1500 v. TCR v. Allez etc.

ohiocycle said:

Help!

Im a new road rider but plan to become moderatly serious in cycling. In the spring of 08 I plan on riding from Miami to Tallahassee Florida, so at this moment I need a bike that will help me train and then ride in the event for charity. After the event i plan on using this bike in sprint and olympic distance triathalons, as well as for fitness purposes.

I have some bikes in mind, the Trek 1500, the Specialized Allez Elite, the Giant TCR, the older Cannondale R700, and the Felt F75. All of these bikes are relativly similar, is there any one of these bikes that would fit the TRI and long distance/ speed comprimise well? Also, I am 6'1" 180 pds. Any educated opinions would be helpful.

Well, you were right in saying that all of these bikes are relatively similar. The fact of the matter is that they are all so similar that it won't make one whit of difference in what bike you buy. What will make a difference, however, is how the bike feels to you. You should ride each one and see how each individual bike feels to you and buy the one that feels the best. Honestly, outside of that, everything else falls by the wayside. You won't go wrong with any one of these bikes, strictly speaking, but comfort should be the deciding factor.