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Discussion: Road bike vs Tri bike
Subject: Road bike vs Tri bike By: Omar Moneim Written on: 2005-08-26 10:45:54 Message: I did my first tri on a mtn bike and am looking at getting a more efficient bike for the future. What are the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of tri bikes vs road bikes. I plan on doing sprint / olympic distances, so I don't really forsee the need for really long rides. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Subject: RE: Road bike vs Tri bike By: Oliver Dennis Written on: 2005-08-28 12:16:42 Message: I've been struggling with the same question. Most of the advice I recieved comes down to: if you're going to be using the bike only for triathlons or for training for triathlons - get a tri specific bike. If, however, you are going to be going on group rides (aero bars are frowned upon by groups as they are not as safe and controllable in groups) or commuting or plan to do other racing go for the road bike. I'm no expert on the difference between the two but as far as I can tell the main difference is geometry of the seat post position which is steeper on the tri. I think also you buy a smaller frame if you're riding in the tri position but I could be wrong on that. good luck.
Subject: RE: Road bike vs Tri bike By: Kei Riley Written on: 2005-09-02 12:19:15 Message: Everyone has their own view on this, sort of like clothes... My two cents- I have a road bike. I planned to do a 1/2 Ironman with it until I got sick. I find that I am not significantly slower on the bike with my road bike than some people with tri bikes. It's more the training than the bike. If you're elite and that extra mile or two an hour makes a difference, the tri bike is important. I think the road bike is fine. I do have aerobars, just don't use them when I train with non-tri people.
Subject: RE: Road bike vs Tri bike By: Derek Duvall Written on: 2005-09-18 18:26:21 Message: One thing I would add is that tri bikes are a little harder to handle. Take a look at what type of courses you will be competing in. Even if you are only using the bike to compete in tri's you may still be faster on a road bike with clip on bars because of your comfort level in a more forward/agressive position at high speeds/wind/cornering and so on.
Subject: RE: Road bike vs Tri bike By: Tim Black Written on: 2005-09-19 01:37:25 Message: I agree with Derek. If you get the road bike, you can always attach/detach the aero bars, which is the main difference.
Subject: RE: Road bike vs Tri bike By: Tom Walsh Written on: 2005-09-21 19:25:23 Message: Everyone has good points. When making the decision to go either tri or road bike I tend to look at 3 key factors. 1) Flexibility - Yours, are you able to remain in the aero position for a significant amount of time. If you spend most of your time on the brake hoods, a road bike will suit. 2) Length of course - The longer the course, the more time can be saved with a tri bike. 3) Type of course - More technical courses will require more bike handling skills and less time in the aero position.
Subject: RE: Road bike vs Tri bike By: Ernie Lemos Written on: 2005-10-03 09:06:53 Message: I was in the same boat till I found the Cervelo Soloist. It's a great road bike with the Tri option. Be careful when butting aero bars on a road bike, it tends to make them squirrelly. http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/soloist.shtml speaks well of the Soloist also find the link about road bikes and aero bars.
Subject: RE: Road bike vs Tri bike By: JOhn Timm Written on: 2005-10-07 14:25:45 Message: Lots of good advice by everyone. Maybe think about going to a bike shop which sells both and take them out for a spin. The shop that I go to will let you try different types and different price range. This way you can get a feel for both bikes and the diff. between the price ranges will make. One thing as far as aero bars go. When riding up hill it is suggested that you have your hands somewhat close to the neck, so if you have aero bars this tech. can be difficult. Unless you get the type that the arm rest flip up. Hope this helps.
Subject: RE: Road bike vs Tri bike By: rose of sharon amend Written on: 2005-10-15 00:01:12 Message: Another thing to concider is the postitioning differences. Tri bikes tend to set you up in a position that works your muscles a little differntly, so when it comes time for the run the same muscles arn't being used the same. But deffinatly go to a bike shop, try a few out and see what works best for you. Or even better, if you could borrow a couple bikes (your size) and go on some long rides then try running after. Good luck.
Subject: RE: Road bike vs Tri bike By: Dave Miller Written on: 2005-11-09 14:31:52 Message: This is a great question and one I wrestled with last year after I got interested in time trials. Based on what I went through, here's my two cents. If you're going to be doing a lot of triathlons and/or time trials, go for the tri/TT specific bike. First, the bike geometry is different for tri vs road, giving a higher seat tube angle than a regular road bike, the overall frame wrt handlebar level allows easier aero positioning, and the back end geometry possibly gives better stability when in the aero position. Second, tri bikes come with aerobars which have the bar end shifters so you don't have to reach and get out of the aero position. Third, tri bikes may be a bit more aerodynamic although I think it's really the rider and bike setup that's more important there. Since I wasn't sure how many time trials I was going to do and I hadn't considered tris yet, I went with road. This way, I could also use it for group rides and just solo leisure/fitness rides and clip on the aerobars for TT training. Or so I thought. One has to find the right settings for clipons, handlebar height, forward seat position and height when going back and forth between the two. It's kind of a hassle to switch back and forth. Since I'm now getting interested in tris, I kinda wish I had gotten a tri-specific bike instead. BTW even with the Soloist, a good thing to have is two seatposts/saddles with one in the position and the other with road so you dont have to fiddle with it. Took me an over an hour to find the correct setup the first time I went from road to TT setup. It was better the next time, but it still takes a bit to get the bike in the proper setup. Like I said, kind of a hassle when you want to switch. If you can only get one bike and you won't be doing many tris, something like the Soloist or the Kestral Talon would be good. Me, I got a Trek Madone 5.2 for reasons I stated. The seat also easily adjusted to a TT setup. I thought more road than TT and didn't think tris might be in my future. But, I am considering whether I should sell it and go tri-specifc. I have a nice Lemond for regular road riding and it would be nice not to have to fiddle with going back and forth between to two setups. Hope this helps and Good Luck!
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