Subject: RE: Tri or Rode Bike during long rides onefastswimmer8 - 2008-01-28 11:53 AM Another question for you all, during long rides, around 3-6 hours, what bike is better to use a tri or road bike? I was told a tri bike is great for flat and short bike rides and a road bike is better for longer rides. I'm trying to figure out if staying with my road bike during my ironman race is a good choice or should I get a tri bike as well since I will be competing in short and olympic distances... I first answered this with "I train like I race - on a tri bike" but then I re-read the OP's question more clearly. A tri bike is designed to ride in an aero position thus saving the rider energy/time and therefore its greater benefit would be realized on a longer course vs a road bike. Given, more benefit is gained from riding on a flatter course vs hills because you can remain in an aero position for longer periods and many would argue a road bike is better suited for hills. As for a road bike being better for longer rides, I could see from the perspective that you may be more comfortable on a road bike for a long rides, particularly training rides, but I would also argue that a well-fitted tri bike can be as comfortable as a roadie. Is your road bike a good bike for an IM? It is if it's the only bike you have! Should you get a tri bike for an IM? Ask yourself if you'd be more comfortable on a road bike or a tri bike, then ask if the course would be one where you would spend most of your time in aero, then ask if investing the money into a new tri bike is worth it to you. |