Buying a Tri Bike

I have a budget of $2500 and I want to buy a real tri-bike. I have been using my road bike with an aero bar. I have selected a few bikes I can afford, Quintana Roo Seduza 06 for $2195, Scott Plasma Team 06 for $2095, Trek Equinox 9 for $2399, Specialized Tranistion Expert for $2200, Kuota K-Factor for $2095. I would also consider a Cervelo or Giant but they seem to be out of my price point.

I do sprint and olympic races but eventually inted to do a 70.3 so I am not sure if an aluminum or full carbon frame is better. I also would not know if it is best to get better wheels and inferior components or the reverse. From the bikes above the Scott seems to have the best frame but all the components are Shimano 105 where as the QR uses Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace parts. Not sure how the Trek or Specialized stands up to the QR and Scott. The Trek and the Specialized both use Ultegra components. The Kuota has Shimano 105 components.

I want the best overall bike for the price. Any recommendations, pro and cons on any of these bikes are welcome.

[QUOTE=wayphun]I have a budget of $2500 and I want to buy a real tri-bike. I have been using my road bike with an aero bar. I have selected a few bikes I can afford, Quintana Roo Seduza 06 for $2195, Scott Plasma Team 06 for $2095, Trek Equinox 9 for $2399, Specialized Tranistion Expert for $2200, Kuota K-Factor for $2095. I would also consider a Cervelo or Giant but they seem to be out of my price point.

I do sprint and olympic races but eventually inted to do a 70.3 so I am not sure if an aluminum or full carbon frame is better. I also would not know if it is best to get better wheels and inferior components or the reverse. From the bikes above the Scott seems to have the best frame but all the components are Shimano 105 where as the QR uses Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace parts. Not sure how the Trek or Specialized stands up to the QR and Scott. The Trek and the Specialized both use Ultegra components. The Kuota has Shimano 105 components.

Have you had a look at the felt triathlon range, I think they make 4 or 5 tri specific bikes. So you'll also find something in your budget there as well. I think a good set of wheels is gona make a bigger difference in triathlon then say shimano 105 compared to ultegra components

Intresting you mention that. I have been thinking the same thing. Spend less on components but upgrade the wheels. THX