Perhaps it’s not fair for me to review a bike that I’ve only ridden once, especially when it’s my first tri-bike. If I weren’t aware that there is some adjustment that needs to happen, I’d be saying this thing is a piece of junk and I don’t know how anyone can ride one, because man, a tri-bike is quite different than a road bike. But I’m aware that it takes a few weeks to adjust to riding a tri-bike as your shoulders, back, and neck get used to being contorted at the angles they need to be in order for your body to be in a more aerodynamic position.
That said, my thoughts on the bike, which happens to be a Quintana Roo Seduza. This is not a low-end triathlon bike by any stretch, but it is the lowest priced of Quintana Roo’s carbon-frame tri-bikes, which is why I chose it. I put some Shimano Ultegra pedals on it, an XLab Deluxe Carbon Wing system, a Cobb V-Flow Plus saddle, and…I think that’s it. Here are my initial thoughts, which may change somewhat as I get used to the bike:
1. The bike comes with Vision Clip On J-Bars for the aero bars…and I must say I’m not a fan of clip-ons because they can slip, and somehow I always tend to put weight on them in such a way as to make them slip. I’d like to get something that is all one piece so that when I put too much weight on them they just break. But actually I’m not sure any aero bars are made to be all one piece, since people generally want to be able to adjust the bars to be closer together or farther apart.
2. The front chain has been slipping, although apparently that’s just a tuning issue I need to get fixed.
3. The wheels aren’t bad, but they’re not great either. It’s probably the next upgrade I’ll make to the bike, that is, to some carbon race wheels.
4. I’ve had a hard time adjusting the seat. I don’t read instructions, and maybe that’s why, but the screws for tightening/adjusting the seat tilt don’t seem straightforward to me, and I had problems with the seat getting loose during my first ride.
It’s hard for me to come up with positives, because I’ve never ridden another tri-bike, and maybe this bike is perfect, other than for the four items I mentioned above, and that’s why I’m not noticing more things. Anyway, I’m looking forward to getting used to it, because I can definitely see how it will be an advantage to be in that aero position during my next triathlon.
Update: You wouldn’t think having the right helmet would make such a difference, but MAN, it sure did. Read my aero-helmet review here. The two other major improvements were that we got my seat adjusted to the right angle, and the front derailleur tuned right so that the chain wasn’t slipping off, and it’s like riding an entirely different bike (a much better one). I just got back from a three-hour ride on it and I’m loving it.
Did that seat sort it self out?
Mines is all oveer the place. Just does not seem to want to clamp.
Sort of…I’ve just learned that you need to really screw those things in super tight.
How is the bike treating you now? I just ordered my Seduza and will have it in a week. Looking forward to it though like you its my first tri-bike and I am not the most flexible person in the world so the positining could be quite a challenge. Any thing you want to share that would reduce my learning curve would be greatly appreciated.
At this point I’m loving it. I just needed to get it all adjusted and fit right. Now I love riding it, although my back and shoulders are still getting used to being in the aero position.
Finally found a road smooth enough and straight enough to get into the aero position and stay there for a decent amount of time. Not bad but will take some getting used to the handling and positioning. Bike feels good and I am looking forward to riding it often.
So how do you like the Seduza after you have had it a while? Any other bike for the price you would have looked at? Thanks
I love it now. Granted, I haven’t ridden any other tri bike so there isn’t much basis for comparison, but I have zero complaints other than that I’d like to get a new set of aero bars. The pads on these seem to be too close to the ends but they can’t be adjusted.
I was also interested in the Scott Plasma 30, but they were sold out (everywhere, not just at my local triathlon/bike shop), and my local shop had a good deal on the QR, so there you go.
this is funny Joshua, it felt as if I was reading one of my reviews on this bike. I’ve already had to replace the rear tire because it was rubbng against the frame and now need the chain replaced. All of this at around 1,500 to 1,700 miles on the bike. I was told by a bike mechanic that the screws were not adjusted properly which caused these problems.
If I decide to continue using this bike I plan on upgrading the wheels and replacing the aero bars, I dont care much for standard sets that came with the bike. Getting really comfortable with this bike was difficult for me, about two months 500 – 700 miles.
I would recommend a Trek or Specialized tri-bike over the Q-Roo, but you’ll have to pay a little more.
I just got my Seduza, but going from a Felt S32 (actually two of them) the Seduza is made for a taller rider. I don’t feel nearly as compact and the ride is smooth as butter. Component package and all carbon frame are unmatchable at the price point. Fully adjustable angle on the seat is awesome. After a good fit I love it. QR has been doing tri bikes their entire existence and for me it shows. Couldn’t be happier, and I spent a lot of time looking at other bikes in the same general range, (Felt, Trek, Cannondale) QR did it for me.