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dilemma : road bike or tri bike ?
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 2009-09-18 12:55 AM |
Master  2855     Kailua, Hawaii |  Subject: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ?I know this must be a common question, but what are your opinions on getting either a Tri or Road bike ? I'd love a nice new carbon Tri bike, but $$. Good ones start at $2k, and then you need a "race" wheelset, more $  Currently I ride a older Trek 2200, for training and races. It's comfortable, but think I would have faster performance on a decent Tri bike...but...if I get a Tri bike, it's going to be a LOT nicer than my old road bike, and so, that means probably another road bike. Not sure I have the budget. How do I split up my training on both bikes ? obviously I wouldn't train on the Tri bike all the time or would I ? Is there some Road bike that is a good compromise ? perhaps slightly adjustable to get best of both worlds ? thanks for your thoughts... |
| 2009-09-18 7:17 AM in reply to: #2413113 |
Champion 7136 Knoxville area | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? What are your goals? Do you plan to train primarily alone? Or in group rides? Do you plan to race in Tri's or TT's primarily, or road races? You will not be leaps and bounds faster on a tri bike than a road bike (considering they are both set up / fitted correctly) In longer races, you will (arguably) be more comfortable, and fresher for the run. There's nothing wrong with a nice aluminum bike, and you don't NEED race wheels. A compromise... well, I've heard good things about the cervelo P1. It could be set up as a roadie or a tri bike. Also, a lot of Kestrel Talons are set up both ways. good luck |
| 2009-09-18 1:17 PM in reply to: #2413113 |
Master 1927 Guilford, CT | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? Well, to address one of your statement, if you are looking for something that is more adjustable than almost any other bike I know of that fits close to your price range. I like having a road bike though and find it hard to part with. I'd only afford the TT bike I want if I sell what I have... |
| 2009-09-18 1:57 PM in reply to: #2413219 |
Master 2855 Kailua, Hawaii | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? Leegoocrap - 2009-09-19 2:17 AM What are your goals? Do you plan to train primarily alone? Or in group rides? Do you plan to race in Tri's or TT's primarily, or road races? You will not be leaps and bounds faster on a tri bike than a road bike (considering they are both set up / fitted correctly) In longer races, you will (arguably) be more comfortable, and fresher for the run. There's nothing wrong with a nice aluminum bike, and you don't NEED race wheels. A compromise... well, I've heard good things about the cervelo P1. It could be set up as a roadie or a tri bike. Also, a lot of Kestrel Talons are set up both ways. good luck thanks for your input, answers to your questions: 1. goals : to improve my performance of mostly Oly size Tri's. Train and tackle a 1/2 IM. 2. I train both by myself and with a group (they mix TT and Road bikes) 3. mostly Tri's with occasional road race. I've read where the Kestrel's are kinda sketchy now due to Fuji's ownership, or is that bunk ? I was looking at Felt B16 and Cervelo P2 (just casually at a LBS ... ) |
| 2009-09-18 2:25 PM in reply to: #2413113 |
Champion 7136 Knoxville area | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? If you train with a particular group and want to continue doing so, I would make sure that they would be ok with you riding a Tri bike. Group ride's are generally not fun on a tt bike but considering you already have a road bike already, I am leaning towards suggesting a Tri bike for what you are wanting. *although, as always, it's very easy to spend somebody elses money. Edited by Leegoocrap 2009-09-18 2:26 PM |
| 2009-09-18 2:42 PM in reply to: #2413113 |
Master 1993 Riverside, IL | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? The Cervelo S1, as acumenjay pointed out...is a dual-purpose bike. Meaning, it can be set up as a road bike, or with a few adjustments and add-ons (like aerobars), a tri bike. It was designed with an off-set bottom bracket that allows for both road and tri geometry. I happen to ride an S2 (the carbon version of that bike). I have never converted it over to a "dedicated" tri-bike, because I'm quite happy riding it as a roadie...however, I do have clip-on aerobars (Profile Jammer GT) just for another riding position. |
| 2009-09-18 4:05 PM in reply to: #2413113 |
Master 2855 Kailua, Hawaii | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? thanks for the tips. Seems like the P1 or P2 is something to consider. the main reason for the tri bike is to save the legs for the run, does that really work ? I would assume your training must be focused on the particular geometry you choose in a Tri, since each uses slightly different muscle group. right ? |
| 2009-09-18 8:28 PM in reply to: #2413113 |
