tri bike vs road bike for HIM and IM races

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2008-02-14 1:34 PM

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Subject: tri bike vs road bike for HIM and IM races
I think the title pretty much asks my questions. I've got a Giant TCR Aero that i've been using for 3 years for distances up to oly. I'm moving up to HIM this year and wondering if I should get a nice road bike for longer rides and longer races. I'm not a really agressive rider and actually just love long slow distance rides out of the tri bars looking at the scenary.

As well I know tri bars aren't always welcome in bike riding groups.



2008-02-14 1:41 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs road bike for HIM and IM races

Don't know about "should" but you certainly "could" go with a nice road bike if you could afford it, givem your self-described non-aggressive style. Nothing wrong with doing what makes you happy, either.

But if you're enjoying the efficiencies the tri bike brings to short-course racing, you'll have even more to enjoy on the longer stuff.

2008-02-14 1:52 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs road bike for HIM and IM races
Ill tell ya... the view is easier to take in from a road bike.
2008-02-14 1:55 PM
in reply to: #1212507

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Subject: RE: tri bike vs road bike for HIM and IM races
Timetrial bike all the way.. the more the distance the more time you'll save by cutting into the wind!
2008-02-14 4:08 PM
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2008-02-14 4:45 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs road bike for HIM and IM races
JeepFleeb - 2008-02-14 2:08 PM

If your finish time isn't your main concern, do what makes you happiest.

And most groups won't care if you have aerobars on your bike, just wether or not you use them while in the pack.

I agree - I would also add what you would be most comfortable on as well.  You will be on the bike for 2 to 4 hours in an HIM and 6 to 8 for an IM (I'm just assuming, I don't know how fast you ride).  I know my tri bike gets a little hard on my lower back when I ride that long, but it's still more comfortable than holding myself up with my arms.  I can go back and forth on a tri bike......

2008-02-15 2:33 AM
in reply to: #1212507

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Subject: RE: tri bike vs road bike for HIM and IM races
smhammond - 2008-02-14 9:34 AM

I'm not a really agressive rider and actually just love long slow distance rides out of the tri bars looking at the scenary.



Seems like you are answering your own question. I'm getting my first tri bike this weekend based on everything I've read about the difference between the two. I've ridden a road bike for years and after using clip on aerobars for a while finally decided to take the plunge and get the real thing.

Since I live in Kona, tri bikes are everywhere and probably more common than a lot of places. Where I used to live I never saw tri bikes, so I'm not sure how clubs would react to them.

Here's a website that explains the differences and compares the two types:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml
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