Tri Bike vs. Road Bike (expert advice needed)
-
No new posts
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller | Reply |
|
![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() As a beginner Triathalete who will more than like stay at the sprint level is that important to have a tri bike instead of a road bike? I can't get a straight answer from anyone. Thanks |
|
![]() ![]() |
Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Iron Donkey![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() The topic of road bike vs tri bike has been approached MANY times on BT - The way the question was asked, it almost sounds like a troll. This is such an open-ended question with nothing provided from you as what capabilities, times, level, doing more races strictly that have flat roads over races that has tons of hills, etc. etc. etc. A Google search brings up the following: So, how can anyone possibly give you any insight? BTW, I apologize for my analness, but the word is TRIATHLETE, with no "A" in the middle. |
![]() ![]() |
Regular ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() All the arguments for this debate seem to primarily consider the type of riding you do outside of races versus what raced you do. Understand the differences, pros and cons of each then consider the type of riding you will do. Finally decide for yourself. |
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I am a beginner triathlete in that I've been training for tri's since June. I completed a mini tri Saturday (200 meter swim 3:27), (10 mile bike 35 minutes), and (2 mile run 18:25), and will be competing in a full sprint October 3rd. Overall, I did better than expected considering I was on a modified mountain bike and I didn't push as hard as I could have during the first 800 meters of my run. I've completly taken to the sport, but obvioulsy I need a new bike. I'm torn between a tri bike or a road bike. I live in Louisiana and I ride twice a week 3 times if it's included in a brick. I've been told by some people that riding groups aren't crazy about riding with people who ride tri bikes because of where the breaks are located. Point blank: I am a beginner triathlete who sees himself doing tris for years to come but doesn't forsee anything longer than a sprint in the forseeable future. Hope that helps a little. |
![]() ![]() |
Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() It probably seems like nobody wants to give you a straight answer, and yes, that is quite frustrating. It took me quite a bit of time and searching to realize that you aren't getting a straight answer, because its a difficult question and the answer varies from person to person. If all you're interested in is doing tris, and all of your training will be done solo, than you're probably better off with a tri bike. If you're riding with groups, want to do long rides, ride lots of hills or want the option to do those things a roadie may be a better choice. A roadie with clip on aero bars and a forward seat post can be very similar to a Tri bike, and you'd have the option of switching it back and forth depending on your needs. Edited by JZig 2009-08-18 12:25 PM |
|
![]() ![]() |
Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Hello I came to triathlon from bike riding. I like my road bike with aerobars and completed my first race thsi past weekend. The 13 mile ride in 37 minutes. The set-up of a road bike with aerobars may take some work from the bike store. Kevin |
![]() ![]() |
Extreme Veteran![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() OP, road bike with areo bars. |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() This user's post has been ignored. Edited by triarcher 2009-08-18 1:28 PM |
![]() ![]() |
![]() | ![]() Good read on the subject by Gordo Byrn http://xtri.com/coaches_display.aspx?riIDReport=5838&CAT=48&xref=xx |
![]() ![]() |
Veteran![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Ok, look at your ITU racers - Road Bikes for the most part with an "Aero" setup. You do not need a tri bike to race. I am fast on my bike and I have a friend who can almost outride me on his bike. He just waits for the run to pass me. So, no you do not NEED a tri bike. If you have the money and want one, buy one. But there is no need. |
|
![]() ![]() |
Champion![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() You can do fine in any race, at any distance, with either bike as long as it fits properly. Tri-bikes are often a little more expensive for the same level components. Tri-bikes are not allowed in most bicycle races and are unwelcome in some group rides. As a beginner, you may be hard-pressed to point to the difference in bikes as the reason you gained/lost positions in the race (as opposed to general fitness or race strategy). |
![]() ![]() |
Member![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() strojny06 - 2009-08-17 8:55 PM As a beginner Triathalete who will more than like stay at the sprint level is that important to have a tri bike instead of a road bike? I can't get a straight answer from anyone. Thanks No, it is not important. |
![]() ![]() |
Master![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Coaching member | ![]() I would say it also depends if you will be using your bike to get to and from work, etc. If yes, you may want a road bike. It's safer for commuting. I got a used road bike first to do races on something besides a mountain bike. Then 9 years later I got a used tri bike and kept my road bike for commuting. Now my road bike has Kevlar tires (to keep out glass from the road) and bunch of lights and other stuff that adds weight. My tri bike doesn't have anything on it except a water bottle cage and a container for food. |
![]() ![]() |
Master![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Can't say I am an expert, but I have been researching this question for the last few weeks. Tri bikes just kind of look cool. From what I have read, there won't be a significant enough time advantage in a sprint to make the difference. As was mentioned, you can get many of the benefits of a tri bike from getting aero bars and adjusting your position. Although I have read that tri bikes spare you for the run, there are no studies I have seen to support this, and no one I have read about has compared aero on a road bike to a tri bike for this "sparing" From what I can tell, you can get more "bike" for your money with a road bike. If you are really on the fence, I have seen both the Cervelo Soloist/S1 and the Kestral Talon advertised and set up with both a road and a tri configuration. If you are really on the fence, go for one of those. However, after some recent reading, past a certain point, it does seem to be working on the engine that will give you the best improvement. So to answer your OP It isn't important to have a tri bike. Get a bike that you like and ride the hell out of it. |
