Quintana Roo, Cervelo?

I guess I shouldn't ever go watch a HIM race. I fell in love with people's bikes and have spent all morning lusting over a Cervelo P2C. I've been checking out other tri bikes as well and I have read all threads on Cervelo from TE. (Running Mommy- you make me want a Cervelo even more!!!)

Anyhow, I would be open to any thoughts on Cervelo P2C vs the P2sl (how much more imp is carbon besides weight?)

Also, Anyone have an opinion on Quintana Roo? I know virtually nothing about QR, but am curious. One thing that I noticed is that QR bikes seem to all have Dura-Ace components...isn't that a bit unnecessary?

Finally, people don't seem to rave about Trek's Equinox 7 WSD. Maybe triathlon bikes are best found out of trek? What do you all think?

I realize there were a lot of questions in my post, but I look forward to hearing from you all!

Thanks, Katie

I am by no means a bike expert and have tried bikes based on bike shop recommendations and my opinion of fit, feel, and function, but I love my QR Lucero. For the same money as a base Cervelo, I got some race wheels and a pretty nice setup.

That said, you're probably more likely to find a deal on a previous year's model Cervelo since they are more common - that's how KSH did it, and it's a great way to go. Cervelos are pretty popular tried and true tri bikes, that's for sure. My LBS only stocks a few QRs compared to Cervelos, so I got what was new (I'm also a shortie, so I don't get things stocked in my size anyway).

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Originally Posted by minn

Also, Anyone have an opinion on Quintana Roo? I know virtually nothing about QR, but am curious. One thing that I noticed is that QR bikes seem to all have Dura-Ace components...isn't that a bit unnecessary?

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The lower end bikes look like they only have DA shifters and rear derailleurs. The shifters is easy to explain - the only bar end shifters Shimano makes these days is the DA model, so if you get a TT bike equipped with them, DA is what you get. You can get brand new DA bar ends for around $70, so they aren't super expensive components.

To be perfectly honest the component packages on the lowest end QR and the lowest Cervelo look pretty similar. The Cervelo might be a touch better, as its mostly Ultegra (both have FSA Gossamer cranks), while the QR appears to have a mix of Ultegra, DA and 105.

My DH and I just finished our quest for the new tri bike. Looked at Kuota, QR, Felt and Cervelo. Getting rid of the low end QR Tequilo (to kill your back) and into the P2C with minor upgrades. The technology in the cervelos now is grade A. My LBS guy who we love actually took one into a wind tunnel. His words were it almost actually has negative resistance(makes you FASTER!!!!!). The ROO is a very aggressive, stiff frame and the cervelo has many fit and adjustment options. We are taking the DA P2C, red is DA and $500 more. Boys have to have red. New DA crank to replace the kind of crappy FSA crank. Zipp 404 wheels, and T2 bar ends. That is the machine! Really impressed with cervelo. Take a look at their website and read all the fit options and research. They are into the aerodynamics of it all.

Thanks everyone for your responses! I'm so excited about dabbling in the tri bike market.

Kermit- did you also get a new tri bike? I'm curious if you test rode any of the QR women's specific bikes and if you found them to be more comfortable than the cervelo? My guess is no...but I thought I'd ask.

It's probably not a good idea to go into my LBS pretty much set on a cervelo, I should be open to all tri bikes, hey? The cervelos are just so gorgeous!

No word about the Trek Equinox yet....?

I haven't personally ridden any cervelos, still deciding if I really need one. I have a great, light road bike I used for a sprint, that's all I'm doing right now. My husbands is being put together as we talk. Absolutely look at everything. It's all about the dollar bill. I do think that the cervelo P2C is a great deal for $2500 more or less. It's really all about the fit, when your in the aero position for longer rides. Good luck and keep us updated.

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Originally Posted by minn

No word about the Trek Equinox yet....?

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Well, the key to everything is fit... that said I have formed some opinions just on research...

I have not ridden any tri bikes yet, I'm racing on my first and only road bike for this season. But my LBS does have an equinox in stock and I have looked it over several times.

my personal view is that Trek made it too much entry level, and by trying to hit the price point its a little lacking in what I'd expect from a tri bike - namely better components and wheels, and maybe not an alu frame either. I might also want a compact double because everything around me is hilly... this bike has just the std double which would be well suited to less varying courses.

Basically, my thinking on a tri bike is it better be a step up in almost all facets from my road bike, and I don't think the Equinox WSD is (I ride a Trek WSD bike so this is nothing against the brand at all).

Everyone is forgetting about the Jamis T1, awesome bike! In my opinion, better then the cervelo. Right now, wind tunnel wise the top bikes out thereinclude the Jamis T1 and t2, the Felt ,and the specialized transition.