Bike count- IMOO?

Just ride whatever ya got.  It'll work.

I've done IMWI every year, always on a tri bike.  First two years on a Trek Hilo w/ HED3s front and back.  Last 5 years have been on a QR TiPhoon, on the same HED3s.

This is the first year I have owned both a decent road bike and a tri bike.  I chose the tri bike.  As many hills and turns as there are on the course, there are still many many miles where aero is the way to go.

Steve- You hit the nail on the head!  I have an entry level Felt S75 road bike.  Which is ok, but not perfect.  I will need to replace the crank set and some other things this year.  Last year I almost bought the p2C..test rode it in Houston....was not 100% sold.  So then I convinced myself of maybe a guru.....but then I went back to wanting the handling of a road bike for those hills.

This year I plan on taking the Felt out there; maybe I can convince my LBS to let me test drive a p2C or other tri bike there?

2007 was the first and only IM and rode a Cervelo P2SL Pro Limited Edition with just the stock Easton wheels and a 12/27 cassette.

Don't know if I'll fanagle some better wheels yet for this year's IM Moo.

Rode a QR Seduza with Zipp 808s last year. 

As mentioned above, either bike will work on this course, but a tri bike is probably preffered (if you have that option).  However, there are definitely road bikes out on the course on race day.

06 I rode a Kestrel with stock wheels.

08 I rode a P2C with a disc and 808ish front. 

Go with a Tribike no question. 

Rode a 06 Cervelo P2SL with Hed Alps wheels.  Anything will work as its not too terrible of a course.  I switched to a SRAM 11-26 and it gives me range for just about anything.  I find there is a nice advantage in having the bar end shifters too cuz you will be shifting tons on that course with the heavy rollers and stuff.

Thanks for the heads up Daremo!  How much do you think it pays?  I think I can find sometime to sit and watch bike check-in at Kona-----in my dreams!!!!

Thanks everyone. I plan on riding the course (or at least parts) this summer for a stab at IMOO in '10.  I did not realize there were so many "flatter" parts where the tri bike will really come in handy.  

There are about 20+ people doing bike count in Kona. Among numerous other counts....

I volunteered at Bike check in, bike out and bike in... so I can generalize in saying this...

The count on the "tri" bikes is proportionally the same as the Kona counts, where there is is a greater number of road bike and even one Cross Trainer bike with flat bars!!!!  (he came in ahead of about 200 riders BTW!!!)

Yeah, but Dan's was THE count and most all encompassing.  All others pale in comparison ......

I rode my QR Kilo with trispokes in 07 and 08. Considered riding the rode bike but stayed with the Tri bike.

Have fun riding the course this summer. Between the Milwaukee, Chicago, and MN BT'ers there will be groups riding the course almost every weekend once the snows gone.

Check the WI forum since we tend to post our ride schedule there.

2004 Cervelo Dual in 2006 and 2008 (5:35 split) No aero wheels or any upgrades.

 If you train your body, the difference between a $1500 bike and $5000 bike is less important!