New road bike for tri's

[Crossmonster]

Seeing that I'm a bit lost as to where exactly to post my question on a new (second hand) road bike for my tri's, I'll post it here as I spend most of my time here, and it is relevant to triathlons.

 

I need to acquire a road bike for my triathlons and have come across the following two options at exactly the same price: Both in my frame size.

 

First option: Merida Race lite 900, 8 speed Shimano Claris groupset, - Bike in fair condition, rider didn't use cleats so crankarms very badly scratched. Rider also came down on left hand side so bike has a few scratches on frame and rear derailer. New rims and tyres. Overall not bad.

 

Second option: Fuji Roubaix pro, 10 speed Shimano 105 Ultegra groupset (what I can gather). Bike in excellent condition. Alexrims AL200 alloy rims as well. Nothing wrong with the bike, looks very good.

 

Please give me your honest opinion on the two bikes.

 

Pictures for illustration purposes. 

Edited February 3, 2016 by Crossmonster

[shaper]

Is this going to be used for both road races and triathlons or just for triathlons?

[Crossmonster]

Is this going to be used for both road races and triathlons or just for triathlons?

 

I haven't done any road races, as I haven't owned a road bike before. But I'm sure I'll do some races to add to training for the tri's?

 

Essentially I would add clip on tri bars, and just remove them if I were to race in a normal road race.

[shaper]

Did you do your 5150 on a MTB or borrow a road bike?

 

Of the 2 you propose go for the Fuji, is 10 speed and much better groupset.

[Zatek]

If you are going for tri's buy a tt bike. I am no pro but I barrowed one and I took a min out of my road/tri bike on a 23km 4 days ago. First time out on a tt bike. Stil need to get use to the setup and gears and missing a thing or 2.

[Crossmonster]

Did you do your 5150 on a MTB or borrow a road bike?

 

Of the 2 you propose go for the Fuji, is 10 speed and much better groupset.

 

I did both 5150's on my 26" mountain bike. That's tough hey...

[gummibear]

Look in the classifieds for a used aero bike....something like Scott Foil with 105 parts.

[IceCreamMan]

of the 2 you have mentioned I would go with the Fuji...

[Crossmonster]

Look in the classifieds for a used aero bike....something like Scott Foil with 105 parts.

 

Sadly I don't see any. I did have a look at the TT bikes on offer, and yikes... 

The above two are comfortably within the price range that I was looking.

[gummibear]

What size and price are you looking for?

[Cat2forLife]

Out of these two, no question, go for the Fuji.

[fanievb]

fuji.

 

if you are starting out at Triathlon a normal road bike works great. 

i've done two 70.3 on my road bike (no clip on bars) and although i'm not a top athlete i've beaten a few guys on their tri bikes.

 

if you want you can fit a set of clip on bars, but personally i don't like them because it's uncomfortable and you are too far from your brakes (some fellow athletes cannot ride straight) 

[Sparkles]

I have done three 70.3's and an Ironman on a road bike with clip on bars.  Definitely the most cost effective way to go.

 

But you need to get the right clip on bars, I have the Profile Design Carbon Stryke which are adjustable in many different ways to get a comfortable fit.

 

And if you stay outside of the draft zone, your fellow athletes' inability to ride straight shouldn't pose a problem 

Edited February 3, 2016 by Sparkles

[Crossmonster]

What size and price are you looking for?

 

The above two are both 58cm.

Edited April 18, 2017 by Crossmonster

[Zeffer]

Rules for triathlon will change this year - apparently.

 

Anything 5150 and under will be draft legal, thus no tribikes or tribars allowed. Already implemented in the ITU international races last year.

 

Maybe someone in the know can confirm..... but this means proper tribikes will only be for the hardcore amongst us...

[Davey_Jones]

Howsit.  I have that same Fuji that I use for road races and Triathlons.  Its excellent, nice and stiff and light.

 

One thing I found out is that if you are going to put aero clipons you may (depending on fit) need a smaller size bike.  I have a size 56 which is perfect as a road bike but to put aero bars on I actually need a 54.  So if you can try go for a test ride and also try get into aero position to see if you are stretched out at all. Might need to do this while being static as going into aero is a bit of a skill.  I don't plan to put aero bars on I will actually just save up for a TT and keep the fuji for road races. just something to think about.

 

Also R5k is a really good price.  I paid R7k 6 months ago but was from a shop 2nd hand.