2008 Online Buyer's Guide: Bike
HOT RIDES
Specialized Transition Pro, $4,600
Be careful, Cervélo-Specialized is gunning for you. Specialized has made its intention clear by producing models in the same price categories as Cervélo's P2C and P3C. Although the P3C and Transition may be competitively aerodynamic, Specialized's model is draped in nothing but top-shelf components. The full Dura-Ace kit, Zipp bars and Roval Fusée Star wheels give the Transition Pro a substantially nicer outfit than the P3C for a slight $300 markup. http://www.specialized.com
Litespeed Saber, $3,000
Titanium isn't dead-it has just been forced underground. Once the lust of most cyclists, it seems that only aficionados continue to appreciate the unique characteristics of Ti. Litespeed has combined aerodynamic features like a rear wheel cutout and full aero seat post with the elegance of an artwork hand-constructed in Tennessee. This work of art is equally suited as David Thompson's weapon of choice and as eye candy worthy of wall space. Only the hard-to-please need inquire. http://www.litespeed.com
Felt B2, $3,600
Does any tri bike have more aerodynamic gadgets than the Felt B2? Hidden brakes, hidden cables, the integrated Felt Bayonet fork, and front and rear wheel cutouts make the Felt nearly invisible to the wind. The Dura-Ace derailleurs and Vision aero bars keep the bike below 19lbs out of the box and ready to race. Ride the same crotch-rocket as Team Slipstream for only $3,600. http://www.feltracing.com
Giant Trinity AO, $3,100
Carbon is not a miracle material, after all-aluminum provides a stiffness and weight-to-cost ratio that carbon cannot match. Giant used this fact to its advantage when designing the Trinity AO. By constructing the chainstays, down tube and head tube with aluminum and the rest of the rig with carbon, Giant was able to create a stiff and comfortable frame while keeping the price family friendly. The AO model is equipped with a mixed Shimano component group for $3,100. http://www.giant-bicycles.com
Kuota K-Factor SL, $2,600
Not everyone needs a downtube that can slice a tomato. The full-carbon K-Factor SL provides the comfort, realistic geometry and predictable handling every triathlete needs. It may not have the aggressive shapes of the Cervélo P2C but the K-Factor SL is a race- worthy machine designed for the athlete more concerned about ride quality than aerodynamic drag. http://www.kuotanorthamerica.com
Kuota Kebel, $4,200
Finally, a challenger to the Cervélo Soloist. Kuota uses a deep down tube and seat tube cutouts to smooth airflow over this high-performance road frame. The Kebel immediately responds to any input from the rider because of the oversized head tube and broad frame tubing. But despite this valiant effort, the Kebel falls short of the Soloist's svelte shape and versatile road/TT geometry. Although the Kebel isn't a true aerodynamic frame, it is still an outstanding road bike. http://www.kuotanorthamerica.com
GURU Magis, $3,900
Apparently, our neighbors to the north know how to make a mean tri bike. Cervélo may provide the most aero frames, but Canadian company GURU delivers unmatched carbon customization. Such custom carbon was once unavailable below $8,000, but the all-new GURU Magis rings up at $3,900 with full Ultegra trimmings, so you can finally have a personalized carbon fiber frame and stay out of the red. http://www.gurubikes.com
Cervélo P2 SL, $1,650
Chrissie Wellington proved you don't have to ride the most expensive rig to post the fastest bike split. Cervélo's wind tunnel testing showed this frame is more aerodynamic than many frames above the $3K-mark. Combining the value of the P2 SL frameset with the flawless-shifting Shimano Ultegra group makes this bike the best value on the market. As Chrissie has proven, this "bargain" bike is fast enough to win any race. http://www.cervelo.com
Elite Razor, $2,800
This underappreciated bike has been around for a while, but the Elite Razor provides many things the headline-getters cannot. Geometry genius David Greenfield builds this fully custom race rocket from 2.4 lbs of scandium and allows the customer to finish it with any paint scheme one can dream up. The Razor may not be new, but craftsmanship and experience never go out of style. http://www.elitebicycles.com
Primary Nimbus, $2,100
This Italian engineered masterpiece may not yet be very well known, but it will be soon. The Primary delivers impeccable power transfer and handling you'd expect from an Italian designed frame. The seat cutout and aero seat post are only an afterthought, so don't expect first-rate aerodynamics. What you can expect is road bike performance that is second to none. http://www.primarybicycles.com
HOT WHEELS
HED Stinger 90, $1,500
