Score!!

[GLC1968]

So I had a TT/Tri bike fitting a couple of weeks ago. From that, I learned what bikes (brands, models and sizes) would work for me. I narrowed down the field to three options: Cervelo P2, Felt B16 and the Quintana Roo Seduza. All three are carbon frames with similiar levels of componentry. I was least enamored of the Felt just because I didn't like the frame colors, but I was willing to suck it up if that ended up being the best deal. All of them have 650 wheels in my chosen frame size which was a requirement for me.

So today I was killing time on BT when someone posted about the QR Seduza being on Bonktown. I checked an sure enough - in my size! :eek: I immediately pulled the trigger saving myself $1000!! OMG!!! And shipping was only $29, too.

I cannot believe that I just got such a deal. Pinch me, will you?

I promise to post pictures once it arrives, but in the meantime, this is it:
http://www.quintanarootri.com/_bike.asp?content=Seduza

:D

[colby]

I love my Lucero. Hope you love the Seduza as much. :) Awesome deal, congratulations!!!

[zoom-zoom]

I love watching Bonktown's deals. That is sweet! :D

[oxysback]

Score, indeed! Can't wait for real-life pictures!

[kermit]

That's a beautiful bike, photos are a must!

[OakLeaf]

Wow. Are you ready to jump out of your skin?!

[Tri Girl]

NICE!!!! Congrats on your new ride!! Can't wait to see pictures of it when it's in your hands. Woo hoo!!:D

[GLC1968]

Wow. Are you ready to jump out of your skin?!


Yeah, pretty much. :o I think I told every single person who would listen about getting this deal today. I think my husband is *almost* as excited as I am, too!

Oooh, I need to make appointment number two with my fitter now. :D

[JuneHawk]

Nice!

[Bike Chick]

I'm so happy for you! It's a beauty and I really hope you fall in love with it. I love my CD01! They are great bikes. Can't wait for real pics.

[kacie tri-ing]

SOOOOO Exciting!

[GLC1968]

OK, so the bike arrived last night. It's bee-you-ti-full! I will need to cut the steerer tube (I'm going to contact my fitter about that) and all the cables still need to be routed. I also still need to buy pedals but for now, I'll just borrow the ones off my road bike.

The odd thing? It came with a compact crankset! Why in the world would they sell a tri bike with 650 wheels with a compact? I actually topped out on my road bike (also 650's) in a flat race this summer with a 52T large ring. On a tri bike? There is NO WAY a 50T ring will be big enough! I'm now shopping for a replacement. :rolleyes:

Anyone have an extra standard double crankset with 165mm arms lying around unused? ;)

Once I get it fully put together, I promise to take photos.

[kacie tri-ing]

OK, so the bike arrived last night. It's bee-you-ti-full! I will need to cut the steerer tube (I'm going to contact my fitter about that) and all the cables still need to be routed. I also still need to buy pedals but for now, I'll just borrow the ones off my road bike.

The odd thing? It came with a compact crankset! Why in the world would they sell a tri bike with 650 wheels with a compact? I actually topped out on my road bike (also 650's) in a flat race this summer with a 52T large ring. On a tri bike? There is NO WAY a 50T ring will be big enough! I'm now shopping for a replacement. :rolleyes:

Anyone have an extra standard double crankset with 165mm arms lying around unused? ;)

Once I get it fully put together, I promise to take photos.

Compacts were made for triathlete s:D

I have a standard that I HATE. Lemmie check the length of the arms. Ridden a very very few times, and I took it off, cause I like my compact. Mine is an ultegra.

[Owlie]

Ooh, pretty. And a good deal too! I await pictures. :)

[GLC1968]

Compacts were made for triathlete s:D

I have a standard that I HATE. Lemmie check the length of the arms. Ridden a very very few times, and I took it off, cause I like my compact. Mine is an ultegra.

Really? Ooh, yeah, let me know what you find!

I can see how a compact would be beneficial for longer races and/or in conjunction with bigger wheels...but in my case, I think it will be a waste. As it is, I never used the small ring on my road bike in my races last year and my middle is a 42T. I can't imagine that I'll ever need smaller than a 39T.

