Beesrib Posted March 30, 2016 Posted March 30, 2016 Hi there I am new to the tri scene, and will be doing my first sprint in May. I will be using my MTB for this, as it is only 20km. I am already thinking about doing a 70.3 distance in the future, and would probably be better of on a road bike. Now I need to know, is it better going for a normal entry level road bike, or a entry level tri bike? I have no idea what to look at with road bikes, groupsets, etc. So any info and opinions are welcome. Ta
shaper Posted March 30, 2016 Posted March 30, 2016 Depends on your budget, but as you say entry level I would go for a road bike which you can use for both road race/training and tri events There are many who do 70.3 and full on road bikes. For groupsets 105 and above look for. As said, it really depends on your budget?
Johnstoneighty6 Posted March 30, 2016 Posted March 30, 2016 Hi If you see yourself mainly going in to triathlon then Tri Bike is the best option. If you see yourself doing a triathlon every now and again and focus mainly on road racing then a conventional road bike is perfect. If you can get yourself a Kestrel Talon. Its frame geometry allows for either type of cycling. There is on going on the hub currently. Should you want to use it as a road bike you would simply need to change the flight deck. This is the link to the ad: https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/176267-2014-kestrel-talon-tt-bike-full-carbon/
Beesrib Posted March 30, 2016 Author Posted March 30, 2016 Depends on your budget, but as you say entry level I would go for a road bike which you can use for both road race/training and tri events There are many who do 70.3 and full on road bikes. For groupsets 105 and above look for. As said, it really depends on your budget?Thanks Shaper, I was also thinking that normal road bike could probably be used for other riding as well. Think I might even to the sprint on my SS Budget wise, I have no idea. I mainly do a bit of mountain biking and love grinding the SS, so would not want to spend to much on a bike that will be on the wall a lot. What is a reasonably budget to look at, without buying a crappy POS that I will later regret?
Beesrib Posted March 30, 2016 Author Posted March 30, 2016 Hi If you see yourself mainly going in to triathlon then Tri Bike is the best option. If you see yourself doing a triathlon every now and again and focus mainly on road racing then a conventional road bike is perfect. If you can get yourself a Kestrel Talon. Its frame geometry allows for either type of cycling. There is on going on the hub currently. Should you want to use it as a road bike you would simply need to change the flight deck. This is the link to the ad: https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/176267-2014-kestrel-talon-tt-bike-full-carbon/ Hi, Thanks for the response. I don't think I will be in a position to seriously focus on going full tri, due to timing commitments, but really want to at least do one or 2 half distance tri's. That kestrel is awesome but I think it is a bit above me. So maybe as indicated, a road bike could be of better use. Can always later get a trainer as well and get some km's in during the winter.
shaper Posted March 30, 2016 Posted March 30, 2016 Thanks Shaper, I was also thinking that normal road bike could probably be used for other riding as well. Think I might even to the sprint on my SS Budget wise, I have no idea. I mainly do a bit of mountain biking and love grinding the SS, so would not want to spend to much on a bike that will be on the wall a lot. What is a reasonably budget to look at, without buying a crappy POS that I will later regret?Then a road bike is what you need and you can always fit aero bars for when doing longer distances. Sprint distance do not allow aero bars to protrude passed the shifter hoods and for 20kms you don't need them especially as it usually draft legal. You can do the sprint on any bike you like, but are likely to spin out on a SS unless you really up the gearing on a MTB SS, so while you might think its cool, you will get frustrated as everyone sails past you. Tri cycle courses are generally flat and fast and will be looking to do 20kms in under 40mins... unless you enjoying the scenery and just taking it all in. If it going to be a wall hanger most of the time any road bike will do and a tri bike is definitely not required. As said previously, look for 105 groupset (equivalent to SLX) and make sure frame is the right size for you. Especially if you step up to 70.3 distance, comfort on the bike is important
_David_ Posted March 30, 2016 Posted March 30, 2016 https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/151699-tt-bike-or-not/?hl=tt+bike This is the eternal "how long is a piece of string" debate... For me - I say definitely get a TT bike if your focus is 70.3s and IM. And Im not just saying that because the TT bike will save you a few minutes over 90/180km over your current bike. The biggest reason is the steeper geometry of a TT bike opens up you hip angle and "saves" your legs more, allowing your to run better off the bike. This is a big factor for long course triathlon. That said, your current bike is more than adequate if you're not racing at the pointy end, and also want to do lots of raod racing / drafting events too. Maybe do Durban on your current set up and see how you go? If you do well, the tri bug bites hard and you decide you really want to improve and nail 70.3 EL and IM, you can decide to upgrade to a TT bike. If you are happy with the current set up, then no need to change...
Beesrib Posted March 30, 2016 Author Posted March 30, 2016 https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/151699-tt-bike-or-not/?hl=tt+bikeThx for the link
shaper Posted March 30, 2016 Posted March 30, 2016 Road bike sizing I always use the felt website for a quick reference http://www.feltbicycles.com/International/Single-Nav/Inside-Felt/Resources/Bike-Sizing.aspx There also many online calculators, here one http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer So at least you will have an idea of frame size when looking in the classifieds
Beesrib Posted March 30, 2016 Author Posted March 30, 2016 Road bike sizing I always use the felt website for a quick reference http://www.feltbicycles.com/International/Single-Nav/Inside-Felt/Resources/Bike-Sizing.aspx There also many online calculators, here one http://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer So at least you will have an idea of frame size when looking in the classifiedsthank you Shaper
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