ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

2015-04-30 9:42 AM

Regular

1161

Hamilton, IL

Subject: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

[BACKGROUND, you may skip to SUMMARY]
So, I've kicked my butt all winter, I've trained and trained and trained. I'm signed up for an Oly on May 17th. I predict that I'll perform in the 2:30 range. This will be my third go at this triathlon. Year one I choked and the conditions were miserable, and it was my first triathlon (3:05). Last year (year 2) I swam without any goal other than to have fun on the swim, biked with the only goal of being able to run off the bike, and ran my butt off (2:44)

Last year my bike ave was 17.7mph. I felt like I pushed it pretty hard, but not everything I had, for sure. had a bad run experience the year before, didn't want a repeat.

This winter I experienced sufferfest videos and utilized some of my consistent biking from the year before to propel me into some pretty hefty training (for an Oly). Sure there are guys that bike more, and they are awesome, but this is a whole new level for me.

I predict my bike ave will be OVER 20mph, maybe even 21. I did a 56 mile (no tapering and full load the week before) ride a couple of weeks ago at 19.7mph. I just bought some Conti Grand Prix 4000s tires and some lighter tubes to replace my Bontrager Hard Case tires (amazing durability!!) so hopefully that will help, too.

ANYWAY,
[SUMMARY]
I'm buying a tri-bike. I have a HIM in the fall, and am potentially doing IM Wisconsin in 2016 if everything goes well with the HIM training. The new bike will not go to waste, no doubt. I'm on a Road Bike with aero bars. I've moved the seat forward as much as possible, but my hip angle is pretty closed and I can feel the hamstring tugging on intense workouts.

BUT, if I have this thing in my hands before my Oly's race day (May 17th), should I use it? I mean, it's just 40k, will I benefit from it or would it actually be a BAD thing? Where's the cutoff? I just did my last REAL training ride. Taper starts next week. I'll pick up some intensity next week, but the following week is more maintenance and working kinks out.

Here are my next rides:
Next week: 207 minutes (Sun), 118 minutes (Tues), 168 minutes (Wed)
Following week: 83 minutes (Sun), 45 minutes (Tues)
then race on the NEXT Sunday...

axteraa

2015-04-30 9:49 AM

in reply to: 0

Elite

7783

PEI, Canada

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

When you get it, take it out for a few rides and if you are comfortable on it, use it.

Edit - and post bike porn pics!

Edited by axteraa 2015-04-30 9:49 AM

Left Brain

2015-04-30 9:50 AM

in reply to: Danno77

Pro

15655

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Ride the new bike, that's why you bought it.

You could win your age group or finish last, or win the overall, and tomorrow will look exactly the same....might as well break out the new ride.

2015-04-30 9:51 AM

in reply to: Left Brain

Regular

1161

Hamilton, IL

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by Left Brain

Ride the new bike, that's why you bought it.

You could win your age group or finish last, or win the overall, and tomorrow will look exactly the same....might as well break out the new ride.

I doubt I'll be doing anything other than being better than last year! Is Junior coming out to Gateway in Carlyle this year? That's my next race...

brigby1

2015-04-30 10:09 AM

in reply to: axteraa

Master

10208

Northern IL

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by axteraa

When you get it, take it out for a few rides and if you are comfortable on it, use it.

Edit - and post bike porn pics!

yeah, see how it works for you. If it's good enough then go for it. Don't have to be fully used to it, just good enough for what you want to do. I ended up in this situation for a sprint tri last year and did ok with it. Power was a bit down (and inconsistent) and I didn't feel great with it yet, but I was faster and felt good enough.

GODAWGS

2015-04-30 10:12 AM

in reply to: Danno77

Extreme Veteran

959

Greenwood, South Carolina

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

I would recommend at least of couple of training rides prior to using in race. You will feel different muscle groups being used compared to road bike. I thought I made a huge mistake during my first ride on my Tri bike but now comfortable and couldn't think of going back to road bike.

Good luck and make sure you share pictures of your new bike.

Left Brain

2015-04-30 11:06 AM

in reply to: Danno77

Pro

15655

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by Danno77

Originally posted by Left Brain

Ride the new bike, that's why you bought it.

You could win your age group or finish last, or win the overall, and tomorrow will look exactly the same....might as well break out the new ride.

I doubt I'll be doing anything other than being better than last year! Is Junior coming out to Gateway in Carlyle this year? That's my next race...