Of course, when I do my first IM at 50, I'll be singing a different tune! That's still 8 years away though... :p

[Bike Chick]

How exciting! I can't wait to see pictures!!!

My tri bike came with a standard double and I really thought it would be too big and I would be changing it to a compact but that's not been the case. It would be nice to have a compact for a hilly course though. I use my Luna bike for that though.

[Triskeliongirl]

Actually, you don't need to swap out the crankset, just buy new chain rings. A compact will hold a 52 (or even larger I think), the rule is just that the largest gap you can have between rings is 16T, most use 14-16, i.e. 50/36 or 50/34, but nothing says you couldn't put other sizes on there. Ask your fitter for help, I don't think its a big deal, you just need to be sure to order chain rings that are compatable with the size of the bolt arms (I think that is what they are called, these are the things you screw the chain rings on, and they do come with different bolt circle diameters-bcds).


OK, so the bike arrived last night. It's bee-you-ti-full! I will need to cut the steerer tube (I'm going to contact my fitter about that) and all the cables still need to be routed. I also still need to buy pedals but for now, I'll just borrow the ones off my road bike.

The odd thing? It came with a compact crankset! Why in the world would they sell a tri bike with 650 wheels with a compact? I actually topped out on my road bike (also 650's) in a flat race this summer with a 52T large ring. On a tri bike? There is NO WAY a 50T ring will be big enough! I'm now shopping for a replacement. :rolleyes:

Anyone have an extra standard double crankset with 165mm arms lying around unused? ;)

Once I get it fully put together, I promise to take photos.

[GLC1968]

Actually, you don't need to swap out the crankset, just buy new chain rings. A compact will hold a 52 (or even larger I think), the rule is just that the largest gap you can have between rings is 16T, most use 14-16, i.e. 50/36 or 50/34, but nothing says you couldn't put other sizes on there. Ask your fitter for help, I don't think its a big deal, you just need to be sure to order chain rings that are compatable with the size of the bolt arms (I think that is what they are called, these are the things you screw the chain rings on, and they do come with different bolt circle diameters-bcds).


Ah, that's a good point and something to keep in mind should my new plan not work out to my satisfaction.

I've done a little research and I've opted to go with a different cassette and keep the compact crankset. I really wanted the higher end gear, so if I swap the 12-25 cassette for an 11-25, I can still have the same climbing gear, but I get another big gear for the flats. Plus, a cassette is way cheaper than a crankset!

I'll hopefully pick this up this weekend and get the rest of the bike put together. Then I'll take photos! (maybe... I might wait until after my fitter gets done with it next Friday). Soon, I promise! :D

[GLC1968]

Here it is!!
http://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu34/GLC1968/QRSeduza.jpg

Fully fitted and ready to ride! I went out for a quick 6 miles today just to see how it felt (fog rolled in, so I headed home since I had no lights), and it was a ton of fun. Can't wait to do longer rides on it! Until I get another clear day though, it's going to be my trainer bike. :D

[OakLeaf]

drooooool

[kermit]

WOW, that's hot! Nothing better than bike porn with coffee!

[Blueberry]

She's fabulous!! I'm sure you'll log many happy miles on her. How does the aero position feel? I'd love to try a tri bike, but have been concerned about leaning that far forward...

[Bike Chick]

Ohhhhhh Aaaaaahhhh! Beeeeautiful! Ain't it a hoot to ride?

[HillSlugger]

Beautiful!

I'm not completely sure if I'm really faster on my tri bike, but it's So.Much.Fun!

[oxysback]

That's a sexy bike!

[Tri Girl]

SO GORGEOUS!!! Don't tell my P2C that I'm lusting over it... WOW!

I hope you enjoy that bike so much. What am I talking about- you WILL *LOVE* that bike!!!!

