But they're stuck for several years, until new molds come out. They make these carbon molds, and in hindsight realize they could have done some things differently. The sizing is not that well graded in the TTX, making the TTX work well for a variety of morphological rider profiles, depending on the size.īut that's typical for a lot of bike companies. But that's because the TTX in its 54cm and 56cm sizes differs only 1cm in length, but 4cm in height. In 54cm we see the opposite: the TTX is longer than the Equinox 7. In other words, the cheaper Trek's geometry is arguably a bit stronger than the more expensive Trek's geometry in this 58cm size.īut Trek's tri bike geometry tends to be a little scattershot. The Equinox TTX could be a bit longer in this size, and it might fit a slightly greater cross section of people. For example, the 58cm sizes in both models are the same in height, but the Equinox 7 is 6mm longer. In some cases, the Equinox 7's geometry is perhaps slightly better than the corresponding TTX size. There are six sizes, compared to three for the TTX. The seat angle is a nominal 76° throughout the size run, but the frame uses the same palindromic seat post as does the TTX, so you can flip it and get the saddle equal or better than 80° of virtual seat angle, if need be. The tube diameters, construction, the shape of the fork, and frame graphics, are pretty close. In fact, you have to look close to know it's not the carbon TTX frame. And because those bikes are pretty darned good, Trek's got to offer something a little better to justify the bump in its sticker price.įor an aluminum frame, Trek's done a fine job. This bike sells for $1870, MSRP, and while your retailer might sell you this bike at a slightly lower price, it's still $300 above you'll expect to spend for the entry level Felt and $100 more than Cervelo's P1.
![fuji bikes near me fuji bikes near me](https://product.hstatic.net/200000051564/product/1f40570a5c39a367fa28_7b021d0d49674f48ad4a943909f8e9c8.jpg)
So, we're going to talk about the Equinox 7, which is Trek's entre into the tri bike category. But we're not going to talk about the upper three-quarters of Trek's tri bike line here, because this is an overview of entry level bikes. There's so much about these bikes to admire. Trek offers probably one of the top half-dozen tri bike lines going. Even though it is thought of by many as the premier road bike company in the world-maybe the premier bike company period-it still has an image problem when it comes to its tri and TT bikes.Īnd it's not fair, because Trek's Equinox TTX is a superb bike.
![fuji bikes near me fuji bikes near me](https://www.fujibikes.com/usa/img/bikes/find-your-fuji/2021_FUJI_NEVADA_29_13_SATIN_SAND.jpg)
The problem is this: If a customer steps into a shop and Trek is that shop's flagship tri bike line, can one blame the customer if he spins on his heels and walks out? No Cervelo? No Felt? Where's QR? What about Kuota? But if that shop has these other popular tri brands, Trek is considered, even by the retailer carrying the bikes, subordinate to several or all of these other lines in tri bike desirability. "Trek?" you might say? Yes, vaunted Trek, at least in triathlon, and the problem is at the point of sale. Thank goodness Lance is back racing, because Trek has an image problem. Nevertheless, there are two other models that ought to be taken seriously, and we'll write about them here. Retailers are reticent to order in a size run except from a stellar, flagship brand, and that pretty much means Cervelo, maybe Felt, and maybe Quintana Roo. Customers are fewer, because the $2500 to $3000 all carbon complete bike is the hot category. Margins are low, minimums to manufacture are high. This is a category offering diminishing returns for manufacturers.
![fuji bikes near me fuji bikes near me](https://www.fujibikes.com/usa/img/bikes/find-your-fuji/2021_FUJI_TRAVERSE_13_GRAY.jpg)
There are certainly more than the six we're reviewing on Slowtwitch, but not many more, and not among the majors. Not so today (late add: Giant still makes bikes in this price category). Specialized, Cannondale, Giant, Guru, Javelin, and others all had bikes for sale in or around this price category. If you go back just a few years ago, there were many more complete tri bikes sold in the $1400 to $1800 range.