Bodhi Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 Hey legends, I'm a newbie to the tri scene, with one triathlon under my belt. I've registered for the two 5150's and the Midlands Ultra later this year. Currently only have a mountain bike, which one can use in all the events mentioned above, but, of course, this isn't ideal for the longer races. I remember reading a tweet by a pro triathlete and he said that he hardly ever (if ever) uses his TT bike to train, only the road bike. As I cannot afford both a TT and a road bike, I'm curious as to what you experienced athletes would suggest - do I spend my money on a TT or a road bike? From my inexperienced standpoint, I think buying a road bike may be a waste of money, if I'm simply going to replace it with a TT bike in the future (which is probably inevitable, as I'm taking triathlon training etc very seriously). I don't (nor do I intend to) do any road races, I only do triathlons and the occasional MTB event. Thanks for any input! B.
Stiggy Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 Why consider a road bike if you not going to do any road races. Sounds like you already made up your mind.....
Johnstoneighty6 Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 Hey dude, Look at the Kestrel Talon. Its a carbon bike with a 105 group set. Its a tri/road frame and it goes for under 20k. you can either get the road version which comes with the road flight deck or the tri version which comes with obviously your tri bars and so on. Bodhi 1
Grondpad Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 Jip, only the sprint races are draft legal, so you will gain a lot by using a TT bike in 5150 and Midlands. I would say go for the TT bike. Bodhi 1
Bodhi Posted June 27, 2013 Author Posted June 27, 2013 Hehe, thanks Stiggy, I'm actually on the fence and am very much open to suggestion. The more I'm in this sport, the less I realise I know, so don't want to make any (more) foolish decisions.
Joobs Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 I have got both, and for a while I was also very seriously into triathlon. If you are doing the longer races, as well as not racing with the Pro's then that means that you can have a full Time Trial bike for all the races. And to me personally having the aero TT bike was a massive difference over the road bike. You do go faster, and because of the different position it does save your legs a bit for the run. You just have to ensure 2 things when setting up your TT bike. 1 - is that you are comfortable on the bike, particularly on your TT Bars, if you are always off them, then you are not aero, and not getting the advantage. 2 - Being in an aero position on your TT bike, when on the bars. This does contradict a bit in part 1, but if you are not aero and nice and low on your bike, you are not getting the advantage of the TT bike. That is my 2 cents worth, and I had some amazing times on my TT bike. Bodhi 1
Cippo Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 Get an aero road bike like a Specialised Venge, Giant Propel or Cervelo S5. Fit some road bars that can accomodate a clip on tri-bar and you have the best of both worlds. Save some money and get some decent aero wheels for race days. Good luck Andymann, Bodhi and varkie 3
Joobs Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 Oh yes get an Aero helmet, which gives you if I remember a 10% aero saving, and they are relatively cheap when compared to aero wheels, which give you between 2 - 5% max aero saving (again if I remember correctly). But they cost an arm and a leg, but they do make the bike look cool! Lexx and Bodhi 2
Sidekick Racer Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 (edited) I'm not sure what level you looking at, but a road bike certainly opens you up to more riding. My TT bike is a terror to ride anywhere but out in the open roads, which is of course is the ideal but not always possible. I would suggest start on a road bike with some clip on bars and get a full TT bike when you chasing the win. Edited June 27, 2013 by Sidekick Racer Bodhi 1
Andymann Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 Get an aero road bike like a Specialised Venge, Giant Propel or Cervelo S5. Fit some road bars that can accomodate a clip on tri-bar and you have the best of both worlds. Save some money and get some decent aero wheels for race days. Good luckYup - good advice! I have all three, and I rarely use the TT bike other than for races. it's a real pain to train on a TT bike, and I have found that when I go out with the club to train (safer than training alone!), I'm usually banished to the back of the group. You drop them on the flats, they get you back on the hills, and you end up being accused of riding like a prat, even if you try your best not to. Get an Aero road bike, bang on some nice tri-bars, and get a decent Aero Helmet with nice deep dish wheels.... Bodhi 1
Bodhi Posted June 27, 2013 Author Posted June 27, 2013 Yup - good advice! I have all three, and I rarely use the TT bike other than for races. it's a real pain to train on a TT bike, and I have found that when I go out with the club to train (safer than training alone!), I'm usually banished to the back of the group. You drop them on the flats, they get you back on the hills, and you end up being accused of riding like a prat, even if you try your best not to. Get an Aero road bike, bang on some nice tri-bars, and get a decent Aero Helmet with nice deep dish wheels.... Thanks Andymann, I have heard that club riding isn't suited to TT bikes, and that folks do complain and actually forbid you from riding with them. I do belong to a club, and *may* ride with them in the future, so this is something to consider. Sheesh, all good advice so far, thanks guys, seems I need to do some comparisons between aero rode bikes and TT bikes - cost is, of course, an issue. When I'm ready, I think I'll have to actually go ride them all and see.
travisza Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 With 1 tri under your belt I'd say roadbike with clip on areo bars to start. Its just so much more versatile. If you end up doing a couple of 70.3s and then decide that tris are definitely for you, then you can sell the roadbike and buy a TT bike. Well thats my plan at least. gadget and Bodhi 2
gadget Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 (edited) I don't believe there is a right way and a wrong way. Comes down to personal preference, budget etc etc. The one thing that is certain is that you WILL end up buying a TT bike IF LONG COURSE TRIATHLON IS YOUR THING I have both, bought the road bike first and did 3 70.3s (and many shorter ones)on it and then bought a TT bike with one more 70.3 an Ironman on it (and some shorter stuff). Anything longer than Olympic you can ride your TT bike. Obviously group rides are not advisable given the danger you provide etc etc. And you'll not be doing any road races, but that is a choice or a preference. With the TT bike you'll get many advantages ito aero and the open hip angle it can provide you. However, there are bigger gains to be made via the powermeter, aero helmet, aero wheels (in that order) route. Good luck. I'm not giving you advice on what to buy as it is very personal. Just one more piece of advice: The TT bike you will buy now and the one you will want to buy in a year will be totally different... Edited June 27, 2013 by gadget DeCleated and Bodhi 2
Johnstoneighty6 Posted June 27, 2013 Posted June 27, 2013 This is your best option. All you need is a road bike flight deck and when there is a road race/triathlon you ask your bike shop to put either or on.
Bodhi Posted June 27, 2013 Author Posted June 27, 2013 This is your best option. All you need is a road bike flight deck and when there is a road race/triathlon you ask your bike shop to put either or on. I take it you work for the agency that does Kestrel, John? Johnstoneighty6 1
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