General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tri Bike or Road Bike??? Rss Feed  
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2014-09-16 6:04 PM


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Subject: Tri Bike or Road Bike???
I have read a bunch of posts about this and wanted to ask my own set of questions. I did my first sprint tri last year on a mountain bike and after last year bought a hybrid bike. Since then, I have gotten WAY more into racing in triathlons and have started placing in my age group consistently at the sprint distance and recently completed my first Olympic. I am now regretting my hybrid bike and want to make the jump to either a road bike or a tri bike. I would like to avoid making the same mistake twice. My main goals are training for and racing in triathlons. Does that mean that a tri bike is right for me? What are the speed benefits from a hybrid to a road bike to a tri bike?


2014-09-16 6:41 PM
in reply to: d2dmoney

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???

IMHO, YES!

If your after the most you can get speed wise, I posted this in a similar topic recently "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."

I also posted in the same thread "Myself I did a progression over 3 years (2004-2006) of 35lb MTB, 25lb used entry level RB to 19lb high-end TB once I knew I would be doing tri's for a long time." This past winter I upgraded my old aluminum/carbon TB to a new modern carbon frame machine that I built up from the frame. 

I don't ride in group rides often but when I do the roadies are cool with me as I've earned their trust.  When I first met the group I sometimes ride with I asked them about their hand signals used, pace line tendencies and the such.  I'm only on the aerobars when hanging off the back or pulling up front and my hands are always by the brakes when in the midst of the pace line.  Most of my riding is in the garage on the trainer.

Go ahead, get yourself one!

 

2014-09-16 6:50 PM
in reply to: Donto


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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???
So I just did an olympic tri. I averaged 17.1MPH on my hybrid bike. Any guestimation what that would translate to if I were on a Tri Bike? I finished the 24.8 mile bike in 1:27 and their appeared to be two groups ahead of me, one group at 1:15 and one group around 1:05.
2014-09-17 6:32 AM
in reply to: d2dmoney

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???
Originally posted by d2dmoney

So I just did an olympic tri. I averaged 17.1MPH on my hybrid bike. Any guestimation what that would translate to if I were on a Tri Bike? I finished the 24.8 mile bike in 1:27 and their appeared to be two groups ahead of me, one group at 1:15 and one group around 1:05.


Impossible to guess… The big advantage of a tri bike is the position it puts the rider in, so fit is critical, so assuming you have a very good fit on your new tri bike; If it was pancake flat and smooth road surface then the gain might be fairly significant, in the range of 1-3mph, if it was hilly and the road surface wasn't that great, then the gain may be minimal -1-1mph. Yep, it's entirely possible that you will be slower on a tri bike, but with time, you will adapt to the new position and gain that back, at which time you should see +1-2mph.

To shave 12 minutes off (basically riding at the same pace as 1:15) over such a short distance is a pretty loft goal. A bike won't take you there, but proper training combined with a good position, then it's possible to get there over the timespan of 12 months (assuming this is an annual race)
2014-09-17 7:18 AM
in reply to: audiojan

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???

Jan, he said he was riding a hybrid.  He will see more than 1-3 mph gain going from a hybrid to a tri bike.  You can see 1-3 mph going from a road bike to a tri bike.  A hybrid is an aero nightmare.

2014-09-17 7:45 AM
in reply to: GMAN 19030


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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???
Originally posted by GMAN 19030

Jan, he said he was riding a hybrid.  He will see more than 1-3 mph gain going from a hybrid to a tri bike.  You can see 1-3 mph going from a road bike to a tri bike.  A hybrid is an aero nightmare.




Yep, I'm pretty sure I went up by a good 2-3mph when I went from my hybrid to my "old" steel road bike this spring.


2014-09-17 8:41 AM
in reply to: d2dmoney

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???

I have both, and my opinion is that the type of riding should designate:

Mostly solo, or in small groups that are ok with your tri bike, and racing tris: tri bike

Mostly in groups, thinking about maybe a bike race / tour: road

My tri bike is fitted well and just as comfortable (if not more) than my road bike.

2014-09-17 9:41 AM
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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???
Originally posted by d2dmoney

So I just did an olympic tri. I averaged 17.1MPH on my hybrid bike. Any guestimation what that would translate to if I were on a Tri Bike? I finished the 24.8 mile bike in 1:27 and their appeared to be two groups ahead of me, one group at 1:15 and one group around 1:05.


Ahhh, finally a post I can respond to with some real knowledge, as opposed to my usual newbie who only plays a triathlete on TV and the interwebz.

So many variables.
However:

My first triathlon was a little over 20 miles on the bike. I was on an aluminum hybrid. No clips, no cages.
I may be down to 185 or so, but I'm still a big framed kind of guy. I can catch a lot of wind.

I was very prepared for the first tri, physically. I basically did the full distance a week or two before even swimming the same OWS, so I had confidence.

