Triathlon bike for Ironman?

A tri bike is well suited for long-distance tris as long as you get a good fit and can maintain the aero position comfortably.  In theory, a well-fitted tri bike should help save your legs for the run which is more important in the longer races.

I agree.

I did every bit of my training on a tri bike and was able to stay in the aero position nearly the whole time during my IM.

My legs felt ok starting the run.

My geometry is 76 degrees.

Edited by Cal 2005-12-18 11:40 AM

Thanks guys. I get fitted on Tuesday. I have my eyes on a QR Kilo 2006.

I've done close to 200 miles in one day on my Tri bike, not a problem.

As mentioned, being comfortible in the areo posistion is very important. Make sure that bike fits you. I've found that a saddle I love on a road bike, I hate on a Tri bike. You need to find what works for you.

Like everyone else says: fit is everything. Who told you that tri bikes were generally used for shorter races? I'd like to know because they don't know what they're talking about. If it was your LBS, then run away. If their customers don't use tri bikes in half and full IM's, then it's because they do a crappy job fitting them and the customers aren't comfortable enough for those distances. The time savings from being in a good aero position is even MORE pronounced over a long course and there is no reason not to ride them aero and steep as long as you have a proper fit.

The echos continue from me also. The tri bike will provide major advantages over the longer distances. You will definetely notice it after T2 when you start your run. Personal opinion on the QR and I don't want to offend anybody here. I feel that you are somewhat limited in sizing from Quintana Roo, and the the more sizing options from, lets say Cervelo, will more closely match your fit. Just an opinion, and you know what those are worth. However, when you are getting sized for your bike and your in the trainer, have them size and throw on a Cervelo also, just so you feel what is better. Maybe the QR will be, but at least you know. By the bike for you.

Short answer...yes

I modified a hybrid frame with shimano components and bar con shifters and am very comfy doing 3+ hours. I guess the point is, whatever works for you. I don't care what my bike looks like, I only care that I cross the finish line. Just my opinion.

Wait a sec...did I miss where Sean posted his dimensions ?

No smart guy! Have you heard of a generalized statement?

Let me ask you this, what pair of pants would MOST LIKELY fit you better?

A. A pair of pants that come in small, medium and large
B. A pair of pants that were sized with waists in inches that matches your waist size, say from 27in to 40in, and lenghts similar.

Now, would I need to know your waist size to make this GENERAL statement?

Hmm....................lets use some gray!

So maybe you should have said "the the more sizing options from, lets say Cervelo, MIGHT more closely match your fit."

True...one bike brand may be a better fit compared to another, but basing that simply on the number of sizes they offer probably isn't the best assumption.

Fortunately it was just an inexperienced friend who mentioned that a tri bike is for shorter distances. I see clearly it's not the case.

I also found this good article on the subject:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml

I get fitted today at 1pm... my first ever fitting, so I'm excited. I have my eyes on a QR but I'll look at other bikes too.

Thanks again for your help.

I had my fitting at my LBS. The man really, really knows his stuff.

We looked at 2 potential tri bikes: The QR Kilo and the Cervelo Dual.

Based on my measurements, I was better fitted on the QR Kilo. The Cervelo wasn't prohibitive, but the Kilo fit me better.

Thanks for your help folks. Can't wait to get out on the bike.

You might want to take some time to educate your friend, too. He/she might appreciate the info.