Quote Originally Posted by Owlie View Post
The wheel thing: Probably not. Wheel upgrades go for aerodynamics and weight, really. Bear in mind that I have no clue what I'm talking about.

The frame thing: I've found that relaxed geometry aluminum frames are awful, but the aggressive ones are fine. Perhaps not carbon-comfortable, but then I haven't had the opportunity to test much in the way of carbon frames (that actually fit me, anyway).It's really hard to tell because everyone labels their specific carbon or Al tubing differently. Granted, geometry plays a role in how the tubing goes together and how it transmits vibration, but: Take a look at the same company's road bikes (not the endurance frames), and then if they have a "crit"-oriented road frame, take a look at that too, and compare. While I never had to deal with tri/TT bikes, I'm willing to bet that the carbon used in a TT bike is all about stiff and light, so it may be a wash.

No way to try one, huh?
Yeah, no real way to try one...our LBS doesn't really do much with TT bikes. They have a couple of BMC and Bianchi in stock, but too big for me. But we can get a killer deal, because we're part-owners. But DH isn't totally sold on the idea. He thinks TT bikes are silly, but he doesn't actually to TTs/tri/du. My wrist and I think mountain bikes are silly!!

That thing about relaxed geometry and aluminum...I suspect there's something to that. I hated my aluminum synapse. So friggin' buzzy. But I'd rarely be going further than 60k on a TT bike, so I'm not sure the carbon expense is worth it if I can upgrade other things on a cheaper frame. The wheels that come with both bikes are pretty low-rent aluminum ones. I'd love to look at deeper section carbon, but there'd be no $$ left in the bike budget if I went with the $$er frame.