Just finished up my first race year (race age 48) on a Trek 5500 (all carbon, all durace 10). Overall a good first year with about 5 top 10 finishes over eight cat 5 races. Trained about 7,000 miles on the bike, riding 10 hours a week on average. Anyway, I've been thinking of getting a second bike but don't plan on rushing into it like the first. My thoughts have been to get a time trial bike like the Cervelo P3 SL since as I age, it's more likely I'll be doing TTs over Crits and such (safer... remember... it's NOT my day job). But then I have considered the possibility of something like the Cervelo Soloist Team or Carbon that is supposed to be decent at TTing and can still be used for Crits and road racing. My main concern is should something happen to the Trek, requiring a week or so in the shop, I won't be able to train. I know if I got the P3 SL, I would not be able to use it for road races and such, but then I also want to make sure I have the best I can afford for TTing. Obviously I've been leaning in the direction of Cervelo, but am open to really any possibilities at this point. Don't see me getting serious about picking up #2 till about this time next year, but I'd like to take the time to get smart on what choices I have prior to the purchase.
Also, what is the best way to try out some of these options? I've not yet even sat on a TT bike and am not about to blow a wad of cash without being sure it's the right thing to do.
That's really risky - 7,000 miles on 1 bike! You should have a spare bike in case of a crash. I have 4 road bikes - a 2005 Kestrel Talon, a 2004.5 Giant OCR 1, a 2003 Cervelo Soloist Team, and a 2002 Giant TCR Aero 2.
The Talon, Soloist Team, and TCR Aero 2 can all be ridden as TT or road bikes. The Giant TCR Aero bikes are cheaper but good - I use them as my rain or "bad neighborhood" bike. I'd say my Soloist has the best aerodynamics of the 3 bikes I mentioned. The Talon is a nice affordable CF aero ride compared to the CF Soloist.
Yeah, if you want a dedicated TT bike I'd say the CF P3 is best. I like it too.
Just finished up my first race year (race age 48) on a Trek 5500 (all carbon, all durace 10). Overall a good first year with about 5 top 10 finishes over eight cat 5 races. Trained about 7,000 miles on the bike, riding 10 hours a week on average. Anyway, I've been thinking of getting a second bike but don't plan on rushing into it like the first. My thoughts have been to get a time trial bike like the Cervelo P3 SL since as I age, it's more likely I'll be doing TTs over Crits and such (safer... remember... it's NOT my day job). But then I have considered the possibility of something like the Cervelo Soloist Team or Carbon that is supposed to be decent at TTing and can still be used for Crits and road racing. My main concern is should something happen to the Trek, requiring a week or so in the shop, I won't be able to train. I know if I got the P3 SL, I would not be able to use it for road races and such, but then I also want to make sure I have the best I can afford for TTing. Obviously I've been leaning in the direction of Cervelo, but am open to really any possibilities at this point. Don't see me getting serious about picking up #2 till about this time next year, but I'd like to take the time to get smart on what choices I have prior to the purchase.
Also, what is the best way to try out some of these options? I've not yet even sat on a TT bike and am not about to blow a wad of cash without being sure it's the right thing to do.
If I was in your position I'd forego the TT bike and get some nice wheels for the Trek - like maybe Zipp 404s, which are very handy for TTs. And obviously tri-bars.
Then buy a 2nd, cheaper road bike, as well as an indoor trainer. You can use this one on the indoor trainer, you can use it whenever it rains, and you can use it when the Trek is in the shop.
If I was in your position I'd forego the TT bike and get some nice wheels for the Trek - like maybe Zipp 404s, which are very handy for TTs. And obviously tri-bars.
Then buy a 2nd, cheaper road bike, as well as an indoor trainer. You can use this one on the indoor trainer, you can use it whenever it rains, and you can use it when the Trek is in the shop.
Good points. Actually I already have a trainer (Kurt Road Machine) and used it extensively in the off season (6-8 hours a week, Jan, Feb, March). Already got a pair of clip ons and did fair on my first TT and on par with my second. Plan "A" has been to get a pair of Zipp 909s over the winter and use them on the Trek for TTs and forgo the second bike till this time next year. Just the temptation is overwhelming to get that second bike, especially when I've had short term problems right before a race and such. I should mention I do have an old '74 Colnago that I mount on the trainer for the winter and ride occassionally during the summer. It's in good shape overall, but I think the rear deraileur spring is shot so it does not shift reliably.
