skipperw Posted January 28, 2015 Posted January 28, 2015 Hi all So a little advice please. Is the Merida Reacto 907 easy to convert into a TT bike? What would the process be?Bars, seat post and setup? It's an aero road bike so I'd rather save a few bucks and convert it, but if it's going to be ineffective, I'd like to know upfront.
Snytjie Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 I have a Kestrel Talon which I switch between road and TT setup. I'm not an expert on geometry, but cannot complain at all about the setup leading into the final stages of my IM prep. I assembled a TT cockpit for R2100 from 2nd hand bars (had TT extensions already), new brakes and new shifters. Got it installed free of charge at LBS at purchase of components. Not sure what they'll ask to switch between it and the road setup. I'll probably do it myself. Its pretty easy as the cables stay on the cockpits and you just loosen them at brakes and derailleurs and pull them out and thread the incoming ones through the internal sleeves again. A little adjustment there you go. I have not ridden a full on TT bike for any meaningful distance, but cannot see any reason to buy one. At fitment the technician stated that the geometry options are identical to other TT bikes. Bit of a slepp to change cockpits, but my pocket is pretty heavy with the 25k+ I saved...
davem Posted February 2, 2015 Posted February 2, 2015 You can mimic a TT bike's geometry but you do need to get a forward slanting seatpost to get your seat angle up to 78 deg or so. Your road bike is probably in the region of 73 deg. There is lots on the internet about why this angle is so important to triathletes which will explain far better than I can. It is all to do with how well you will run after the cycle. Not sure if you can get that type of seatpost for an aero frame like the Reacto. Only ones I have seen are a round seat tube.
Snytjie Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 The Talon can get to 76 deg with its standard post. I see the Merida's angle is listed as "73-75". Not sure if that includes all possible adjustment at the saddle. It seems both can get sort of halfway to the 78 of a full on tri bike.
davem Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 Hi all So a little advice please. Is the Merida Reacto 907 easy to convert into a TT bike? What would the process be?Bars, seat post and setup? It's an aero road bike so I'd rather save a few bucks and convert it, but if it's going to be ineffective, I'd like to know upfront. What's your target race? What's your target time? EL, stick with a road bike with clipons. The hills give the road bike an advantage for the steep sections of the course. PE, spend the cash on a second hand bike.You can get many nice TT bikes for 15-R20k and sell it afterwards for a similar amount.
skipperw Posted February 3, 2015 Author Posted February 3, 2015 For Durban - sub 3 hour bike leg. I could just move the seat right forward and set the bars lower with clip ons?
davem Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 For Durban - sub 3 hour bike leg. I could just move the seat right forward and set the bars lower with clip ons? Tri bike is better for that particular terrain by a significant margin as the course is much flatter than EL. It is an advantage to be able to change gears while aero as well. You have time. Buy some clipons second hand. Try them. If they feel good to you then great otherwise get ready to buy your wife a new kitchen.
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