[fitness trainer]

After much debate and marital discussions I am finally getting a good tri bike. Up till now I have been the crazy lady on the road bike from high school. This bike is going to be my birthday, Christmas and anniversary gifts all wrapped into one so I am not going to cheap out but I do not want to buy way more than I need. I went to the bike shop to get measured, the bike guy said that with my build (5'5" very short torso with long legs) I would be best suited to a Cervelo. He has two Cervelos in stock one with an aluminum/carbom frame for 1999.00 and one with a carbon frame for 2400.00. The bike guy says that the advantage of carbon is not the weight but the smoothness of the ride. I plan to have the bike forever and ride it alot but I am in it for fun and fitness not to be competitive. Is all carbon worth the extra money?

 

[jroden]

I have a Cervelo p2sl, which is the aluminium bike, I like it a grat deal. I don't think riding a tri bike will ever be very comfortable, if it were me I'd just get aluminium with the realization that you will be buying more junk as times goes by.

 

[donskiman]

The comfort factor of carbon fiber could be more important if you plan to do a lot of long distance races and training - like for an IM. If you're mostly going to do shorter races and maybe the occasional century ride the aluminum should be just fine.

 

[lbonney]

I don't think Cervelo makes an Aluminum/carbon frame, unless they are talking about carbon forks , which most bikes have.<br><br>
I have the Cervelo Dual, which is a step below the aforementioned P2SL.<br><br>
I'd go aluminum, and have the carbon seatpost.<br><br>
Look around, there are much better prices to be found on Cervelo bikes.<br><br>
BTW- the carbon bike would not last forever either.

 

[TriBob]

Carbon fork and seatpost make a huge difference. I would save the money and spend it on wheels or other 'necessities.'