Tri Specific Bike

Exactly what bike you should buy really depends on what brand/model give the best fit for you. I really like the Cervelo P2 that I got last December. For some reason I was able to get a much better fit on it than with my road bike, particularly the Trek 1.2 that I have here, and that makes it a lot more comfortable when riding at higher speeds or for longer periods of time. My roadie is a "women's" model and since I'm rather lanky, I suspect the top tube is too short to get me into a really comfortable and efficient position when in aero.

In my case, I just rode the new bike a couple of times a week on the trainer until (I think), early March, owing to some travel that kept me away from here and the new bike, and then just being hesitant about taking a fancy carbon tri bike out on the road. From then on, I took it out once a week (I ride about three miles to/from an area with no outside traffic where I can train in aero on Sundays) until my HIM on May 11. For me, that, plus riding it on the trainer, was enough to get used to the bike and race a HIM on it with no real issues. I hadn't ridden a tri bike before (though have ridden my road bike with aerobars for two years) and was a bit hesitant about the handling at first, but it took maybe four rides to get to a similar level of comfort as with the road bike. No real issues with seat, back, etc. even after 3+ hours in aero. I guess that's a credit to the fitter in doing a really good job! I'm not particularly coordinated and don't have a big biking background, so I'd say that if I could go from never riding a tri bike to racing a HIM on one in two to three months, most people could if they had a proper fit and put in some rides.

I did have one moment of freakout in the HIM in the first km, when it felt like the bike was wobbling from side to side. I thought it was a mechanical issue but the sensation went away about 1.5 km in. It apparently was due to gusting crosswinds that others mentioned later. Somehow I'd never ridden the tri bike in those particular conditions, so it was a little disconcerting! It's considerably lighter than my roadie with twitchier steering, and I'm pretty light to begin with, so it was a bit like holding in a bucking bronco until the wind let up, I picked up enough forward momentum, or both! The more you can get out and ride the bike, the more likely you'll experience different riding conditions and handling quirks, so you can be more confident in the race.

I would recommend you get your new tri bike at least before you start your IM training plan (say 6 months out). A month before that would be even better. You'll need time to get used to the geometry and anything you aren't used to (aero position for one, shifting and braking). The handling will seem squirrelly at first, and over time you'll feel much more stable and relaxed. This process could take awhile to get full confidence, ie. windy and rainy conditions, poorer roads, etc.

I would also recommend a few shorter races on it, to get ready for the "big one". Although not absolutely necessary, but a good idea. This way you can work out problems such as carrying nutrition and hydration, spare tires & flat kit, metrics for speed/distance/power...yet much will be the same as when you use it for long rides in training. Another thing if you plan shipping your bike, you'll need to know how to get it packed/disassembled/re-assembled. Also if you have race wheels that need adjustment of the derailleur or change of brake pads....just "stuff" associated with racing vs. training.

As for your second question...I like the Cervelo P2. Good value and is simply a great bike. But your budget accommodates a good range of tri bikes. Take some time to find one that fits you well. There are lots to pick from !