| 24 | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? I picked up an '08 Kestrel Talon in the road configuration from my LBS for a song a week ago and love it, the bike is really a lot nicer than I thought it would be. The aero carbon frame is solid stiff and responsive but the roads that rattle my teeth on my old (very nice) Italian steel frame are much smoother feeling. It's equipped with Dura-ace, an FSA SL-K light hollow carbon crank. And I generally do my own wrenching so I'm not too worried about Fuji's famed lack of customer support. The carbon mast has two positions for the seat so I can clip on full length aero bars move the seat forward and have almost tri/TT (or relaxed if you prefer) geometry, which is exciting for me. I think it would be unwise to have only a tri bike, but as you have a working road bike I have a hard time suggesting another road bike. Though again I can't sing the praises of the Talon enough. As far as training goes if you do go the tri bike route, you will probably like to use the road bike for lower intensity training and group rides with your cyclist buddies. |
| 2009-09-18 8:58 PM in reply to: #2414401 |
Champion 9407 Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? metafizx - 2009-09-18 6:05 PM the main reason for the tri bike is to save the legs for the run, does that really work ? There is no good evidence for this; there was a study that indicated this but IMO the conclusion was not supported by the data. The benefit of the tribike is that it puts your body in a more aerodynamic position so you can go faster for the same effort. I would assume your training must be focused on the particular geometry you choose in a Tri, since each uses slightly different muscle group. right ? Not neccessary; I put in the majority of my training on my road or commuter bikes and will only pull out the tribike for a prerace ride and the race itself (probably <15 rides per summer). Shane Edited by gsmacleod 2009-09-18 8:58 PM |
| 2009-09-18 9:37 PM in reply to: #2413113 |
| Master 2460 | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? For amateurs, the difference between the road bike+aerobars and tribike is not significant. Unless you are a top-flight amateur who can qualify for Kona, you will gain far more from training than you will about worrying over tribike vs roadbike+aeros. Get the best-fitting bike at the best price you can - and one that also satisfies your "bling" factor (significant!) . Road bikes are more "flexible" in that you are welcome in group rides, so I would recommend taht, but for solo rides or group rides welcoming aerobars, tribikes are fine in all situations. I ride my TT bike on hairy mtn sidewinder fast descents and I often outpace the pure roadies who claim my TT bike has inferior handling. Both options will be excellent for triathlons. If you like the group option, go roadbike. |
| 2009-09-19 12:13 AM in reply to: #2413113 |
Master 2855 Kailua, Hawaii | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? thanks ! all good points to think about. |
| 2009-09-19 6:10 AM in reply to: #2414774 |
Champion 9407 Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? agarose2000 - 2009-09-18 11:37 PM For amateurs, the difference between the road bike+aerobars and tribike is not significant. I disagree with this; it depends on the athlete and what type of position they want to adopt on the bike. If they are going to ride an upright position, then there will likely be little difference between the two. However, if they want to ride with a very aero position, this will be hard to get into on a road bike because of the slack seat tube, top tube length and head tube height. Unless you are a top-flight amateur who can qualify for Kona, you will gain far more from training than you will about worrying over tribike vs roadbike+aeros. As I posted in another thread the other day, as Tom A from ST would say, "Sometimes it is getting the most speed out of the engine you have." While training will definitely pay the biggest dividends, if someone can afford it, then why wouldn't they look to buy some time? Shane Edited by gsmacleod 2009-09-19 6:11 AM |
| 2009-09-19 6:18 AM in reply to: #2413113 |
Champion 9407 Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? As to the OP, I would keep your road bike and get a tribike and if you really feel a need for a race wheelset, I would get a cover for the back wheel and an aero front. Personally I would start with the tribike and then decide after a season whether or not to go with a race wheelset. As for the 2200, there is nothing wrong with that bike and the frame and components should serve you very well for many years to come. I personally wouldn't go with a dual purpose bike with the intent of switching cockpits and saddle positions back and forth depending on your given ride; this is going to become a huge PITA. The athletes I know who thought about this either have the S1 permanently in road configuration or switch it permanently for race season. Since you already have a solid road bike, I would go with a good tribike and then you have the best of both worlds. Shane |