Nah....as much as he enjoyed that race, it's probably not in the cards for a while.. He's in Richmond this weekend for the Jr. Elite race and then the rest of the month is districts.sectionals,state for track.....so he can't fit it in. Now he's talking about backing off of triathlon a bit and running the AAU track series this summer so I really don't see him doing any AG races this year at all.

Good luck at Carlyle!!......that run over the dam may be the hottest run I've ever done.....just miserable.

2015-04-30 11:19 AM

in reply to: GODAWGS

436

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Which tri bike are you going with? I'm in a similar situation as you. Currently using a road bike with clip-ons and run around a 2:30 Olympic. I'm going to finish out my year with my current bike but given I'm already researching HIM's for 2016 knowing myself I'll probably sign-up for one before I know it. The only real reason I'm waiting is because I'm hoping I'll be able to get a good deal on a tri bike at the end of the season.

2015-04-30 11:39 AM

in reply to: TXTriRook

Regular

1161

Hamilton, IL

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by TXTriRook

Which tri bike are you going with? I'm in a similar situation as you. Currently using a road bike with clip-ons and run around a 2:30 Olympic. I'm going to finish out my year with my current bike but given I'm already researching HIM's for 2016 knowing myself I'll probably sign-up for one before I know it. The only real reason I'm waiting is because I'm hoping I'll be able to get a good deal on a tri bike at the end of the season.

I found a never been ridden 2013 Speed Concept 7 at a dealership and my LBS is working on a trade, if they can't get the trade to go through, then I'm back to ebay. I lowballed them on it, so I'm not holding my breath, but when there are so many good used bikes around, I'm not breaking the bank for a NEW bike.

There have been some really good looking Cervelo P3s on ebay over the past few months. I wish I knew which size I would be on that bike. I've been measured all up and the Trek and the Cannondale that my LBS sells both would work (imagine that!)

2015-04-30 11:44 AM

in reply to: Danno77

436	Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question. I'm always skeptical about making a big purchase like a bike on Ebay. I think I'll also go to my LBS and see what they say. Trade in is a great idea. Thanks for the feedback! My Race Log

2015-04-30 11:49 AM

in reply to: TXTriRook

Regular

1161

Hamilton, IL

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by TXTriRook

I'm always skeptical about making a big purchase like a bike on Ebay. I think I'll also go to my LBS and see what they say. Trade in is a great idea. Thanks for the feedback!

Yes, Trade-in can be a good thing, but that's not what I meant. The bike I want is at Dealership X and my LBS has contacted them offering to swap something from their inventory for the bike I want. If done right, everybody ends up happy. I get to buy a bike from my LBS, the other bike store gets something they are more likely to sell, and I get a good deal on a NEW bike, even if the model is a couple of years old.

2015-04-30 11:55 AM

in reply to: Danno77

436

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Gotcha! There are a few good tri stores near where I live but the thing I find frustrating is they only sell a couple brands of bikes. Like you, I like the look of the Cervello but I have no idea where to try it out, let alone get fitted for it. I'm sure my LBS has a brand that would fit me but it would be nice to be able to try a few different brands out.

Donto

2015-04-30 12:03 PM

in reply to: Danno77

Pro

6582

Melbourne FL

Gold member

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Once I got on my tri-bike I never rode the RB (fake TB setup too) again and sold it.

You'll likely be faster on the TB just from the aero improvements, even if you are not 100% adapted to the positioning.

Get some latex tubes for those GP4000s tires, no need to leave a few watts behind! I use Bontrager latex as they are carried by some of the LBS here.

marcag

2015-04-30 12:12 PM

in reply to: TXTriRook

Extreme Veteran

5722

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by TXTriRook

Gotcha! There are a few good tri stores near where I live but the thing I find frustrating is they only sell a couple brands of bikes. Like you, I like the look of the Cervello but I have no idea where to try it out, let alone get fitted for it. I'm sure my LBS has a brand that would fit me but it would be nice to be able to try a few different brands out.

The best way to get fitted is to go to someone good, that does Retul, and they will give you the coordinates you need to setup the bike.

They can tell you exactly what bikes will fit you.

Then you can shop all over with piece of mind.

cdban66

2015-04-30 12:19 PM

in reply to: Danno77

Master

6834

Englewood, Florida

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

I just picked mine up last week and will be racing it on May 17th as well. It took one "real" ride to figure that out. Ride it once or twice and you'll know.