![]() ![]() |
Champion![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() It is a matter of preference and taste. For the pros, it is essential to shave off time and to save energy in the process. So a tri bike is a must for the longer triathlons. For us mere mortals, it does not matter that much. After all, what's a few seconds more or less? A tri bike does not offer much advantage in a sprint. Actually you would probably be better off with a road bike there. Coming from a cycling background, I only actually put aero bars on my road bike for olympic triathlons. But, by my third season, I wanted to do a half-iromman. For this, I started the season with a Cervelo P2SL, which saved my legs for the half-marathon after the 90km bike ride. (I have a road bike, a tri bike, a mtb and a tandem ... one for each occasion.) On the technical side, here is the difference between a tri bike and a road bike: |
|
![]() ![]() |
Master![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() OK, I did some MORE research, and now, maybe leaning toward saving for a tri bike. Here is the link. By the way, the angle used in this study is even steeper than you get on most tri bikes, so not sure how much it applies. |
![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Thanks for the great advice! I think a road bike with clip on aero bars and a fast forward seat for brick training and races will suit my needs for the time being. Thanks again, |
![]() ![]() |
Extreme Veteran![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Not an expert, but here goes. I use an inexpensive entry level road bike with aero bars. Sure, a tri bike would make me faster, but will it make me $4,000 dollars faster? Not yet. Did I pass a bunch of people and tri bikes during my past two races?....Yep. That was pretty satisfying. Edited by MKAH 2009-08-19 7:38 AM (Trek_SLR.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Trek_SLR.JPG (62KB - 17 downloads) |
![]() ![]() |
Pro![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() If you're really only going to stick to sprint distance races, than it really probably doesn't matter much. A properly fitted tri bike may give you some slight speed advantage over a road bike, but over the distance of a sprint distance bike leg, I suspect the time you gain would be minimal over a properly fitted road bike with clip-on aero bars. Over longer distances, the cumulative time gained by being more aero is probably more important. You can probably get a better road bike (higher level components, better frame materials, etc.) for your money, so if you really plan to stick strictly to sprint races, I think a road bike is a good way to go. (just my opinion - take it for what it's worth! You know what they say - free advice is worth what you pay for it! ![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Member![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I'm a beginner triathlete too, haven't even done my race yet - but I did just get a new road bike. The owner of the shop we have here, is also a coach. He said that training on a road bike develops better leg muscle and conditioning, and that a tri bike should be a down the road purchas (ha!) and used as a second bike or race bike. I think that advice makes sense, since part of the point of the tri bike configuration is to save some of your leg strength for the run. and - I love my new road bike! It's light and fast. good luck. |
|
![]() ![]() |
Champion![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() IMO, everyone should have a road bike in their stable of bikes (even if that is their only bike) and if you are doing triathlon, add a set of shorty aerobars and you are good to go. I would skip the FF seatpost as with shorty aerobars and a bike that fits, it should be possible to get a fairly aero position without radically adjusting the geometry of the bike (which invariably changes the handling and rarely to make it better). For many triathletes, a road bike with clipons is going to be just as aero (in some cases moreso) than a tribike as many triathletes are unable/unwilling to set the bike up so that they take advantage of a steep seattube angle and low headset. So, when an athlete is considering adding a tribike to the stable, I would suggest they consider how they are going to ride it - if they are going to ride with zero drop (seat to bars), a big stack of spacers and a positive rise stem, they are likely better off sticking with their road bike. However, once someone decides that they are going to go with a tribike, I wouldn't let the race distance dictate whether or not they should get a tribike. In fact, since aero resistance goes up as the cube of the velocity (actually the square but assuming zero wind it becomes cubed) and you should be riding faster in a sprint than a longer race, there should actually be a larger return (% of time saved) by a tribike in a sprint compared to an IM. Shane |
![]() ![]() |
Champion![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() gshtrisport - 2009-08-18 3:52 PM Ok, look at your ITU racers - Road Bikes for the most part with an "Aero" setup. You do not need a tri bike to race. I am fast on my bike and I have a friend who can almost outride me on his bike. He just waits for the run to pass me. So, no you do not NEED a tri bike. If you have the money and want one, buy one. But there is no need. While I agree that you do not need a tribike, using ITU athletes to illustrate your point is misleading as they are required to ride a dropbar setup (and if using aerobars they cannot go past the brake hoods). It would be like watching the Hawaii IM and concluding the following two things: * Wetsuits do not make you faster since nobody wore them * Disc wheels are not faster as nobody used one Shane |
![]() ![]() |
Member![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() In no way am I an expert, but I just went from a 15 year old mtn bike to a nice used Quintana Roo tri bike. I was in the same position as you, but mine came down to what I am planning on doing with the bike. I don't think I will do group rides as most of my "training" is either by myself outside or on the trainer in the basement. Also if tri bikes are supposed to help save my legs for the run, I need all the help I can get. Plus tri bikes just look cool and are a lot faster than a hand me down mtn. bike. Edited by RunAckRun 2009-08-19 9:11 AM |
![]() ![]() |
Master![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() smilford - 2009-08-17 7:57 PM Important? No, not really. Which is going to be faster? Tri bike. Straight enough? ![]() x2 |
|