I've decided to join a group training for sprint triathalons and don't own a bike. So, I'm in the market. I'd definitely like to keep it below $2K as i'll need to buy the basic accessories as well. Here are a few that I've looked at so far:
I'm 56 yrs old, 5'7 and weigh about 165 lbs (muscular). Clearly the 2013 Trek Madone 2.1 will allow money to buy accessories as it is about $400 less than the other two bikes. The first two have SRAM Apex components and the 2013 Trek Madone 2.1 has Shimano 105 components. Also the Felt and Madone 3.1 are carbon frame while the Madone 2.1 is aluminum with carbon fork.
I'm going to look at some other shops that carry other brands tomorrow. I rode the Felt F6 and Trek Madone 3.1 and liked both.
There are a load of good bikes under the 2K mark. If you plan on making triathlons a regular gig, you may want to budget some dough for a wetsuit and swim lessons. Also a heart rate monitor / gps / cyclecomputer (with cadence) can be a good training toolset.
The bikes you listed are all good, I doubt one would be faster than the other in a time trial. That said, my preference would be to go with the less expensive model so that I have money left over for all the other cool triathlon kit.
The downside to these bikes in for Triathlon use may be the gearing. Compact gearing with wide ratios may not be ideal - but you can always throw on a tighter range cassette when you get a feel for the bike and course.
Find either a 2011 Cervelo P2 on clearence sale or a 'lightly used' one. You should be able to get one for ~$2,000 and they'll have all the goodies you need for a tri. Spend $80 or so for a set of Wheelbuilder aero wheel covers and you'll be doing good. A very good bike for Tri's and time trials.
For a regular road bike - a Cervelo S1 or used S2 if you're looking for something for general road use and for time trial duty in a Tri. Not as aero as the P series bikes though.
For a regular bike under $2k I'd say it was hard to beat a Cannondale CAAD10. A beast of a bike.
I decided to get a 2013 Trek Madone 2.1. I was able to get the bike and various accessories (helmet, jersey, shorts, pedals, shoes, etc). for around $2100 including tax. It has Shimano 105 components and I added the Shimano 105 clipless pedals to it. I'm going to take it on a ride this afternoon.
Great choice, I'm actually going for a mans frame (50'😉 2012 Madone 2.1 that's equipped with SRAM Apex, I think it s great ride for the $'s although the frame is slightly different on the 12 vs the 13, apparantly TREK dont have a contract with SRAM on any 2013 bikes, otherwise i would order that, I prefer the SRAM components over the Shimano 105's and that is the deal breaker for me...how are you liking the bike?
