Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike

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Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
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road bike38 Votes - [92.68%]
mtn bike3 Votes - [7.32%]

2008-06-11 2:51 PM

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Expert
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Kansas City, MO
Subject: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike

I am doing the Kansas HIM this coming Sunday, and I know it's late in the game to be thinking about this, but I'm curious nonetheless.  I've done all my training on an old Cannondale road bike with downtube shifters (12 speed).  I recently purchased a brand new Specialized Hardrock mtn bike (24 speed).

Here is my situation: my road bike is at least 1 size too big for me, maybe more, and I really suck at climbing hills on it.  My mtn bike is heavier, obviously, but it's fitted for me and has lower gears which make climbing hills easier.

Should I put my clipless pedals on my mtn bike (along with smoother tires) and ride it, or stick with with what I've trained on (nothing new on race day)?

2008-06-11 3:54 PM
in reply to: #1460398

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
Road bike. Not a question.
2008-06-11 3:58 PM
in reply to: #1460670

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
steveseer - 2008-06-11 3:54 PM Road bike. Not a question.
X2.  I don't care how much better the MTB fits I can't image 56 miles on one on roads.
2008-06-11 9:30 PM
in reply to: #1460398

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Kansas City, MO
Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
Thank you for the votes and opinions.
2008-06-11 9:40 PM
in reply to: #1460398

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Member
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Nampa, Idaho
Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
Yah, I'd do the road bike. All I have now is a mountain bike and it fits me great and is a fantastic bike for kicking around the foothills. But it is very laborious and very heavy on the road. I'm in the market for a road bike. I"m planning a 70.3 next year and refuse to do it on my current, perfectly good, mountain bike.
2008-06-11 10:08 PM
in reply to: #1460398

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Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
Actually, as per WTC (World Triathlon Corp.) rules, only road and triathlon style bikes are allowed in an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 event.  That should be your final answer right there.  If the bike fit on the road bike is that bad, is there anyone that knows their stuff that could make a slight (and I mean slight) adjustment or two to that fit that might make things a bit better on raceday that could do it in time for you to ride it again before the race?  It's a bit risky, but if the size is that off, it could improve things a bit.

2008-06-12 1:19 AM
in reply to: #1460398

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Herriman, Utah
Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
This road-bike-riding chubby dude, who passed at least 10 dudes on mountain bikes during his first sprint triathlon, thinks more people should ride mountain bikes. Everyone should! (Except me, of course.)

Edited by mrwrite 2008-06-12 1:19 AM
2008-06-12 5:43 AM
in reply to: #1460398

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Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
I would stick with the road but I would say it depends on how you feel about it. Personally I wouldn't change something this late in the game.
2008-06-12 6:31 AM
in reply to: #1461625

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Master
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Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
mrwrite - 2008-06-12 2:19 AM

This road-bike-riding chubby dude, who passed at least 10 dudes on mountain bikes during his first sprint triathlon, thinks more people should ride mountain bikes. Everyone should! (Except me, of course.)


ha ha ha - there is your edge, but you're not suppose to tell anyone.

I agree with all the above, definitely go with the road bike. I might be one size too large, but you have been training on it. Don't try anything new on race day. Besides, 56 miles on a MTB, WOW. That would be a long day.
2008-06-12 6:43 AM
in reply to: #1460398

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Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
Having grown up in Kansas myself - why do you care about hills?

Edited by roch1009 2008-06-12 6:43 AM
2008-06-12 9:30 AM
in reply to: #1461707

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Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
roch1009 - 2008-06-12 6:43 AM

Having grown up in Kansas myself - why do you care about hills?


Clearly someone hasn't seen the elevation chart for this course.

Road bike.

Hands down.

I'm terrible when it comes to climbing so if you drop to the BOP on the bike, come chat with me.


2008-06-13 8:26 AM
in reply to: #1460398

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Expert
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Denver, Colorado
Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
Most definately the road bike.
2008-06-13 11:57 AM
in reply to: #1460398

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Master
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Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
Roadie. No question.

Just out of curiosity - have you ridden 56 miles on the mtb?
2008-06-13 1:12 PM
in reply to: #1460398

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Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
Would you rather drive a 1988 Porsche 911 or a brand new Kia?
2008-06-13 3:28 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
Way too late in the game to change anything - even the seat angle. 56 miles is a long way, I don't care who you are.
2008-06-13 9:00 PM
in reply to: #1460398

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Kansas City, MO
Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike
The fit of the road bike isn't horrible, I just can't get as "aero" as I'd like to b/c if I raise the seat, my legs wouldn't reach the pedals.  I can't lower the handlebars any more either.  I guess it doesn't matter anyway since the rules prevent me from riding the mtn bike.    I'll be fine with the roadie, but I was just curious.  Thank you for answering!

2008-06-14 6:06 PM
in reply to: #1460398

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Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike

Go with whatever you have trained on.

And for those people with only a MTB then go for that. I put road tires on mine and passed heaps of roadies in my 1/2 IM. Some of them really didn't like it and especially since I was wearing my boardies and backpack too! I think the legs paid for it on the run tho so I am finally going to get a road bike now.

2008-06-14 6:54 PM
in reply to: #1460398

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Master
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Tyler, TX
Subject: RE: Kansas 70.3: road bike vs. mtn bike

FWIW, I saw a guy today racing quite fast, leaning forward to be more aero, on a mountain bike!  He did it for 15 miles, but I doubt he could for 56!  Go with the road bike!

Brian

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