Lance Armstrong was the worst thing to happen to the Stinger 90. The HED 3 is famous for carrying Lance to numerous time-trial victories yet the Stinger 90 may be HED's fastest wheel. In fact, the tenacious Texan is about the only reason the Stinger 90 gets less hype. The 90mm toroidal-shaped carbon rim is laced to silky smooth Sonic hubs with bladed titanium spokes. They may not carry the same bling factor as Zipps, but at $1,500, the Stinger 90 boasts an unmatched speed-per-dollar ratio. http://www.hedcycling.com
HED Jet Disc, $1,000
Flat discs are soooo 1980s. Actually, they were the most aero wheels available all the way up to 2007. For 2008, HED integrated the patented toroidal rim into a flat disc and achieved a new level of aerodynamic savings. The Jet Disc combines amazing drag characteristics and low rolling resistance due to the clincher rim. The Jet Disc may be the fastest TT wheel out there and will be available this spring for $1,000. http://www.hedcycling.com
HED Ardennes, $1,000
Tubulars are great-t hey ride smoothly and corner like they are glued to the road. Unfortunately they can be expensive and difficult to deal with. With the Ardennes, HED was able to build some of the qualities of a tubie into a clincher by widening the rim. The Ardennes isn't aero, but if you are looking for the luxurious ride of a tubular and the ease of a clincher, this wheel can't be beat. http://www.hedcycling.com
Rolf Prima Carbon TT, $2,000
Rolf didn't design this rim. They did, however, have the good sense to realize a great rim when they saw one. Rather than trying to design their own rim, the gang at Rolf Prima took Zipp's and added their own twist. The Carbon TT is built with a shockingly low spoke count-10 in front and 12 in the rear-which improves aerodynamics and shaves weight. Despite the low count, the Carbon TT is able to stand the punishment Hunter Kemper dishes out on the World Cup circuit. http://www.rolfprima.com
Zipp FlashPoint 80, $1,400
The Zipp 808 has trounced the competition on the roads and in the wind tunnel-the only problem is they carry a hefty price tag. The lightweight and smooth hub of the 808 are fantastic, but the aerodynamic rim is the defining characteristic of this choice of champions. Zipp has made this astonishingly aero rim available to more people by lacing it with cheaper spokes to downgraded hubs, forming the FlashPoint 80. http://www.flash-pointracing.com
Easton Vista, $250
This wheel is a workhorse. Easton's Vista isn't the lightest or most aero wheel, but it's certainly dependable. The Vista boasts a 30mm deep rim laced with 20 spokes in the front and 24 in the rear and can take as much punishment as you can dish out. What more do you want for $250? http://www.eastonbike.com
HOT BARS
Zipp Vuka Bull and Vuka Clip, $580
We almost want Zipp to come out with a sub-standard product so we can criticize it. Unfortunately, Chief Engineer Josh Portner will not comply. The Vuka two-piece is not only a feather light but an extremely ergonomic combination. Zipp uses a relatively tall-rise S-bend and bulbs on the braking platform to keep you as comfortable as your bike is stylish. The bar set weighs in below 700 grams. http://www.zipp.com
Syntace C3, $190
It's impressive to be the fourth-most popular aero bar in the Kona count. But to do so without having put out a new bar in eight years is down right astounding. Syntace earned its sparkling reputation by designing functional not flashy products, and this trend continues with the highly anticipated C3. The first time you grab this bar, you'll realize the Double Helix bend puts your wrists into a more natural position than any other bar. At 348 to 378, grams they are as light as many carbon bars, proving aluminum is not dead. http://www.syntace.com
Oval Concepts A700 SLAM Clip-On, $140
When there's no room in the stable for a tri bike, the Oval's SLAM A700 Clip-On can help you attain a tri position on a road bike. By allowing the pads to move back and up, the unit creates a conservative, comfortable aero bar position on a road bike. Dan Empfield would be proud. http://www.ovalconcepts.com
Blackwell Research Carbon Base Bar/Wrist Relief Extensions, $410
The BR Wrist Reliefs may be the most comfortable extensions on the market, and the innovative ergonomic shape is complimented by the nuanced base bar. The Carbon Base Bar resembles the Vision Carbon Base Bar but sports easier cable routing and a more comfortable braking platform. http://www.blackwellresearch.com
Profile Design Sonic CSX, $200
If your bike fit can accommodate the Sonic CSX, it's a hard bar to beat. Profile was able to make the bar crazy-light by constructing the clamp and the extension as one unit. It's available in three lengths, but there is no adjustment in the pads. If the Sonic CSX fits, it is flashy, light and comfortable. http://www.profile-design.com
HOT LIDS
Spiuk Kronos, $230
