Hi Folks,
I’m looking to buy a new bike.
I’m a 35 year old with a multisport background getting back on the bike after some time on and off over the last two years. (The odd mountain bike expedition and sprint distance triathlon/time trial excluded).
I use a regular road bike for training and racing. It is a BH, Aluminium frame and basic entry level gear. Many of the teeth on the crank, rear derailleur etc are worn and broken so I need some level of durability as this only happened after 3,000 miles at best. The rear wheel is also a little knackered at this stage but will get me through most of the winter, or until I get a new bike.
I also use a turbo trainer.
Long cycle at the weekend was 3 to4 hours in past, but is likely to only be 2 hrs plus for the next while, until I get back in shape.
Weight is not a big issue in the bike (I could do with loosing a stone). Comfort is a bigger issue as most of my riding is training.
Races in the future will be triathlons, longer slower events (not races) and training.
Anyways, my delimma is as follows. I have narrowed my choice down to two bikes with less than €100 in price difference.
I can get an aluminium frame with carbon front forks, with mainly ultegra groupset, (Trek 2.5 (2010 version)). Or a full carbon bike with mainly 105 groupset,. (Trek Madone 2.4)
In light of my background/use, what would you recommend?
Comfort is important. Is carbon necessarily better for this?
How about durability? I don’t want to be faced with knackered cogs/frame after a couple of winters riding.
I would be obliged for any other comments or ideas.
Many thanks.
FYI, The following is the spec on each bike.
(Trek 2.5 (2010 version)). Specification:
Frameset
Sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm
Frame Alpha Black Aluminum
Fork Bontrager Race, carbon; SpeedTrap compatible
Wheels
Wheels Bontrager Race
Tires Bontrager Race Lite, 700x23c
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Ultegra STI, 10 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Crank Shimano Ultegra 50/34 or 50/39/30
Cassette Shimano 105 11-25 or 12-27 (triple), 10 speed
Pedals n/a
Components
Saddle Bontrager R2
Seat Post Bontrager Carbon
Handlebars Bontrager Race VR, 31.8mm
Stem Bontrager Race Lite, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset Aheadset w/semi-cartridge bearings, integrated, sealed, alloy
Brakeset Shimano Ultegra w/Shimano Ultegra STI levers
Or a full carbon bike with mainly 105 groupset,. (Trek Madone 2.4)
Sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm
Frame TCT Carbon,
DuoTrap compatible
Fork Bontrager Race Lite, carbon w/E2 aluminum steerer
Wheels
Wheels Bontrager SSR
Tires Bontrager Race Lite, 700x23c
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano 105 STI, 10 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105
Crank Shimano R-600 50/34
Cassette Shimano 105 12-27, 10 speed
Pedals n/a
Components
Saddle Bontrager R1
Seat Post Bontrager Carbon
Handlebars Bontrager SSR VR, 31.8mm
Stem Bontrager Race Lite, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset Aheadset w/cartridge bearings, integrated, sealed, alloy; 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom Brakeset Shimano Tiagra w/Shimano 105 STI levers