[colby]

Sexy! :D

[Owlie]

Ooh, very nice! ...and a teeny bit intimidating. :o

[GLC1968]

CA - it's amazing how comfortable the aero position is! My neck will have to get stronger to hold the position over long rides, but for now, I'm good for short periods. I plan to ride it on the trainer a lot this winter so that my body can get more used to the position before spring.

The only problem is that I'm all over the damn road when I'm in aero! I feel like a newbie cyclist all over again! It's going to take me some time to get used to how it handles. It's way more comfortable in aero than it is up on the horns though...which surprized me.

[Bike Chick]

GLC, I had the same issue when I got mine and it's kinda freaky. I found if I didn't grasp the aero bars very tight it helped. I'm still a little wiggly on mine. It takes a while to get used to riding these bikes but they are so much fun.

[HillSlugger]

Aero takes getting used to. Definitely a good idea to get used to the position while on the trainer.

[Tri Girl]

I was super squirrelly on the tri bike when I first got it. Took some time (even tho I had aero bars on my road bike). The tri bike is a more squirrelly ride than the road bike in general. It always takes a month or so to get my neck into "aero" shape when the season starts back up in the spring (even tho I ride the trainer in the winter- weird).
Since I do some group rides, I am very comfortable on the bullhorns, too.

So excited for you!! :)

[HillSlugger]

I was super squirrelly on the tri bike when I first got it. Took some time (even tho I had aero bars on my road bike). The tri bike is a more squirrelly ride than the road bike in general. It always takes a month or so to get my neck into "aero" shape when the season starts back up in the spring (even tho I ride the trainer in the winter- weird).
Since I do some group rides, I am very comfortable on the bullhorns, too.

So excited for you!! :)

Interesting; I find riding the tri bike in aero *way* more stable than riding the road bike with areobars.

[tulip]

GLC, congratulations on your new bike. You have earned it! No doubt you will have some successful races next year.

Just a wee concerned about the talk of riding on tri bikes and aero bars on road bikes on group rides. I really hope that those who do that will re-think it. There's no reason to ride with aero bars (and certainly not on a tri bike) on group rides. As mentioned here, they are squirrely, which can really cause problems on a group ride. They are also quite dangerous in a crash because they can (and have) literally impale a person. Considerate riders don't ride their aerobikes on group rides!

[kacie tri-ing]

GLC, congratulations on your new bike. You have earned it! No doubt you will have some successful races next year.

Just a wee concerned about the talk of riding on tri bikes and aero bars on road bikes on group rides. I really hope that those who do that will re-think it. There's no reason to ride with aero bars (and certainly not on a tri bike) on group rides. As mentioned here, they are squirrely, which can really cause problems on a group ride. They are also quite dangerous in a crash because they can (and have) literally impale a person. Considerate riders don't ride their aerobikes on group rides!

Though I totally agree, I don't think anyone was talking about riding in the aero position on the group rides, but riding sitting up on the brakes, right? Never a bad reminder, but on the brakes, I do think we have the same kind of control as a rider on a roadbike. Hands are in the same place.

Now, I also don't ride group rides much, because I don't think it is great tri training (and I have a road bike). I did ride my tri bike up in the mountains yesterday on a "group ride," though people are not particularly grouped when climbing for an hour anyway :p Plus, they were mostly IM triathletes like me who do not like to draft anyway.

Just my 2 cents. everyone should be careful and considerate on every ride.

[tulip]

Though I totally agree, I don't think anyone was talking about riding in the aero position on the group rides, but riding sitting up on the brakes, right?

No. What I am talking about is riding with a cycling group on a bike that has aero bars, either the full-on ones or the clip on ones. Either way, even if you ride on the hoods, it's not considerate from the perspective of other riders because of the injuries that can come from the aerobars themselves.

If there is someone with aero bars/bike on a group ride that I am on, I will stay far, far away from them. I also will tell them my thoughts on the topic. Needless to say, I don't make many friends in the aerobar community!:rolleyes:

I realize this is not a popular thing to say here on the Triathlon forum, but I do think that it is important.

That being said, I do wish GLC many happy rides (alone) and tris on her new bike!