Wind tunnel tests have shown that aero helmets are fastest when the tail of the lid comes close to contacting the rider's back. The Kronos is the only aero helmet with a tail that points downward to meet the rider's back. The downside is the Kronos only has minimal ventilation, but if you can deal with the heat, the Spiuk may be the fastest aero helmet available. http://www.spiuk.com
Louis Garneau Rocket Air, $150
Louis Garneau has produced the most ventilated aero helmet on the market by slicing large vents into the front and back of its already popular aero helmet, the Rocket. To add vents isn't difficult, but to add vents without increasing drag is very tricky. The Rocket Air is the best combination of aerodynamics, cooling and value of any aero helmet on the market. http://www.louisgarneau.com
HOT FEET
[nid:70110]Specialized Trivent, $160
When you nail it the first time, don't screw with success. Specialized got it right with the Trivent when it was first released and the shoe hasn't changed for this 2008. This proven winner boasts a full carbon sole, an intelligently designed Velcro strap system and ergonomic Body Geometry for only $160. The Trivent provides the most performance per penny of any tri shoe on the market. http://www.specialized.com
Northwave Jackal, $90
Triathlon is an expensive sport, but Northwave slightly lowers the entrance barrier by allowing an athlete to use the same shoe for road riding and triathlon racing. The Jackal has enough insulation for the colder months, while the two-strap design makes flying mounts possible. At less than $100, the Jackal is a great shoe for any new triathlete. http://www.northwave.it
HOT GEEK TOYS
Cat Eye V3, $180
The Cat Eye V3 provides every speed, cadence, lap timer and heart rate function a rider could want. The V3 uses 2.4 GHz transmission that virtually eliminates cross-computer interference and provides almost instantaneous data. The best feature of this computer is the easy and logical format Cat Eye is known for. http://www.cateye.com
Cat Eye Strada, $60
The white version of Cat Eye's Strada will soon be the unanimous choice of bike snobs everywhere. When you have a white frame, bar tape and saddle, a white computer really ties it all together. The simple one-button interface makes the speed and cadence functions incredibly breezy. Available as a wired or wireless unit. http://www.cateye.com
[nid:70114]Garmin Edge 705, $540
The new Garmin Edge 705 will be an all-inclusive bike computer. It is equipped with heart rate, speed, cadence, an altimeter, on-road directions and a color screen, all for less than 600 bones. It's also compatible with the Quarq power meter, and the full-color display makes the 705 as eye-catching as it is functional. Expect a release date sometime this spring. http://www.garmin.com
HOT STUFF
Shimano Dura-Ace Carbon Crank, $1,300
When having the same parts kit as your neighbor just isn't acceptable, there is the Dura-Ace Carbon Crank. Shimano has waited a long time to produce a carbon crank since its aluminum version is still hard to beat. But after a lot of effort, Shimano has done it-the Dura-Ace Carbon Crank is lighter, stiffer and flashier than its counterpart aluminum crank. But buying into this club certainly ain't cheap at $1,300. http://www.shimano.com
Ciamillo Negative G, $400
Functional and light, Dura-Ace is good stuff. But Ciamillo was able to do an amazing thing: produce the Negative G Ti brakeset 84 grams lighter than Dura-Ace calipers. Ciamillo beefed up the brake arms on the Negative G for more responsive braking than its cousin, the vaunted Zero Gs. The matte black finish and yellow brake pads add to the allure of a part 27 percent lighter than the Dura-Ace. http://www.zerogravitybike.com
[nid:70117]Rocket Science Sports Elite bag, $110
A triathlon bag may not seem like an essential piece of gear, but the Elite does many things a school-style backpack doesn't. Rocket Science has included a spot in this bag for everything from electrolyte pills to a wetsuit. The Elite makes frantic searching while setting up transition obsolete. http://www.rocketsciencesports.com
[nid:70118]SRAM Red rear derailleur, $310
SRAM's new top-of-the-line Red groupset not only shifts like a Formula 1 car, it makes the rider faster. The sub-two-kilogram parts kit includes a rear derailleur with ceramic pulleys. These techie bearings reduce the power required to move the chain through the gears. The savings may be small but, when performance is the goal, there is no such thing as an insignificant difference. http://www.sram.com
Beaker Concepts Aluminum HydroTail, $50
If you raced last year, you undoubtedly saw many carbon HydroTails in the transition area. This apparatus became popular because of its low bottle placement and low weight, but the price tag was too much for many racers. Beaker Concepts realized this and is now producing the Aluminum Hydrotail for 2008. http://www.beakerconcepts.com
