New Road Bike or 1st Tri-Bike

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fireplug30

2011-07-21 3:29 PM

Member

Subject: New Road Bike or 1st Tri-Bike

I have a trek 5200 road bike that I have been using for about 5 years now and has done pretty good. I recently put some Profile Design Aero Bars on the bike and I do like the position, I really like the LOOKS of a tri- bike, but perhaps I would be better off buying an upgrade Road Bike, something more current, Madone of some sort. Any thoughts out there. I do sprint triathlons about three to four times a year and a couple Bike races a year, but mailnly I am out on the road training by myself three time a week.

grilledpepper

2011-07-21 7:22 PM

in reply to: #3608860

Member

Subject: RE: New Road Bike or 1st Tri-Bike

Based on the types of races/rides you're doing I'd definetly recommend upgrading the road bike vs getting a new tri bike.

You're not going to unlock the advantage of a tri bike doing a few sprints a year and you'd have a lot more fun on the road bike. Road bikes are designed to give the rider more options for different positions up front. This can make riding around a lot more comfortable.

garrunning

2011-07-21 8:43 PM

in reply to: #3609131

Veteran

581

Subject: RE: New Road Bike or 1st Tri-Bike

I agree Sprints are not long enough for a Tri bike to give you an advantage. I did just buy one and love it though.

My Race Log

mmrocker13

2011-07-22 8:38 AM

in reply to: #3608860

Pro

5011

Twin Cities

Subject: RE: New Road Bike or 1st Tri-Bike

There is nothing wrong with that road bike. Get a tri bike, if you've got money burning a hole in your pocket.

Grungir

2011-07-23 9:12 PM

in reply to: #3609685

Regular

129

Grand Rapids, MI

Subject: RE: New Road Bike or 1st Tri-Bike

I was going through the same thing..

I went with the roadie and Im very happy

Bought a Felt AR4, an aero road bike.

BrianRunsPhilly

2011-07-24 7:12 AM

in reply to: #3608860

Pro

5755

Subject: RE: New Road Bike or 1st Tri-Bike

Sounds somewhat similar to my story.

This is my first year of triathlon. I had also done a duathlon in May and really enjoyed it. Also I had never really swam before May of this year and I've come to the conclusion I need to really spend the fall and winter focusing on that with my coach. I also have a marathon coming up. So my goal now is to ride and run.

I had modified my old road bike with forward seat post, tri bars, etc. and it was just find to get me through a sprint. I am sure it would be OK for an Oly too. However it was now not as comfortable for long rides.

Because I enjoy the bike so much I decided to upgrade my road bike to a Cervelo R3. It was the right decision for me. The bike is incredible and I'm riding 150+ miles a week, faster and much more comfortable that I was on my old modified bike. Next year I will have my swim under control (hopefully) and will buy a tri bike with the goal of a HIM.

My Race Log

Cubsrock444

2011-07-24 11:30 PM

in reply to: #3608860

Member

Chicago,Illinois

Subject: RE: New Road Bike or 1st Tri-Bike

Well since your put aero bars on your road bike I assume you probably like them. Most triathlon bikes are similar to road bikes. The only thing that differs is the handlebars and sometimes the frame is more set up for using aero bars. Good luck

pholahan

2011-07-25 11:04 AM

in reply to: #3608860

Veteran

183

Jupiter, FL

Subject: RE: New Road Bike or 1st Tri-Bike

From my own experience, I have to disagree that there is no advantage using a Tri bike as opposed to a road bike for a Sprint distance. While it may not hold an advantage for some people, the first race I did with my new Blue SP I averaged 2 mph better than the same race done previously with my road bike. Same course and virtually the same conditions.

I was also in the same situation as you, in that I had an older road bike. I kept that bike and purchased a new Tri bike, and have been very happy with that decision. I love the Blue, but for the longer rides, the roadie is definitely more comfortable.

My Race Log

indianacyclist

2011-07-25 11:42 PM

in reply to: #3613380