Cervelo P2
Best: Entry-Level Frame 1 of 10
Price: $2,800
Frame/Fork: Cervelo All-Carbon
Components: Shimano 105/FSA mix
Wheelset: Shimano RS010
The P2 has always been at the top of the class for entry-level tri bikes. In 2014, Cervelo redesigned the P2, improving the handling, stiffness, and frame dimensions. The components that come stock with the P2 could use a few upgrades, but for $2,800 you won't find a better frame.
SCOTT Plasma 10
Best: Mid-Level Tri Bike 2 of 10
Price: $5,599
Frame: SCOTT Plasma 2
Components: Dura Ace, FSA SLK mix
Wheelset: Shimano WH R501
SCOTT Plasma 10 Continued
Best: Mid-Level Tri Bike 3 of 10
The pros keep their bars low, but that doesn't mean you should. The frame design of the Plasma 10 puts the bars at a realistic stack height for those of us who aren't getting paid to race, and it's also one of the most adjustable setups you'll find anywhere. The mix of Dura Ace and Ultegra elevate the price, but the performance gains are evident. If you're looking for a mid-level tri bike, this is a good pick.
Specialized Alias Pro Tri
Best: Women's Performance 4 of 10
Price: $6,000
Frame: Fact 10r Carbon
Components: Shimano Dura Ace
Wheelset: Roval Rapide CL 40
Speciliazed Alias Pro Tri Continued
Best: Women's Performance 5 of 10
Riding in aerobars for long miles just isn't comfortable, no matter how you swing it. The exception to the rule is the Alias Pro, which has the aero-shaped tubes that shave seconds but a geometry that just feels right once it's dialed in. We also like that the Alias is available in different models that cut the price in half with lower-end specs. The Roval Rapide CL 40 are one of the best stock wheelsets you'll find on any bike right out of the box, and are one of few instances when you won't need an upgrade.
Trek Speed Concept 9.9
Best: Dream Bike 6 of 10
Price: $11,549
Frame/Fork: 600 Series OCLV Carbon
Components: Dura Ace Di2
Wheelset: Bontrager Aeolus 5 D3
Trek Speed Concept 9.9 Continued
Best: Dream Bike 7 of 10
One of the fastest and most expensive triathlon bikes on the market, I expected big things from the Speed Concept 9.9 and it did deliver. What stood at to me the most though was the pure speed and comfort that this bike design accomplishes. Some bikes are fast, and others are comfortable, but it's tough to find a machine that is both. While this might not justify the price for some, it does come down to how much you have to spend. Is this bike better than the Cervelo P3, or other top models in the $5,000 to $7,000 price range? Absolutely. Whether or not it's worth the price for you is something you'll have to determine for yourself. But if you're the kind of racing cyclist looking for every edge possible over your competition, you'll get it in the 9.9.
Cannondale Slice 5 105
Best: Tri Bike for Beginners 8 of 10
Price: $2,450
Frame: Slice Full Carbon
Components: Shimano 105 5700
Wheelset: Shimano R501A
Cannondale Slice 5 105 Continued
Best: Tri bike for beginners 9 of 10
Shimano 105 components, a solid frame and tri-specific geometry—what's not to love? At $2,450, the Slice 5 is the best of the best when it comes to beginner tri bikes. The stability is excellent and the stock setup won't hurt your race-day performance. If you do want to upgrade, a new wheelset would make this bike even faster.
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