I am trying to decide between these three bikes, Trek 1500, Lemond Tourmalet, Javelin Parma. I am about 6' with a 34 inseam. I fit in about a 56 frame. I was in a bad accident four years ago and currently training for my first tri in April. Surgery on my stomach and accross my chest has left my with some weakness and inflexibility. I only see this to be a problem immediately as I prefer sitting in a less aerodynamic position right now. I dont know what to buy. I plan to ride all three bikes this week. Never have really biked before. I am really concerned about spending to much money unnecessarily. However, I ran competitively for years and know that I will probably try to continue in triathlons and even biking with the local clubs.

Lemond Tourmalet 2004 6066 Aluminum
Bontrager Select Shimano 105 STI Dual Controls
Shimano 105 39/53 Shimano 105
Shimano Ultegra SS $949.99 51, 57
Bontrager Carbon Alloy dual pivot

Javelin Parma 2005
Wheelset: Alex DR13, Kenda Tires Levers: Campagnolo Mirage ErgoCranks: RPM (36/50 config) Campagnolo Mirage
RD Campagnolo Xenon Fork: Zero Carbon 1 1/8
Brake Calipers: Tektro 423

Please help!
Am I missing the boat. Is this a no-brainer. Are these bikes worth around $1K.

Thanks, :)

I am trying to decide between these three bikes, Trek 1500, Lemond Tourmalet, Javelin Parma. I am about 6' with a 34 inseam. I fit in about a 56 frame. I was in a bad accident four years ago and currently training for my first tri in April. Surgery on my stomach and accross my chest has left my with some weakness and inflexibility. I only see this to be a problem immediately as I prefer sitting in a less aerodynamic position right now. I dont know what to buy. I plan to ride all three bikes this week. Never have really biked before. I am really concerned about spending to much money unnecessarily. However, I ran competitively for years and know that I will probably try to continue in triathlons and even biking with the local clubs.

Lemond Tourmalet 2004 6066 Aluminum
Bontrager Select Shimano 105 STI Dual Controls
Shimano 105 39/53 Shimano 105
Shimano Ultegra SS $949.99 51, 57
Bontrager Carbon Alloy dual pivot

Javelin Parma 2005
Wheelset: Alex DR13, Kenda Tires Levers: Campagnolo Mirage ErgoCranks: RPM (36/50 config) Campagnolo Mirage
RD Campagnolo Xenon Fork: Zero Carbon 1 1/8
Brake Calipers: Tektro 423

Please help!
Am I missing the boat. Is this a no-brainer. Are these bikes worth around $1K.

Thanks, :)



You're 1st hunch is correct. This IS a no-brainer. For that price, Bontrager carbons, Shimano 105s? That is a pretty sweet deal from that bike shop. I'd get the Lemond.

Well.. there are a couple things here. Now I own the same year Tourmalet and I love it but there are a few things to consider.

1st: Geometry.... you mentioned you currently can't ride in much of an aero position, will this change later down the line? The Lemond has a long top tube compared to other bikes (and the Trek too I suppose.) This is going to a more stretched out position but you can always play with the stem set up. This bike comes with an internal headset and something like 3cm of moveable spacers even after the 1.5cm headset top. So stock you have lots of options as far as handlebar setups.

2nd: The components... the Javelin comes with Mirage which, in all honesty, is entry level. I had a Bianchi equiped with Mirage and the drivetrain was quite finicky and some parts are plastic versus metal on better groupsets. The Lemond comes with 105 cranks, front derailleur, and shifters and an Ultegra rear derailleur. I think for the price point you get a lot.

Again, I'm slightly biased but just go ride each on, look into getting fit to see what size you need and go from there.