Summary: I love this bike.
It's the most comfortable bike I've owned. I've got another road bike with a lot more carbon in it and it does not feel as comfortable as my Dual.
Spec-wise, it's got all the good components where you need it(D/A or Ultegra). The brake levers and the calipers are cheaper, but they work fine. I have had no issues with the FSA crank either. Absolutely NO flex here.
The stock Easton wheels have stood up very well for training and racing.
The vittoria Diamante Light tires are fast, has had no punctures, but wears out a little prematurely (2000Km)
There are great deals to be had on this bike. I've seen them at bike shows for $1100. If you get a chance to buy one at a cheap price... do it!
Strengths: Ride Quality.
Price.
Specs
Weaknesses: It's not quite as aerodynamic as some carbon frames, but it's still pretty aero!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Allez Expert
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Bike Setup: Stock Ultegra components; Shimano Compact FC-R700 crankset
Summary: I got the Dual after researching all the intro level tri bikes (Felt, Specialized, Quintana Roo). I have the Ultegra that came in the yellow color. This is far and away the best tri bike for the money and I have loved it since I got it. Much better components and engineering than any of the comparably priced competition. I have found it to be stiff enough to hammer in races, but comfortable enough for long weekend rides. I changed the stock 53/11 FSA crankset to a Compact Shimano so I can ride it in the hills. Great on the flats, not surprisingly a little squirrley on very fast descents. I pass a lot of people during the tri bike legs on this bike. Upgrade worthy and I think the best entry-level tri bike out there.
Strengths: Great value for entry level bike; comfortable saddle; stiff; really fun to ride; looks great.
Weaknesses: Haven't found any yet.
Similar Products Used: Felt S32, Quintana Roo Kilo
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Bike Setup: Ultegra components, Visiontech aerobars, Shimano R550 wheelset.
Summary: Great bike, I opted for the Ultegra bike, which was produced in limited amounts for the 2006 year and came in the sleek yellow color (cervelo.com). I was elated the first time I hopped on this thing and gave it a go. It responds very nicely, very stiff, no flex. Each push you put on the pedals delivers equal power to the road to get you moving. I've done 3 sprint and 1 olympic distance triathlon and 1 40k time trial on it, and I love it.
I did alot of research before buying this bike. I narrowed it down to 2 bikes: the Dual and the Specialized Transition Elite. The Elite didn't have the Ultegra components and I prefer the Visiontech aerobars of the Dual.
Strengths: Very strong frame, worthy of upgrades like race wheels, and possibly integrated aerobars. Decent wheelset for training.
Weaknesses: Only one possibility: the one bottle cage mount, but this is not a problem unless you want to go longer than Olympic. The Ultegra model comes with the cervelo base bars, which aesthetically are not as pleasing as the Visiontech base bar, but really a matter of taste.
Similar Products Used: Giant TCR One road bike Ultegra.
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Bike Setup: Nothing fancy. Use Look pedals and have put on an Xlab behind the seat bottle holder with attatchments for CO2, tubes, etc. Also use an Profile Design Aero Drink.
Summary: I researched the products in my limited price range (1200-2200} amd this machine stood out like no other. The aero frame is better than bikes twice the Dual's cost. The components (Ultegra 9 speed)are several "categories" better than similarly priced competitors. Nice Ritchey wheelset. I even love the Selle Italia seat. Rides like a dream and has the ability make adjustments in seat angle for more aggressive positioning. I ride a 60 cm. Trek road bike but was fitted to a 58 cm. Cervelo. I just love the bike. I'm not real big on cosmetic stuff, but this bike does look pretty nice even though red is not my favorite color. If you're planning an Ironman or a long course event, you may want to consider a behind the seat bottle system because you can only install one bottle holder on the seat tube. Also, consider the type of course(s) you'll be riding. The stock cassette is 11-23 (I think). Before IM Lake Placid (with some moderate hills), I swapped for a 12-26 cassette. At age 52 I'm not ashamed to admit that I wanted the reassurance of a bail-out gear. Really didn't need to go to it, but I just wanted to be prepared. I've never met anyone that does not absolutely LOVE the bike.
Strengths: price
quality of frame
no skimping on components
Nice wheelset
no other bike even close to this one in bang for buck
Weaknesses: You still have to train in order to accomplish goals. The bike, alas, is still human-powered.
Similar Products Used: My first, and only tri bike. I have ridden QR Tequilo, Litespeed saber, Cervelo P2, Felt(?)
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Bike Setup: Speedplay ChroMoly pedals. Stock from Cervelo except i changed the seat to match my Road bike. It has the Crotch Notch and i could tell the diference without it.
Summary: I bought the Dual after researching every other option. i wanted an intro Tri bike that was the best value. I thought the Dual was the best deal for the money. the other options were less money but i figured they weren't a bargain based on their frame design and component selection. The Dual is a few $$ more but the Ultegra Derailuers and FSA crank, Carbon strike aero bar, Ritchey wheels all added up to a better value. The Dual is a better design in terms of aerodynamics hands down. There is no competition in this price range. The next all important question, FIT. I ride a 59cm Litespeed Tuscany for a road bike. That works out to a 57.5cm top tube for my road bike plus a 90mm stem to fit me. I also use a laid back seatpost and the seat is pretty far back on it. The nose of my seat is a bout 10cm behind my BB. I researched the sizing options and I was surprised to find that the 56cm frame fit me so well. It's top tube size is 56cm, just slightly shorter than my road bike, in the relaxed seat post set up. It was a surprise that the size seems to fit. I have the seat set up a little forward on the rails. I imagine the fit will be a challenge if i want the forward seat post set up, since i have a 10cm stem on it now. Cervelo sizing is slightly different than Felt,QR,Litespeed etc. I hope my fitter did the right thing by putting me on the 56. I'm a pretty new Tri guy so we'll see how it goes. It feels good for now and i'm happy. I have gone 75 miles, so far so good
Strengths: The ride was pretty smooth, even compared to my Titanium road bike. That could be because of the wheels but seems ok for now. This bike is the best deal in the entry range. It's more than the Felt or the QR but it's components are way better. This is basically a 2200.00 bike from the other manufacturers for 1600 with a more aero frame. Good paint too.
Weaknesses: I haven't found one yet, maybe the one bottle mount. i might go with the behind the seat deal for longer rides. It's probably good for the sprint distance, with just one bottle.
Similar Products Used: This is it, my first Tri Bike. Other road stuff, Tuscany, Arenberg, Marin, Specialized. Bla
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