is a relatively cheap way to get a race-ready time trail bike. One of three time trial/tri bikes in the Focus range, the Izalco Chrono is the only one that is designed by Walser and sits at the top of the range. Although two types of frame are produced, a triathlon version and a UCI-Compliant version, Wiggle is only bringing in the triathlon version, which is unsuitable for UCI/BC time trials because of the position of the saddle relative to the bottom bracket.

Captain Havoc

I know it's just out of your budget but would you consider this:
A snip at €11,795 :eek:

blorg

Would make it illegal under Cycling Ireland regulations too- I am not sure if this applies to open races below the National Championships but suspect it may.

scottreynolds

Buy this -- http://www.slanecycles.com/productdetail.aspx?id=4507&subid=408&catid=66 and some nice wheels.

Home:Ballyhoura

I am actually in the process of gathering together all the necessary bits and pieces to build up my own TT bike for relatively cheap. I don't mean to hi-jack your thread or anything, but you did ask the question "Anyone bought a TT bike lately ??" and technically I have, well part of one anyway! Hehe

I have pretty much sourced where I am getting everything from, a mix of new items in sales and second hand bargains, vision integrated bars, dura ace bar end shifters, FSA Team Issue crankset, and either Ultegra 6600/SL/6700 for the derailleurs and brakes, might even do with 105 brakes if I have to! My calculations say that I can get everything I need except for the frame and wheels (that means everything, chain, cables, pedals, saddle) for €400 or less. And the nice thing is that I already have Corima deep section carbon tubular wheels which will be more than good enough for the moment until I come across a good value rear disc wheel at some stage. So, the final thing I have to get is the all important FRAME!!!

I was originally going to go for this one on eBay for €200 or Ribble's bottom of the range TT frame for just over €100 but decided to go against them seeing how I surprised myself in finding the components so cheap, that I can probably now afford to go for a better frame. I can probably go for any of Ribble's TT Frames because they all seems cheap and good value (please note that delivery isn't that bad at just £15 but that you often must but the matching fork/seatpost extra to the frame itself).

The only other one I had in mind was the Dolan Aria (see better page here for spec, sizing and pictures) which I saw second hand in my lbs. It had yellow branding stickers which leads me to believe that it is a somewhat older model but it still looks in top nick. He said €700 is what he was looking for it, which I though was just a tad bit expensive especially when you consider they are in the region of €900 new online (example here). I must ask around the other Irish importers and dealers to see what the going price is for them! If anyone on here knew or could find out and let me know I would genuinely really appreciate it!

Finally, I just came across the Planet X Stealth Pro Carbon which actually looks remarkaby similar to the Dolan if you don't mind me saying so, and comes in a nice bit cheaper at €600 brand new and delivered. This is just around the price I had in mind to spend on a frame so I could come in around €1,000 for the whole project completed. What do you think of this frame in comparison to the Dolan?

So, does anybody else have any other opinions or options on frames that I should consider buying (new or second hand, as long as it is small in size). Looking forward to hearing from ye soon.

P.S. My budget is slightly different (smaller) to yours alright, about a quarter to be more precise but I am sure you will understand where I am coming from. Maybe others will show a bit more interest in building up their own one in the future when they realise it can easily be done for under a grand if you really want to! Cheers

Home:Ballyhoura

In case anyone was wondering, I did a price comparison between a couple of online dealers on their prices for Ultegra components for my TT build and put them on a computer stickie! Anyway, if anyone is interested in the results I took a screen grap of the stickie and attached it to show you. I think I have decided to go with the new Ultegra 7900 from Ribble at €187.90 for the Front Derailleur, Rear Derailleur, Front and Rear Brakes and the Chain. I added up the cheapest options for the 6600 and SL too from a mixture of cheapest locations and it was only about €20 cheaper, plus it is much easier to get it all from one place. Ribbles shipping charge doesn't matter because I will be getting other stuff from them so it will be worth my while and still work out way cheaper (especially because they already have like over 30% off the 6700 groupset parts for some reason!)

I am very tempted to get a White Planet X Stealth Pro Carbon (lots of pictures here) for €600. I already have the FSA Team Issue Crankset (€80 in CRC sale) and the wheels, and a second hand deal has nearly been made for Vision Pro integrated TT bars including vision aero brake levers, Dura Ace bar end shifters and a Cervelo/Selle Italia TT specific saddle (this one) for €150. Right on budget of 1k complete. Any ideas or opinions appreciated! Cheers (Am I missing anything except pedals? I have cables too. Stem is part of the bar and headset and fork bung will be bought with frame. I also have spacers if necessary...is that is?)

Acoustic

these are the ones we build

dave2pvd

Lumen wrote: »

Read about them here. More info in the FAQ.

Maybe they're not Zipp, just Zipp-compatible.

They come in white too.

Lumen,

I've got these covers on 404s. I've stopped using them. The problem: wheel balance. Once you fit the covers, it's almost impossible to have a balanced wheel. I put the bike up on the repair stand and start cranking the pedals up to what amounts to ~20mph. Back of the bike is jumping up and down. I've tried using the chalk-mark method to find which direction the cover is out of balance. Adjust. Crank again. Chalk, adjust, crank again. To no avail. Impossible to balance. I'm finished with them.

Anyone want to buy wheel covers?

For Irish wind conditions, I'd say 404 front/808 rear is the way to go. Some days a solid rear might be useful, but minimally so. It exists in a world of turbulence back there anyway. I've often wondered how much difference there is between 404/808/1080/Sub9 on the back.

niceonetom

Acoustic wrote: »

these are the ones we build

Paganini, aka PedalForce .

