Tri vs. Road Bike?

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2009-07-25 1:21 PM

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Subject: Tri vs. Road Bike?
This is more of a future oriented question, as I own a road bike but...
Just want to get everyones opinoin to the following question?

Which one do you recommend a tri or road bike?  Advantages/Disadvantages of both?

Let say your going to be doing 6 races a year, not looking to win just compete against myself?

As always thanks for the great info!

2009-07-25 1:37 PM
in reply to: #2307514

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Subject: RE: Tri vs. Road Bike?
i had that same question last september. ended up buying a trek madone. i love the bike but really regret the decision. the tri bug bit shortly after, i have now spent about 400 bucks converting my madone over with a base bar, aero bars, shifters and levers. i really wish i would of bought a tri bike. just my own experience.
2009-07-25 1:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri vs. Road Bike?
This is one of those questions that is really almost impossible for anyone but you to answer.

I ride on the road most of the time, with roadies, in a group, and do a lot of long events that are not really well suited to a tri bike.  However,  I ride my tri bike and consider it good training and am quite happy with the short comings of the bike and having to make up for them with my riding.  On the the other hand, I also ride TT's and many of the people I ride with put their aero bars on, disk wheels, helmets, etc for these TT's and they do well but would prefer a TT bike for these events.

In a perfect world you would have both

In my world I can only afford 1 (at the moment) and am happy with my Tri bike but think a road bike with aerobars would probably be more practical for most of my riding.  Eventually I will live in a "perfect world"

Michael
2009-07-27 11:44 AM
in reply to: #2307514


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Subject: RE: Tri vs. Road Bike?

This is not very scientific but here is my personal choice and why;

I have had 2 major back operations and recently purchased a used Quintana Roo Tri bike for a low impact exercise regime. It may have been the most well spent and endlessly enjoyable $500 I have ever spent. I am by no means a Triathlete, as I am simply unable to run (high impact). However, I do ride 20 - 35 miles daily with no residual back/leg pain whatsoever. I believe it is due to the skeleton supporting my body mass, as opposed to muscle. As well, the angle of the seat tube allows me to breathe freely in the aero position. I get the workout of a lifetime and can still bend over & tie my shoes. At 47 years old, I wish I tried the Tri bike sooner in life. I would also like to add that I now live in South Jersey where it is extremely flat, which further facilitates riding in the aero position. I think this would also be a major point of contention while purchasing a new bike.

2009-07-27 11:54 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri vs. Road Bike?
Keep your road bike and buy a tri bike. Best of both worlds.
2009-07-27 11:57 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri vs. Road Bike?
BJG85 - 2009-07-27 11:54 AM Keep your road bike and buy a tri bike. Best of both worlds.


X2 Easy peasy.

2009-07-27 1:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri vs. Road Bike?
Although I am still riding a mountain bike, I am looking for a new bike and have decided on a tri bike.  I only race in Tri's.  I have no interested in cycling only events.  I train alone and don't plan on doing any group rides.

I can't think of any reason I would chose a road bike over a tri bike. 

You have to decide how you will ride?
2009-07-27 3:10 PM
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2009-07-27 3:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri vs. Road Bike?
wgraves7582 - 2009-07-27 3:10 PM

the bear - 2009-07-27 12:57 PM
BJG85 - 2009-07-27 11:54 AM Keep your road bike and buy a tri bike. Best of both worlds.


X2 Easy peasy.

So is Divorce.  I am still trying to justify the 5 I already have, much less convince her that I need not 1, but 2, new bikes.



You have five bikes that don't include a road bike or a tri bike? And if divorce is so easy, why do you have to convince your wife when you want to make a purchase?
2009-07-27 3:30 PM
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2009-07-27 3:51 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri vs. Road Bike?
I would say it depends on if you live in a flat or hilly area.  Road bikes generally climb better due to the geometry of the frame.  Also, do you ride alone generally or ride in groups.  Aero bars on a rod bike work fine as well.  Not sure what your budget is, but some of the Cervelo bikes (and probably other brands have a similar model) you can switch the seat post around to compeltely change the geometry and give you some of the best of both worlds.  That is what I would do if you test ride and like the bike of course.

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