| 2009-09-19 6:32 AM in reply to: #2413113 |
Champion 19812 MA | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? I'd get a tri bike and not worry about race wheels now. Key to any bike is get one that fits you well. As others have said tri bikes allows you to go faster in more aero position with the same effort. I have tri, road and cross bike. I ride my tri bike almost always unless cyclocross training or riding in crappy weather. My road race team lets me ride my tri bike in group rides but usually I bring my road bike. Right now there are some great deals to be had. Look at Trisports.com....they have the second to top Quintano Roo for $1400 off. A lot of bikes will be less expensive in '10 and the '09 models are/will be marked down considerably. If you buy local be sure to get a good fit but before you buy a bike do some internet searches to see if the local price is right. Often when bikes are marked down in the fall the mark down varies greatly between stores..some may mark them down 10% others 35%. |
| 2009-09-19 9:57 AM in reply to: #2413113 |
| Master 2460 | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? Points valid above, but overwhelming evidence shows that a TT/tribike vs roadbike with aerobars will only net you about 1 minute per HOUR of riding - at 25+mph. It is true that you will get a slightly better postion on a true TT bike, but the time difference for a non-top flight amateur is negliglbe. Maybe 1.5 minutes if you're around 18-22 mph. And this is for a 2.5+ hour olympic distance race. What is that, 0.2%? Even a $150 aero helmet will give you similar results to the TT bike or the race wheels. Edited by agarose2000 2009-09-19 10:00 AM |
| 2009-09-19 10:28 AM in reply to: #2415056 |
Champion 9407 Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? agarose2000 - 2009-09-19 11:57 AM Points valid above, but overwhelming evidence shows that a TT/tribike vs roadbike with aerobars will only net you about 1 minute per HOUR of riding - at 25+mph. It is true that you will get a slightly better postion on a true TT bike, but the time difference for a non-top flight amateur is negliglbe. Maybe 1.5 minutes if you're around 18-22 mph. And this is for a 2.5+ hour olympic distance race. What is that, 0.2%? Even a $150 aero helmet will give you similar results to the TT bike or the race wheels. I would take a minute off a 40km TT regardless of how long I was going to be on course. For most OD triathletes, this is going to be a savings of at least 1% of their overall bike split (and likely more). As for the aero helmet and wheels, why wouldn't you combine them with a good tribike for even more savings. Is that worth $2000? For some, yes, and for some, it's the fun factor alone that's worth it, and I'm ok with that. (I LOVE bikes!) Agree, if you can afford it (and it seems the OP can) then I would have both a tri and road bike (and cross bike, and MTB, and commuter, and fixed, and...) However, if you're talking performance, again, training trumps all. I'll still be a FOP rider even on a $275 WalMart roadbike on race day, and it won't even matter much if I'm not aero (ok, 2 minutes on <2.5 hrs of racing an Oly.) I'd probably lose a minute on the bike - but come on - unless you are BLAZING through your transitions, you're wasting your cash for performance unless you're a Kona-bound level triathlete. So if someone blazes through transition, then they can look at getting a tribike? Why do you feel that the only athletes that should ride tribikes are those who are Kona bound? Every person's reason for being involved in sport and purchasing equipment are their own. As for performance benefit, this year I outsplit an athlete who rode ~260W in a sprint race on a road bike with clipons, aerohelmet and race wheels while I rode ~200W on a tribike with an aerohelmet and aero front and disc back. For me, although I always want to bring up my power, I will take a faster bike split than an athlete who puts out 60W more power. As a relatively new person to triathlons, you will save more FAR more time by spending 2 weekends working on transitions than you will on a $2000 TT bike or $2000 race wheels. Agreed, however if an athlete can afford it, why not do both? Get the TT bike if it's fun for you and you can afford it. Agreed. If you want pure performance bang for buck, get aerobars on your road bike. You will NEVER beat that for bang for buck at your current level - there are so many other things you can do (training,training,training) that will be so much more significant than that 1 minute on the TT vs aerobike. Why would you assume that because someone gets a tribike they are going to train less or that they don't want the extra minute on top of the other improvements? Shane |
| 2009-09-19 7:19 PM in reply to: #2413113 |
Master 2855 Kailua, Hawaii | Subject: RE: dilemma : road bike or tri bike ? oh even more great replies to think about ! thanks... |
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