To TT or not to TT?

[MarkW]

I'm training for my first full ironman (April 2018). To date I have only been training/racing on a normal road bike, so need some input if it's really worth investing in a TT bike? Or is a set of aero rims and tri bars good enough considering that I might only do one or two full distance ironman in my life, rather sticking to 70.3 after that?

 

Any input?

[mon-goose]

a tt bike is cool and if you can afford it and want one get one

 

even if you're to stick to the 70.3 i'd go for it

 

but if you can't afford one then aero bars and rims will also be fine

 

at the end of the day it's personal choices and budget constraints

[JacBrand]

I would go for "clip on" aero bars first. The rules in Ironman makes for a comfort and aero set up. This will help your upper  body rest during the bike leg.

[Jurgens Smit]

Get a set of mid section aero wheels, think Zipp 404 depth.

 

Buy a TT base bar with tt extensions, TT brakes and shifters.

Get a TT setup done so you have measurements and just rebuild each time you need the TT setup.

 

This was my approach for TT events in SA next year.

 

If your finances permit later you can buy a disc

[madbradd]

If you're swapping bars a lot then something like this might be interesting

 

http://www.xshifter.com

[shaper]

N+1 if you can afford it.

 

You are a lot quicker on a TT bike than a RB set up as a TT bike.  

 

I have a TT bike and use for 5150's, 70.3's and the full.

 

There are many who do all triathlons on a road bike and are happy.

 

As Mon-goose says it comes down to finance and personal choice.

[mon-goose]

you're photo's will always look cooler if you're on a TT bike

[Vetplant]

If you're swapping bars a lot then something like this might be interesting

 

http://www.xshifter.com

Fascinating solution. Something I would actually consider reading up on,

[Jurgens Smit]

If you're swapping bars a lot then something like this might be interesting

 

http://www.xshifter.com

 

 

Fascinating solution. Something I would actually consider reading up on,

 

 

Seeing as OP wants a TT bike I wonder how aero this will be, looks like it could have a relatively big effect on drag.

 

Obviously the human body is the biggest obstacle ITO of aero, but very little could be done on that.

 

 

Also(the actual reason) that shifter button is fugly.

 

But it is a very clever piece of equipment.

[Sharkie 2]

If you are planning on being competitive then do it.

 

If you are just in it for the fun of it, then rather stick to a RB

[MarkW]

Thank you for the replies. I think a TT bike it is then... I would like my photos to look "cool" ????

 

So...

- My road bike is a size small 52, should I get a size smaller on a TT?

- Is Shimano 105 sufficient or should I go ultegra?

- Any recommendations ito make/models? Priced between 25-35k (I've been checking the bike hub classifieds, so second hand is definitely an option)

[Spinnekop]

Before you bite into the whole R50k TT bike thing....

 

Go clip on bars.  Deep section wheels.  Disk if you can.  Shoe covers.  Aero helmet. 

The aero advantage from there that the frame alone will give you are not that massive at the speed us mere mortals are traveling......

[Jurgens Smit]

Thank you for the replies. I think a TT bike it is then... I would like my photos to look "cool"

 

So...

- My road bike is a size small 52, should I get a size smaller on a TT?

- Is Shimano 105 sufficient or should I go ultegra?

- Any recommendations ito make/models? Priced between 25-35k (I've been checking the bike hub classifieds, so second hand is definitely an option)

 

https://swiftcarbon.com/product-category/bikes/tt/drone/

[madbradd]

Seeing as OP wants a TT bike I wonder how aero this will be, looks like it could have a relatively big effect on drag.

 

Obviously the human body is the biggest obstacle ITO of aero, but very little could be done on that.

 

 

Also(the actual reason) that shifter button is fugly.

 

But it is a very clever piece of equipment.

 

Agreed. On all fronts.

 

I think that the unit could be moved to the down tube or seat tube to minimise aero effect.

 

Getting into an Aero position makes more difference than the frame by a long way.

 

From my understanding the real benefit from a TT bike over clip-ons (for triathlon) is that you can get your further forward over the crank which changes your leg action to keep your legs fresher for the run. 

[MarkW]

Ps: Regarding changing the bike setup EACH TIME. Don't think it will work for me...TOO much effort, considering my flavor will switch between normal road and tri on a weekly basis. I'm more of a "grab and go" type of person when comes to my choice of bike.

[EugeneH]

I did my first Ironman on a road bike with clip on bars. My second one on a TT bike.

My option would be the TT bike if you can.

The biggest difference was the Run off the bike. Make sure you do enough brick sets in your training and you will see the benefit.

 

Remember to enjoy, its a long day with a lot of "fun"