Thanks a lot for your detailed input!
I had actually already looked at the P515 as a powermeter option – my main hesitation is just that if I decide to build two bikes in parallel, I'd be saving a fair bit by using pedal-based PMs I can swap between bikes. One bike will likely stay on the trainer most of the time anyway, so I wouldn’t need a second PM just for that.
From your message, I’m interpreting that you’re not a fan of the frames I mentioned – or is it more that you simply have no experience with them? I’d be interested to know if there’s a specific reason you’d avoid them.
I recently came across the ELVES Falath EXP Aero, which already comes with integrated extensions – could be a decent budget-friendly setup to get started, without diving in too deep all at once.
Appreciate your feedback – really helpful as I figure this all out!
No hating for Elves - they're solid brand with decent frames. The issue I am talking about is TT bike.
Assuming it's your first 70.3 you don't have a lot of experience in triathlon. That means you most likely don't have a lot of experience with TT bikes. Considering the bike you are looking at (Amanyar) is expensive, it will be a risky investment for a number of reasons:
- You don't know for sure it will fit you well (i.e. makes you go faster than on dropbar bike)
- Riding TT bikes is a very specific activity. Consider it as a DH bike on another end of spectrum, it will be fun in very specific cases and not even remotely resembles the versatility of a road bike
- Riding TT bikes is takes a lot of time to be efficient on them. Muscle load is quite different and you won't achieve your road power output for quite some time, they can also give more strain on you. This also includes metodical trial and error which position and gear works best.
- Reselling Elves as a Chinese frame will be difficult, it is not UCI legal which shrinks your aftermarket options even more
All that being said, my advise is to not throw the money you have into the risky investment. Hence, I suggest you to get a way cheaper used Trinity as a popular TT option to find out whether you enjoy riding TT bikes in general. Of course, you can get any other used TT bike, but be sure it has as much accessible adjustability as possible.
- Given proper work on your position you won't be any slower than on Elves (Trinity is proven fast frame)
- You will figure out what dimensions and fit you need without excessive money spent
- If it won't fit you well you can resell it for pretty much the same price you bought it.
Than you can spend more money on whatever road bike you want. As you mentioned, road bike with TT extensions is a compromise due to lesser adjustability and geometry features which enables comfortable TT position (HT DT angles, reach), but be mindful what comes with the frame. My requirement would include:
- very broad for/aft adjustment (or flip-flop seatpost) to get you closer to BB
- Handlebars must tolerate a lot of stack
- Ability to instal non-proprietary aero extension
It won't be as comfortable but you can win TT races/triathlons with such setup versus proper TT bikes.
All that is written is my POV and experience with riding many different bikes, I bet there will be people that say you must have a TT bike for triathlon
Regarding power meter, @SirBikealot expained the point pretty well - you are not saving money when buying Favero but have more parts to move around.
