General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike Rss Feed  
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2006-02-04 5:38 PM

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Subject: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike

Here is my situation.

 

I have a du coming up this weekend.  The last month I have been busy with a project and have had to spend my time on the trainer (which is set up with my road bike) and not the road.

 

I feel I am actually faster on my road bike right now.  I have about x5's the time on it than my tri bike.  If I had to put a mph on the difference I would say 1-2 mph faster.

 

Should I just suck it up and do the Du on my tri bike because that is the bike I really plan to race on or go for the road bike and work on the tri-bike later?

 

I'm leaning toward just taking the tri bike.   The Du is only a 2 10 2 so it isn't a big deal either way.

 

Suggestions? Comments?

 

 



2006-02-04 5:43 PM
in reply to: #338897

Elite
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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
Biseman - 2006-02-04 4:38 PM

I feel I am actually faster on my road bike right now.


I think you just answered your own question.

You doing this to compete or for experience?
2006-02-04 6:18 PM
in reply to: #338897

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Master
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Gulf Shores, AL
Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
Matt,

Matt after a year on the Tri bike I am still just as fast on the old road bike (don't know about new bike yet). The big difference for me is on the run. When I come off the tri bike I run better. I don't know the science but I have tested it myself and it holds true. Good luck in the race!
2006-02-04 6:31 PM
in reply to: #338897

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Master
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Katy, TX (West of Houston)
Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike

I agree with Ken,

Coming off the tri bike is "better" for me on the run. But u=you should do what feels good to you.

Good luck on the race!

2006-02-04 6:42 PM
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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
Biseman - 2006-02-04 6:38 PM

 

I feel I am actually faster on my road bike right now.  I have about x5's the time on it than my tri bike.  If I had to put a mph on the difference I would say 1-2 mph faster.

 



There you go.

Snookdude
2006-02-04 6:42 PM
in reply to: #338897

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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
A properly fitted tri bike results in the rider using mostly their quadriceps for power. A rider on a properly fitted road bike will utilize hamstrings and quadriceps. Running uses more hamstring than quadricep. So an athlete using a tri bike should feel fresher on the run because they saved their hamstrings while riding.

Tom


2006-02-04 6:51 PM
in reply to: #338925

Elite
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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
yes, but it is a sprint distance with half the run before the ride. He would benifit much more from the familiarity and strength on the road bike, then trying to suddenly get used to a new geometry. With only 2 miles to go after T2, I doubt his legs would get past the "jello" feeling before the end of the race anyway
2006-02-04 9:52 PM
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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
A lot of good points.... I'm still thinking.
2006-02-05 5:41 AM
in reply to: #338897

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Master
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Gulf Shores, AL
Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
To bad its not a reverse duathlon, the you could use one bike on each leg!
2006-02-05 7:38 AM
in reply to: #339020

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike

Manatee Express - 2006-02-05 5:41 AM To bad its not a reverse duathlon, the you could use one bike on each leg!

or, one leg on each bike. the next difficult Q would be, on which seat does your butt go?  uh oh... 

2006-02-06 5:54 AM
in reply to: #338897

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
#1 is always to stay comfortable, so stay with your road bike. Yes, you may loose a bit on the second run, but you will easily make up for that with a better bikesplit if more comfortable...


2006-02-06 8:21 AM
in reply to: #338897

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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
It depends on the goal, doesn't it?

If you're hoping to age-group place or set a PR in this du, use the road bike.

If this race is primarily prep for later tris, I'd say practice racing the tri bike.


Actually, I'm hoping you get so frustrated with these choices that you decide to ship me your tri bike to eliminate one of your variables!
2006-02-06 12:18 PM
in reply to: #338897

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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
Unless your goal is to win/pr etc or your are planning to race your road bike in tri's this year, I would go with the Tri bike. I don't believe your performance will be as different as you might think and it will be another great racing experience on your tri bike.

Mark
2006-02-06 2:43 PM
in reply to: #338897

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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
I just did a sprint tri this past weekend, and I did it on my road bike, that is what I have been training on all winter, and that is what I will continue to train on for a bit while more. Just because it is a duathlon/triathlon does not mean that is the type of bike you have to use. Forget asthetics, and go for what you are more faster/comfortable on at this time.

JMHO
2006-02-06 3:11 PM
in reply to: #338897

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, Texas
Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike
I may be way off base here, but it seems to me the key here is confidence. You have much confidence in your road bike and not much in your tri-bike.

You MUST be confident in your races, so I'd say go with the road bike.

As you get more seat time on the tri bike, your confidence in it will increase and then you will be able to race with it.
2006-02-07 8:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike

There are alot of great points on this thread.

 

Here is what I'm thinking at this point.

- The duathlon is important enough to me only to beat my time last year. Either

- The duathlon is not my "A" race by any stretch of the imagination . Either

- I am more confident on my road bike. Road bike

- My real focus this year is the Tri's so I need the experience at some point. Tri bike

- If it is raining and a race I would feel more comfortable on my road bike. Road Bike

- If it is NOT raining I think I can handle the race on the tri bike fine. Tri bike 

- I really like the way my Tri Bike looks. Tri Bike

- Save the legs for the run. Tri Bike

- There is no way in hell I will place in any group. Either bike

 I can only bring one bike.... I'm leaning tri bike at present.

 

But I have been known to change my mind occasionally!

 



2006-02-13 9:51 PM
in reply to: #338897

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Subject: RE: Which approach Tri bike vs Road bike

FYI I went with Sting (the tri bike) and had a great race! Thanks for making me think about it though!

 

 

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