Which bike for super-sprint length racing?

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Which bike for super-sprint length racing? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2008-10-13 7:45 PM

User image

Veteran
253
1001002525
Sarasota FL
Subject: Which bike for super-sprint length racing?

Hello all, I'm a total newbie, training to not embarrass myself at a local super-sprint length tri.

I'm torn between two bikes at the same price-point of $550.

I'd like advice about whether I'd see a real time saving with the more "road" type for 10-16 mile bike race portions as a casual competitor.

 The two bikes:

1. Redline d440 "29er" weighing 29 pounds

http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/d440.html

 or

2. Motobecane Fantom CX weighing 24 pounds

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx.htm

 

I'd like to have the Redline "29er" because of it's off road fun when not racing, but am worried I'd be sacrificing too much speed during a race.  Buying both doesn't seem smart.  

Help!

Thanks,

steve

 

2008-10-13 8:46 PM
in reply to: #1740103

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2008-10-14 2:13 AM
in reply to: #1740103

Subject: RE: Which bike for super-sprint length racing?
On a super sprint you're going to have everything from beach cruiser single speed bikes to $3,000 tri bikes. Literally everything.

Get the one you want and you won't be the only one there with that type of bike, I guarantee you that
2008-10-14 4:40 AM
in reply to: #1740670

Regular
501
500
Essex, England
Subject: RE: Which bike for super-sprint length racing?
Get the road bike. As most people do you will get hooked and then start looking at longer distance races where it makes sense to have the road bike. Unless you are able to buy another bike in the near future.
2008-10-14 6:14 AM
in reply to: #1740103

Pro
6767
500010005001001002525
the Alabama part of Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Which bike for super-sprint length racing?

Another recommendation to go for the road bike.  The Redline is really more of a light commuter than a real mtn bike, and I don't think you'd enjoy the off-road experience with it very much.  The only place it may be better than the road bike is on gravel or wood chip trails, but not really true single track. So you would end up dissatisfied with your purchase both on road trips and off road.

If you want a bike for off road, you'll almost certainly want knobbier tires and a suspension front fork. At a sprint or super sprint (or even some Oly's) you would see mtn bikes out there, so if you think you want to do more mtn biking than road riding, go for it.  But I would suggest trying both types of bikes out first.  I'm sure eventually you will get one of each...

2008-10-14 6:22 AM
in reply to: #1740103

Veteran
253
1001002525
Sarasota FL
Subject: RE: Which bike for super-sprint length racing?

Thanks everyone, I've ridden the Redline and it rides the florida off-road perfectly.  I'm only entering a supersprint tri because I like to ride- the run part's gonna kill me. 

Still, the advice here will be taken and I'll get the cyclocross bike.  I'll try it off road after the race- if i break it, well, we'll see then what happens.

Cheers,

steve

 

2008-10-14 6:26 AM
in reply to: #1740103

Elite
2527
200050025
Armpit of Ontario
Subject: RE: Which bike for super-sprint length racing?

Look at what you will be doing with the bike the majority of the time and let that be your guide. If you want a do-everything bike, a cyclocross would be great, but a commuter would work. If you will be using it the majority of the time for off-road trail riding, then buy a MTB. There's no sense buying a road bike without knowing if you will enjoy road riding or plan on doing more road racing or triathlons in the future; it could end up sitting in the garage while you wish you had a MTB, or else show up in the classifides where you'll only recoup a portion of what you paid.

There are some things that can maximize your enjoyment and speed while riding a MTB on the road: namely getting slicks (smooth tires/no tread) and keeping in mind that a full suspension bike will slow you down more d/t weight and bobbing. If you can get a MTB with a suspension that locks out, all the better.

What about getting a couple of used bikes? One for offroad and one for the road? Check out your local craigslist, kijiji, bike shops, clubs, etc.

 

 

 



Edited by sty 2008-10-14 6:27 AM
2008-10-14 12:16 PM
in reply to: #1740103

Elite
2443
200010010010010025
Athens, Georgia
Subject: RE: Which bike for super-sprint length racing?
What super sprint are you planning on doing? And used MTBs are pretty easy to come by in florida for under that price point. I started training on a MTB. I got hooked quickly and had to get a bike better suited. I caught a Javelin tri bike on closeout and that helped me make the decision before I ever raced. I am very glad I did so but I still ride my MTB off road. You have to figure out which will get more use. Most super sprints are pretty short bike rides. You could get away with the MTB but you will not be able to take the Motobecane off road.

My personal choice would be the road bike because I love riding now but that is me. I would love to do another super sprint before the year is over so let me know what race you are doing.
2008-10-14 12:26 PM
in reply to: #1740681

Regular
83
252525
New York
Subject: RE: Which bike for super-sprint length racing?

Pashda - 2008-10-14 5:40 AM Get the road bike. As most people do you will get hooked and then start looking at longer distance races where it makes sense to have the road bike. Unless you are able to buy another bike in the near future.

 

X2!  I went for one training ride on my mountain bike when I first started...   came home put it in the garage and went straight to the LBS and got a road bike.  Best move I ever made!  

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Which bike for super-sprint length racing? Rss Feed