Monday, February 12, 2007

Next Bike...

I just really like the idea of this bike. It's the new Giant Trinity Alliance Tri-bike. I just think for a big guy, it's the perfect bike. Of course, Giant's just started shipping them, and this is the first real picture I've seen from an owner (some guy on Slowtwitch posted it), and my LBS doesn't have any yet. This is the upgraded version - the less expensive one is red...which isn't bad either.

I could do without the Zipps - I just don't trust a wheel with spokes mounted into carbon (even clydesdale zipps...) - and I don't like the way he routed the shift cables. I guess I'm really worried about carbon over time, on one hand, and would really like to have a better ride than the all-aluminum bike I have now. Since this one has carbon mixed with aluminum, and the aluminum seems to be in the places I'm worried about (chainstay and bottom bracket) - and - it's got a 78 degree seat post angle, I really like it!

I'm always finding myself riding on the tip of my seat - and I have a long Profile Design Stryke saddle that's mounted as far foward as possible. My Felt has a 76 degree seat angle - who knows how much a difference 2 degrees would actually make, but it can't be a bad thing. I really should invest in a new seat post that extends foward a little - I've read somewhere that the ride on the seat is better when it's mounted in the center of the rails, like it's supposed to.

This bike is also priced right - $2k - and I like the colors, which really is the most important thing. I'll have to keep it on the wish list for a while, since I'm trying to save for a PowerTap setup. Maybe I'm crazy, but I want to get the hub mounted to a tubular rim - and get a matching front tubular for training. Then, I'll get a wheel cover for the PowerTap wheel, and on race day I'll put on my Hed Jet 90 up front, which is also a tubie. Why tubular? If it's good enough for the Discovery team on the tour, then it's good enough for me. I've glued one on my Hed Jet, and it really wasn't that hard - next time I'll try using the tape.


But then again, who knows? This bike, once I get a chance to test ride it, may not fit very well. For now, it's nice to just dream about a new bike.

7 comments:

S. Baboo said...

That is one sweet bike and I do love a blue bike...but you know Red is faster ;-)

I ride blue for most everything but race red, tires and helment included.

Bolder said...

Mmmmmm, bike porn!

tell you what, show me footage of a Disco rider changing his own flat, and, i'll ride tubies too!

Tim Troha agrees with you, so, i'll just have to agree to disagree...

TOO MUCH GLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

enuf said.

Di said...

ummmmm red is pretty. listen to Myles honey- red IS faster. Just ask my car.

chuck said...

I ride just like you said, right up on the nose of my seat. The PD Tri saddle works OK for you? comfortable?? I have been thinking about possibly getting one. -chuck

Anonymous said...

Cool blog, Marc! Looking forward to cheering you on Sunday w/ Di! Go Army! --Hope

Tri-Dummy said...

Sorry Myles...red is not faster.

Go Blue, Bigun.

That bike is bad@$$.

Anonymous said...

I have been eyeing that bike for a while as well. I don't think I'll be able to scrape the money together this year, but maybe next. If you get a chance to try out one of these babies, let us know how it goes.