[kacie tri-ing]

Understood, but I also don't want to take away from the fact that this is a thread about a beautiful new bike and a happy new owner :rolleyes:

Happy to carry on this discussion in a new thread about tri bike safety if you want!!!

Can't wait to hear about you riding it!!!! So hot!

[tulip]

Yes, that's why I put the "That being said" part of my post.

GLC, that bike is one fast looking machine, indeed.

[colby]

GLC, I had the same issue when I got mine and it's kinda freaky. I found if I didn't grasp the aero bars very tight it helped. I'm still a little wiggly on mine. It takes a while to get used to riding these bikes but they are so much fun.

You definitely want to learn to relax your upper/front body. My neck, shoulders, and arms are much happier if I don't really grip the aero bars unless I need to (climbing, for example, for a little more leverage). I mostly rest my hands on them loosely. If that part of your body isn't tense, it doesn't refer into your neck and shoulders nearly as badly. You'll still have some neck and back muscles to build, but those will come. ;)

[GLC1968]

You definitely want to learn to relax your upper/front body. My neck, shoulders, and arms are much happier if I don't really grip the aero bars unless I need to (climbing, for example, for a little more leverage). I mostly rest my hands on them loosely. If that part of your body isn't tense, it doesn't refer into your neck and shoulders nearly as badly. You'll still have some neck and back muscles to build, but those will come. ;)

Thanks all!

Colby - My fitter was actually impressed with my back and shoulder strength (100 PU's helped!) and said that it wouldn't take me long to adjust. I hope he's right. And I totally get what you are saying about relaxing. I discovered exactly that on my short ride - the return trip was better than heading out because I was learning to relax a bit. This bike is also WAY stiffer than any of my other bikes, so I'm sure that's contributing to it somewhat as well.

I actually look at this as a new, fun challenge - something exciting to learn! Last winter is was learning to swim again...this year, it's learning to ride a bike again! :p

Tulip - no worries! My road bike will still get my group riding time unless I'm specifically going out with other triathletes (in which case, we won't be doing any drafting anyway).

[Cataboo]

Anyone have an extra standard double crankset with 165mm arms lying around unused? ;)
.


I've got a 9 speed ultegra level standard double 165 mm with bottom bracket. I'd estimate less than 500 miles before I sold the bike I had it on. I'd put 10 speed chain rings on it. And it's been in a box for a year and a half or so :)

[GLC1968]

I've got a 9 speed ultegra level standard double 165 mm with bottom bracket. I'd estimate less than 500 miles before I sold the bike I had it on. I'd put 10 speed chain rings on it. And it's been in a box for a year and a half or so :)

Aw, thanks! But I opted to go with just switching out the cassette. I'll get plenty of range out of an 11-25 cassette with the compact crank. I hope to get it switched out this week, actually (my new cassette just arrived).

I appreciate the offer though!

[Tri Girl]

Interesting; I find riding the tri bike in aero *way* more stable than riding the road bike with areobars.

oh I agree! I can ride safely on the brakes or in aero. I can eat, drink, take a nap in aero on the tri bike with no problems at all! ;)

And I don't have a road bike, so the only bike I can ride on group rides is my tri bike. I never get in aero on a group ride. I'm just as stable on my bullhorns as I am on the hoods on my old road bike.

GLC- you will get used to it fast! It's SO much more comfortable and running off the bike on a tri bike is so much easier than when I had aerobars on my road bike. SOOOO excited for you!!

[kacie tri-ing]

GLC- you will get used to it fast! It's SO much more comfortable and running off the bike on a tri bike is so much easier than when I had aerobars on my road bike. SOOOO excited for you!!

Agreed! When I switched over during IM training, my chiro did WAY more adjustments on my shoulders and neck for about a month. Then, it seems like my body just adapted to the position.

[Cataboo]

Aw, thanks! But I opted to go with just switching out the cassette. I'll get plenty of range out of an 11-25 cassette with the compact crank. I hope to get it switched out this week, actually (my new cassette just arrived).

I appreciate the offer though!

Excellent. I'd responded before I finished reading the thread. The bike looks gorgeous.