I averaged 18.4 (or there abouts)

1 year later on a low-end (for carbon) carbon road bike with cages (still wasn't clipped in)
I averaged just under 21

However:
-I was one year more experienced for what that's worth (of course, that makes me 1 year older and at 43 that *might* make a difference the other way
-I had done the exact race before
-the wind could have been completely different. My recollection is that year 1 on the hybrid it was pretty handy going out, but pretty stiff and noticeable on the way back in.
Also, I did notice a tad more fatigue on the run than the previous year. Could be nutritional differences? Could be I worked harder on the bike than the previous year. My guess, is a little of both.

All that being said:
I noticed out of the gate on my training rides (generally the same routes and courses mapped/timed on MapMyRide) that the road bike is way faster
- 2-3 mph faster on nice long straights of any distance
- 1-2 faster on measurable uphills
- downhill? I just don't have enough data

Within 2 rides on the road bike, I had set PRs on every 'course' that was logged by MapMyRide.

Surprisingly, when I added the clipped in pedals....I reset all those again within 3-4 more rides. I didn't think they'd make that much of a speed difference. They did.

Now, please, nobody tell me I'd get another few miles out of a tri-bike. I know that. I just can't afford one right now.


I went with the road bike simply because it was the best value for me. I do tri's because I can. It's a result of my exercise, not the sole cause. So, having a more flexible bike is important to me. Then again, I have yet to ride it for anything other than "training" or a race. I still have my hybrid. I love that thing. It's like riding a pillow. If I go out riding with my family, that's what I ride. So, if you're happy with the hybrid and it will take care of your other needs.....getting a tri bike is not a bad idea. I could have bought a new Trek tri-bike for $500 cheaper (clearance) than my road bike last fall. Sometimes you can score a pretty good deal on an entry level new tri-bike, especially if it's last year's model or a size they're having trouble dealing. And there's always a big market for used tri-bikes I've found.

Edited by jhaack39 2014-09-17 9:47 AM
2014-09-17 10:51 AM
in reply to: jhaack39

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???

I did my first season of triathlon on a commuter hybrid because I wasn't sure if I was going to stick with the sport. My initial plan was to get a road bike and add clip-on aero bars. Before this season started my cousin-in-law loaned me his tri bike and wow was it a world of a difference. Now I'm pretty sure that I will stick with a tri bike when it's time for me to return the loaner. Most of my rides are solo so I can stay in aero, which I find very comfortable after the first couple of rides.

2014-09-17 2:21 PM
in reply to: d2dmoney

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???

I'm not understanding the use of the word "or" in this context...

2014-09-17 2:36 PM
in reply to: d2dmoney


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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???
Originally posted by d2dmoney

I have read a bunch of posts about this and wanted to ask my own set of questions. I did my first sprint tri last year on a mountain bike and after last year bought a hybrid bike. Since then, I have gotten WAY more into racing in triathlons and have started placing in my age group consistently at the sprint distance and recently completed my first Olympic. I am now regretting my hybrid bike and want to make the jump to either a road bike or a tri bike. I would like to avoid making the same mistake twice. My main goals are training for and racing in triathlons. Does that mean that a tri bike is right for me? What are the speed benefits from a hybrid to a road bike to a tri bike?


I don't think you'll every regret having a road bike, as long as you keep biking anyway. It will give you a substantial improvement over your hybrid. However, you state that your current main goals are racing and training for Tri, so a dedicated Tri bike will give you the greatest speed gain. Good time of year to find the best closeouts on previous year's models and also, folks are trying to sell the bikes they no longer use before they need to store them for winter etc.


2014-09-17 3:19 PM
in reply to: MikeD1

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???
I'm torn because I spend more time on my road bike, but feel that if you are racing tris you should get a tri-bike first, great wheels second, and then plan to get a good long distance carbon road bike.

Some disagree, but a road bike (with added aerobars) is just more comfortable for training, even though it can be slower but not necessarily. With added clip on bars, you have three or four main hand positions for those long, 80+ mile rides (even 40+ miles it is nice to have variety) as opposed to just two. You're also not in as dangerous a position most of the time.

If you do get both, aim for sumilar component families. You can then purchase upgrades, share or swap components as needed.

I have an classic Cervelo P3 with 808 full carbon clincher Zipps and Ultegra components, and a Willier Gran Turismo (the precursor to the GT) also with Ultegra components. The Willier is a reasonably fast long distance bike. It will absorb much more of the road energy over a century than the P3, making the ride more pleasant, though its not cadillac like the Roubaix lines. The P3, however, is MUCH faster on the flats.
2014-09-17 3:53 PM
in reply to: d2dmoney

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???
I started out with a road bike and added aero bars to it. I have a 20 km threshold bike that I do on a semi-regular basis and I do it fairly consistently. With my road bike with aero bars I average 32.2 km\hr. I bought a road bike and I do the same run at about 31.4 km\hr. About a month ago I bought a triathlon bike and have only done the circuit a couple of times with it but I'm averaging about 34.0 km\hr with it. It might go even higher as I get used to this bike.
2014-09-17 4:23 PM
in reply to: b2run

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???