The pedalforce frames do get decent reviews though, for asian carbon, and I like the swoopiness of it and track ends on it.

Smithzer

niceonetom wrote: »

Paganini, aka PedalForce .

The pedalforce frames do get decent reviews though, for asian carbon, and I like the swoopiness of it and track ends on it.

Its the same mould alot of these asian carbon guys use, you can actually buy direct from them in your own colours for about $500 per frame this is the 2010 frame a lot of them are using, which is tasty. Pic does not do it justice but really looks the nuts painted.

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Home:Ballyhoura

Acoustic wrote: »

these are the ones we build

Hoe much for a frame and what sizes are available? Any other colour options like the Planet X? Where are you based? Cheers

Home:Ballyhoura

Smithzer wrote: »

Its the same mould alot of these asian carbon guys use, you can actually buy direct from them in your own colours for about $500 per frame this is the 2010 frame a lot of them are using, which is tasty. Pic does not do it justice but really looks the nuts painted.

I can get the Pedalforce Aeroblade for €380 delivered which is seriously cheap! How do you get them "in your own colours" as mentioned above?

Smithzer

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

I can get the Pedalforce Aeroblade for €380 delivered which is seriously cheap! How do you get them "in your own colours" as mentioned above?

Some of the Asian suppliers will sell the frame and spray it and livery it whatever way you want ($100-150 extra). There the same moulds as the Pedalforce one, €380 is top price though.

S

Lumen

Smithzer wrote: »

Some of the Asian suppliers will sell the frame and spray it and livery it whatever way you want ($100-150 extra).

Boards TT bike: cool or not cool?

Nietzschean

Lumen wrote: »

Boards TT bike: cool or not cool?

well it would match the kit, it clashes with my bike terribly....

niceonetom

Need a boards skinsuit to make it really work. And a pointy hat.

Home:Ballyhoura

Smithzer wrote: »

Some of the Asian suppliers will sell the frame and spray it and livery it whatever way you want ($100-150 extra). There the same moulds as the Pedalforce one, €380 is top price though.

S

Ooops, just realised that price of €380 was for the PedalForce frame only and nothing else. It is more like €580 including fork, seatpost and headset delivered without insurance which they strongly recommend. I think I would rather go for a nice white Planet X Stealth from just across the water for €620...looks way better in my opinion!

victorcarrera

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

Ooops, just realised that price of €380 was for the PedalForce frame only and nothing else. It is more like €580 including fork, seatpost and headset delivered without insurance which they strongly recommend. I think I would rather go for a nice white Planet X Stealth from just across the water for €620...looks way better in my opinion!

I think the Planet X Stealth is the same frame as the Pedalforce aeroblade.
Stealth frameset from PX is 419<545 (depending on colour) Stg inc vat and 20 Stg shipping. Add on optional extras of headset, spacers and fork bung from PX brings total to 544<569 Stg = 594<622 Eur.
Aeroblade frameset from Pedalforce is $698 ex vat and shipping from US = 479 Euro + the risk of having to fork out 21% vat on delivery, Approx 100Eur as vat is charged on shipping also.
So including the pubic servants wages (ie the irish vat of 21%) for their part in the transaction there is not much in it apart from a few PX decals.

Home:Ballyhoura

Hi guys, I just need a little bit of help when filling out the order form for the Planet X Stealth Pro Carbon. Yes, I have decided to go for it in White if my lbs has nothing found for me in the next couple of days.

Right so, when I order the frame, I will probably be going for the headset with it too, right? Its a FSA Orbit CE 15mm 1 1/8 Black. Will they fit this before shipping it or will it just come in the box? I'm not really sure about this area of the bike, I presume it will come with all those bearings and crown/head tube races...but what about the star nut that goes into the steerer and the cap bolt and top cap? Will these be included too? The only reason I ask is because they also provide an option to buy a Stealth Pro Carbon Fork Bung? What is this and what is it for? Do I need to buy this too? Any chance of a link as to what it is or what it does? I presume it is something like this and this (different types here and here)...would it be like one of these? I thought that is what the top cap was for, or am I missing something? I probably am, if so please forgive my ignorance! Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance, H:B. Cheers

blorg

They won't fit it, it will just come in the box. The carbon fork bung is because the fork has a carbon steerer tube- you cannot use a traditional star nut on a carbon steerer and need to replace that part of the headset with the carbon fork bung. (Many carbon forks have an alloy steerer in which case you could use a star nut.)

Home:Ballyhoura

Thanks blorg, thats just exactly what I needed to find out. Next question is how to pay for it. The actual current exchange rate is 1 EUR = 0.915668 GBP which means GBP 573.01 should equal EUR 625.78, however PayPal are only offering a rate of 1 EUR = 0.8916 GBP making it EUR 642.68...a difference of EUR 16.90. If I leave my Credit Card company (AIB) do the business, they charge a 1.75% fee for non Euro currency transactions, and presuming they take the actual rate (that is if it stays around the same until they process it) and not a false rate, that would work out €636.73. Would they take the actual rate seen on live online conversion rates or would they make up their own less favorable one? Finally, is there any way of getting around this little price increase? I know it's not the end of the world, but it is still €10-€15 which cannot be laughed at in the current economic climate! Haha!!! Thanks in advance, I genuinely really appreciate it. Cheers