2015-04-30 1:55 PM

in reply to: marcag

436

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by marcag

What's Retul? Is this something most LBS will do?

marcag

2015-04-30 2:48 PM

in reply to: 0

Extreme Veteran

5722

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by TXTriRook

Originally posted by marcag

What's Retul? Is this something most LBS will do?

Many will do it, Not all.
The retul.com website has a list of fitters you can find by location

Retul is a "system". They basically put you on a bike or on a machine that is like a bike but ver adjustable
They put sensors on a few body locations like your knee, ankle, hip, shoulder.....

There is a laser type device that will read those sensors and do all the measurements of hip angles, arm angles etc, dynamically while you are pedalling

The fitter uses this data, with interview data to adjust your position, re-analyses, adjusts, takes your feedback, adjusts, until you get the right fit

At the end, they have a "wand" they use to scan all the contact points and it produces a report with which you can shop frames

Retul is a certification as well, so the person doing it is "Retul" certified. I just noticed on the web site they have a frame finder tool

Edited by marcag 2015-04-30 2:48 PM

2015-04-30 3:36 PM

in reply to: marcag

436	Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question. Wow! Sounds only slightly more technical than riding around the block on a few different bikes and going with what felt good like I did for my current ride My Race Log

Donto

2015-04-30 4:13 PM

in reply to: TXTriRook

Pro

6582

Melbourne FL

Gold member

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by TXTriRook Wow! Sounds only slightly more technical than riding around the block on a few different bikes and going with what felt good like I did for my current ride

Ha! But if you're willing to spend some $$$$ on a nice ride you better make sure it fits you properly. Take a look at the following picture. Felt has a frame derived from the DA series (B series) that is exactly the same behind the head tube. But the B models have a different head tube setup. The reddish part (B) shows the frame as being tall, the gray (DA) is the frame is low (and longer). I lack the flexibility with my neck issues to be able to use a low option. My 1st tri-bike was a frame that was long (top tube length, long torso) and low design but I had cobs of spacers under the stem to make it tall enough for the best comfort. When I was out for a new ride a 2 years back, the DA could likely have been setup to suit my needs with a different stem setup but the B was just fine for me. Now if I were the opposite and was flexible without any neck issues I could not be setup low enough with the B frame vs. the DA.

Same goes when comparing some other brands to each other, not all offer the same geometries, while others do offer models that may cross with each other.

2015-05-06 9:21 PM

in reply to: Donto

Regular

1161

Hamilton, IL

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Thread starter is a moot point now. They have my bike and it will be here AFTER the race! Oh well! 2014 Trek Speed Concept 7.0...woohoo!

2015-05-21 9:07 PM

in reply to: Danno77

Regular

1161

Hamilton, IL

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

The new bike is sooooo cool looking! Need to get some saddle time on it, though!

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mike761

2015-05-22 7:03 AM

in reply to: Danno77

Member

1748

Exton, PA

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by Danno77

The new bike is sooooo cool looking! Need to get some saddle time on it, though!

Nice Ride!!!

Wrong gear

5stones

2015-05-22 7:28 AM

in reply to: Danno77

Member

587

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Nice bike. So how did your race go? Did you meet your goal & MPH on the bike? Hope the race was awesome.

2015-05-22 7:59 AM

in reply to: mike761

Regular

1161

Hamilton, IL

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by mike761

Originally posted by Danno77

The new bike is sooooo cool looking! Need to get some saddle time on it, though!

Nice Ride!!!

Wrong gear

Fear not, the official bike porn picture will have the gear in the right spot and the pedal will be more appropriately positioned. Also, I thought I was being all superstar when I mounted my tires with the label right over the valve. Then I realized that the major label was on the opposite side. Also, I think I somehow pinched the front tube, was flat when I woke up.

Not a fan of the stock seat. I know they say to try a saddle for a while before you decide, but I think sometimes you can just tell right away. I'm looking at a noseless right now.

mike761

2015-05-22 8:11 AM

in reply to: Danno77

Member

1748

Exton, PA

Subject: RE: ANOTHER Tri-bike close to race Question.

Originally posted by Danno77

Originally posted by mike761

Originally posted by Danno77

The new bike is sooooo cool looking! Need to get some saddle time on it, though!

Nice Ride!!!

Wrong gear

Someone had to say it

Look into Cobb saddles they have a 90 day return policy, and some great saddles. He is the one who designed the adamo saddle before he started his own company.