If your goal is to do triathlons, get a tri bike, it's really that simple.

But invest time, effort into a good fit so you get the right sized bike for you. Often newbies skip that fit part to save money. But as you know buying the wrong bike and then buying again costs more in the long run.

For most triathletes get a road bike if you want and can afford another bike to train on, do group riding with bikers not triathletes, and want to bike race.

I haven't ridden my nice road bike in 5 years maybe. When I ride I ride my tri bike if weather is good, and my Cross bike if weather is crappy.

I have 5 bikes if I was to sell one it would be my road bike.

My triathlon friends ride their tri bikes 90%+ of the time.

 

2014-09-17 4:27 PM
in reply to: d2dmoney

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???

It sounds like you are a good candidate for a tri bike.  Once you get your position dialed in, you will be faster.  How much...I don't know but 1-2 mph would be a conservative guess.  Keep in mind that there are a lot of other things you can do to improve bike speed that is not just the bike.  Good tires and tubes, aero helmet, tight fitting clothing, etc.

I have a tri bike that I mainly use for racing.  Other than that, almost all my miles are on my road bike.  I'm not like most people in this forum though...I've converted more into a roadie than a triathlete.

2014-09-17 4:33 PM
in reply to: Jason N

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???

I think if you're only going to own one bike then having a specialist bike like a tri bike is the wrong decision.

Cycling a road bike is so much more rewarding, interesting, sociable, comfortable and you're likely to ride it for many more years than a tri bike.

I'm lucky that I can have both and I spend 80% of my annual miles on the roadie and 20% on the tri bike.



2014-09-17 4:37 PM
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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???
Originally posted by d2dmoney
I would like to avoid making the same mistake twice. My main goals are training for and racing in triathlons. Does that mean that a tri bike is right for me?


Well, there is actually another option.

As you've figured out, triathletes considering their first serious race/training bike purchase, often have a dilemma: what kind of bike to get when you're starting out? A road bike with traditional geometry and road drop bars? Or, a tri bike with a steeper seat tube angle and full aerobars?

Each type of bike has advantages. The road bike has the brakes and shifters in easy reach, the drop bars have lots of hand position options, the bike will be welcome at group rides, it's faster (and far safer) for fast descending and cornering, it's more versatile for utility riding like riding in traffic, trips to the store, commuting, etc. But a tri bike is typically faster and the frame is more aero (both pretty important qualities for a tri race bike), allows you to get in a better position for generating good power while in the aero position, can often be more comfortable for riding on the aerobars (if fit correctly), etc.

But there's also a third option that gives you the best of both worlds (and might even save you some money and from buying extra bikes). That option is a tri bike but fitted with road drop bars and well-designed clip-on aerobars. In many ways, it is the true multisport bike because it makes for an aero tri bike that is equally fast on super fast descents as it is on pancake-flat time trial courses.

It also give you three options as you progress in skill and experience: (1) keep the drop bars and clip-ons on the bike and keep on using it that way for training and multisport racing. Or, (2) keep the drop bars on the bike, take the clip-ons off, and use it for road riding if your triathlon passion morphs to a bike racing passion (easily 95% of tri frames, with a few small position tweaks, can--and do--function perfectly well as a road frame). Or, (3) switch out the drop bars and clip-ons for full aerobars if you want fully maximize your aero advantage on flat courses (depending on your set up, about 10 sec of aero savings per 40K).

For a visual, here's a photo of a Felt tri bike set up exactly this way (this bike belongs to 2X IM Kona winner Tim DeBoom) for a race with considerable climbing and descending:




Edited by DarkSpeedWorks 2014-09-17 4:52 PM
2014-09-17 6:06 PM
in reply to: Dan-L

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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???

Originally posted by Dan-L

I think if you're only going to own one bike then having a specialist bike like a tri bike is the wrong decision.

Cycling a road bike is so much more rewarding, interesting, sociable, comfortable and you're likely to ride it for many more years than a tri bike.

I'm lucky that I can have both and I spend 80% of my annual miles on the roadie and 20% on the tri bike.

Well, it depends what you use the bike for.  I for one agree with you that a road bike would be my bike of choice if I were to only have one bike, but I don't ride like many people on this forum do.  There are lots of triathletes who have no interest in riding with others, commuting, doing tons of climbing, or just going out for a casual ride.  There is a growing number of triathletes who only ride the trainer, get a few rides on the road, and then race triathlons.  I know...it boggles my mind too, but if that's what people want to do, then a tri bike should be fine for them.  I've ridden about 8k miles this year so far.  About 200 of them have been on my tri bike.

2014-09-17 10:52 PM
in reply to: d2dmoney


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Subject: RE: Tri Bike or Road Bike???
To clarify, I dont plan on getting rid of my hybrid which I have used for 50 mile rides. So I will still have that for longer rides although it will be slower. I also never ride in groups so the group pressure to be on a road bike wont be there. I am leaning towards a tri bike which I will get professionally fitted at the store where I buy it (they offer it free with the purchase of a tri bike).
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