ok so like everyone else I too have a triathlete gear list stuff (gear) accumulated some of it useful some not. but that's part of the attraction to the sport, really researching and finding gear that will improve your game, make a part of your IM or Tri just a little bit better. i mean your putting out training and commitment so anything you can do reduce the footprint of what you need to bring to an event or make you lighter, better, faster is really the goal.
recalling my first event i was hooked on the high. originally wanting just to finish but having finished successfully was no longer enough. my desire to compete and improve my gear put my bike at or close to the top of the important purchases list. i was on an older klein road bike for some time. plus guys have this gear need, at least in california, to have something custom, different then what everyone else is rockin. i should also mention in fairness i couldn't justify dropping major cash and four pounds off my bike without first dropping at least 10 pounds off my fat ass. so requirements for me in order of priority were:
loose 10 pounds, i accomplished this by commiting to training while putting better quality and less food in my mouth. also cut drinking and partying way back (boo) and poof, 12 pounds gone. amazingly when my stomach isn't hanging down as far i can actually pedal properly.
performance, the bike had to be something that would give me an edge. something i could test ride and get off the bike and say, wow i could kill it on that bike. graphite a must and at least durace or sram group, not being spoiled just when i want a gear i want it now.
uniqueness, also had to be something to separate me from the droves of production bikes. not that there is anything wrong with other quality brands but for me i just wanted to be different.
reputation, definitely needed a reputable, reliable manufacturer that stands behind their product in case anything needed support or service.
local bike shop (LBS) a friendly place i could develop a relationship where the people will know me. something i could order locally and get the service i need within proximity to my home.
reviews, needed to hear solid feedback from user groups, boards, as well as product reviews on the web and in magazines.
price, set my budget at 3K for sure there are allot more expensive bikes but for me this was the budget.
spent weeks comparing pricing and performance. trips to my LBS (anaheim hills bike) followed by test rides and research on the web you tube etc. lots of user forums reading what others recommend and product reviews. after all its a significant purchase right. i cut to a short list of candidate bikes, argon 18 e112, felt b12, and quintana roo cd 0.1
finally the day came when i had to make the buy decision. no more test rides or stalling, plus needed to spend a decent amount of time riding before the next event. and so the answer to this lil saga was argon 18 e112. would have liked the e114 and qroo because of the cock pit and one up in grade of carbon but both put me over budget and i can change the cock pit (and wheel set) down the road on my e112.
have to say i truly love this bike. it has changed my game on the bike leg, it takes every ounce of power i put into it and rewards me with speed. the bike is fast with excellent handling and looks amazing. i get the gear i want instantly and after 40 mile rides i don't have the crap beat out of me like the aluminum frame. the one and only recommendation i have for argon is to possibly put their name on the bike a few less times. else then that i have nothing but good things to say.
Stay tuned for part 2 wet suit review
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