Is it time for a tri bike?

Go for it! A tri-bike will make a nice difference even on sprints.  Take a look at this article to see what a TB with aero gear can save in wattage vs. a RB setup.  To put it perspective 5W is worth about 0.8 seconds per mile so it can add up.

Regarding fitters, the other site has a list of fitters you can call and talk too, this one is for the mid-Atlantic region.

The advantage is that if you are more aero on the tri bike, you will be faster.  A flat course is definitely not a requirement.

They're likely doing some amount of both, training and better bike. Also, the new bike is supposed to help them go faster than they would have without it, not faster than any other person in particular.

Most people can benefit from more training.  Most people can benefit from riding a more aerodynamic bike.  It's not an either/or proposition.  They are additive.

Originally posted by schaumi

Originally posted by pnwdan Set a goal and reward yourself with the bike when you achieve it. Mine is to average 20mph over an Olympic distance tri and finish in 2:30. Until I can do that I will keep riding my roadie with clip ons.

Wouldn't it be easier to reach that goal with a tri-bike?

Or set up a better challenge and do it without the clip-ons.

There's no need to reach a certain level of performance before getting one, but I know tend to feel better about making the purchase when they're more sure they'll put it to use. If such a performance goal helps them to do that, then so be it.

Originally posted by pnwdan

Originally posted by schaumi

Originally posted by pnwdan Set a goal and reward yourself with the bike when you achieve it. Mine is to average 20mph over an Olympic distance tri and finish in 2:30. Until I can do that I will keep riding my roadie with clip ons.

Wouldn't it be easier to reach that goal with a tri-bike?

The idea is to use your tools to perform at a level you could not reach without them. Don't put the shiny carbon cart before the horse.

Bad analogy/rationale.  If you want to choose an arbitrary 'carrot' or deem yourself 'unworthy' of a new bike until your performance reaches a level of your choosing, that's your right.  But you could get on that shiny carbon cart today and perform at a level you could not, heretofore, reach.  Regardless of your current ability.

Originally posted by pnwdan

Originally posted by schaumi

Originally posted by pnwdan Set a goal and reward yourself with the bike when you achieve it. Mine is to average 20mph over an Olympic distance tri and finish in 2:30. Until I can do that I will keep riding my roadie with clip ons.

Wouldn't it be easier to reach that goal with a tri-bike?

The idea is to use your tools to perform at a level you could not reach without them. Don't put the shiny carbon cart before the horse.

OP, get the new bike if you can afford to, if not save and get it later.  However if you don't have one yet, go find yourself a KK Road Machine/Cycleops Fluid 2 trainer and get dedicated and enjoy the fruits of your labor on whatever you ride...

Originally posted by JohnnyKay

Originally posted by pnwdan

Originally posted by schaumi

Originally posted by pnwdan Set a goal and reward yourself with the bike when you achieve it. Mine is to average 20mph over an Olympic distance tri and finish in 2:30. Until I can do that I will keep riding my roadie with clip ons.

Wouldn't it be easier to reach that goal with a tri-bike?

The idea is to use your tools to perform at a level you could not reach without them. Don't put the shiny carbon cart before the horse.

Bad analogy/rationale.  If you want to choose an arbitrary 'carrot' or deem yourself 'unworthy' of a new bike until your performance reaches a level of your choosing, that's your right.  But you could get on that shiny carbon cart today and perform at a level you could not, heretofore, reach.  Regardless of your current ability.

Agreed. And getting used to some of the "shiny" equipment can take some development too. It may be awhile before one can grow into a more aggressive bike position, one that's well beyond what a road bike can get to.