BP Stealth AC-Tri

Price Paid:  $379.00 at bikeparts.net

Favorite Ride:
Ironman Wisconsin course

Bike Setup:
Profile Carbon X bars, Profile BDC fork, Dura ace shifters, BB, chain, Ultegra cassette, pedals, Shimano 105 Black crankset and derailleurs, thomson elite seatpost, Selle San Marco Azoto Triathlon Gel saddle, Profile Aqua Rack and Karbon Kage, Shimano WH-R540 wheelset

Summary:
This frame is great. I wanted an aluminum aero triathlon geometry frame that was reasonably lightweight without spending a fortune, and this frame was the answer. Built up the bike is about 18 lbs, and the whole thing is only about $1800. The frame was $380, which was a great deal for what I got. The frame is stiff when accelerating and climbing, and is aerodynamic with a headwind. The black finish makes the bike look really stealthy too. The compact geometry saves some weight too, and makes the rear triangle smaller for handling and stiffness. This bike will be great for the Ironman Wisconsin. Highly recommend.

Strengths:
Stiff, aerodynamic, geometry, reasonably lightweight for an aero aluminum frame, black finish is cool

Weaknesses:
The front derailleur cable hits the aero seattube before it reaches the derailleur, had to use teflon tube to prevent rubbing against frame

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1000

Price Paid:  $527.00 at Bike Parts.net

Favorite Ride:
Fast ones

Bike Setup:
bp Stealth FTT deep aero fork, Profile Carbon X bars, Dura Ace, FSA carbon cranks, bp Stealth aero carbon seatpost, Selle Italia SLR, Specialized Tri spokes

Summary:
Just built it up last week and I have several rides on it now. The fit and finish is pretty good for a $300 bike. The bike is smooth and responsive. The BB is stiff during out of the saddle sprints. With full aero gear it is a pretty fast machine. I've already recorded sub-1 hour in the 40k TT without pushing it. I love the look of the black finish on the frame although I think there were too many decals on the bike so I took of all but the downtube decals. Definetly worth the price for a smooth, comfortable, aero frame. The FTT deep carbon aero fork is awesome. It really makes the bike look and handle great. At speed (35 mph) the fork is smooth and predictable. Even in a cross wind with Tri spoke wheels there is no trouble steering.

Strengths:
Good looking finish. Smooth predictable ride and an awesome price tag.

Weaknesses:
None yet.

Similar Products Used:
Colnago CT-1, Scapin, Kestrel.