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2006-11-14 8:02 AM

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Got Wahoo?
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Subject: tri bike vs. road bike

I currently have a road bike, but am considering a tri bike in the next couple months. So far, the only difference I can get is the geometry for the aero position. 

Why don't road racers use aero bars on long races?

I'm wondering if a tri bike is worth it.... 



2006-11-14 8:06 AM
in reply to: #598436

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Expert
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
because it's dangerous to draft in aerobars since you have to move your hands to brake
2006-11-14 8:08 AM
in reply to: #598436

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Pro
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
Aero bars are twitchier in handling and since roadies ride in packs, you are risking big pack wipeouts on aeros.  With drafting you are also getting a lot of the benefit simply sucking on someones wheel.
2006-11-14 8:14 AM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
tmwelshy - 2006-11-14 8:02 AM

...the only difference I can get is the geometry for the aero position.

 

I'm sure I'll be corrected, but it's not just a different geometry for the aero position. 

The geometry is designed to incorporate a different set of muscles during a bike ride.  In particular, a tri bike is designed to bring the hamstrings into use more so than the quads (or do I have that backwards?) so that the other one isn't so trashed on the run.

 

I think the explanation above for the road races vs. aerobars is a pretty good one.

 

SR 

2006-11-14 8:21 AM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike

A tribike allows you to ride most comfortably in the most aerodynamic position, while emphasizing leg muscles that aren't as intensively used in the run. More efficient riding, fresher running legs.

Good, widely cited article here:

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml

 

2006-11-14 8:51 AM
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molto veloce mama
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
the only thing that has kept me from getting a tri bike was the cost. i ordered one of the cervelos and can't wait for it to get here. the geometry is slightly different...plus the SET UP is different. i have aero bars on my road bike, but my saddle height and position for comfortable aero riding is different than what is most comfortable for doing long road rides (and since i do group rides with a cycling team, i stay in the hoods or drops and never use the aero bars during those rides). i either had to monkey with the saddle adjustments or just have a not as comfortable ride. oh, and i managed to break a seat post bolt doing one of the many adjustments. i can't wait to have the two bikes set up as the tools they are meant to be. i will most likely use my road bike for the majority of my solo training rides, and use the tri bike for some traininng, but mostly racing.


2006-11-14 8:53 AM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
tmwelshy - 2006-11-14 6:02 AM

I'm wondering if a tri bike is worth it.... 




It is...as long as it doesn't take the shirt off your back....you can't have enough bikes....variety is good....it is great to walk into your garage and go: what shall I ride today? Don't overanalyze, only gets more confusing ;-)
2006-11-14 8:55 AM
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molto veloce mama
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
agreed. i have 5 bikes, waiting on #6. i'm hoping i get a chance to ride all 6 in november. half-way there - road bike, hybrid, and mountain bike all have miles...now i just need to ride my single speed, 3-speed, and tri bike (when it arrives).

Edited by autumn 2006-11-14 8:55 AM
2006-11-14 9:59 AM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
I own a real nice road bike (C'dale R1000-full Ultegra). I love this bike!!
 
I just bought a Tri bike after my first season of tris (Cervelo P2SL). I love this bike too!!!!
 
Each is a different experience.
 
The Tri bike has me doing 2-3 miles faster right off the bat and it is a whole different style of riding. Your positioning on the bike requires a very different effort. I would not use this bike for group rides or even long rides with my husband. He would quickly get left behind.
2006-11-14 9:36 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
I'll probably stick some aero bars on my road bike. i've been reluctant to do it becasue it takes a certain flexabilty and getting used to cranking in that position. after visiting the PT I have a renewed interest in stretching and they are beneficial. Nice to be comfortable down out of the wind. the geometry diference is not enough to make me spend oodles of money on a tri specific bike. My brother has done some road racing and he says once your out of the "pack" you are finished!
2006-11-15 6:39 AM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
I race a road bike with aero bars attached, I ran my first few races without then added them and noticed a big difference, shaved time gained speed. I know I would be faster with a specialized Trime Trial bike but can't justify the $$ I am not planning on 1st places  or FOP finishes so the extra expense seems unnecassary to enjoy / do well. Now that being said I do have it as a reward/goal to get a good bike when I make it to my 1/2 IM in a few years but by then I feel I will have earned/deserve it and will really make use of the advantages at that level.


2006-11-15 1:25 PM
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2006-11-15 1:39 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
- 2006-11-15 1:25 PM

Hey welshy,

 I went backwards on this one too. I had a tri bike and then switched to road bike. I am a million times faster on my road bike. And I love it for long training rides. I wont ever ride my tri bike unless I"m racing.   If you can swing a bike for occasional use, then why the hell not.

Why are you "a million times faster on my road bike" and why do you still race on your tri bike if that is true?

2006-11-15 1:40 PM
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Sydney Australia
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2006-11-15 1:43 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
Sill wondering why you're faster on your road bike. Does your tri bike not fit?
2006-11-15 1:55 PM
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Sydney Australia
Subject:


Edited by misscullen 2006-11-15 1:56 PM


2006-11-15 6:21 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
I agree on getting the tri bike fitted. Even though I am a newbie I decided to go to The Bicycle Barn in PA to talk to the owner. He perfectly fitted me to my new tri bike and it turns out it was a complete size smaller than Kuota's manufacturer suggested size. He also showed me the difference between that and the road bike and yes the two biggest points he made was the saddle position as well as the geometry of the frame. The aero bars let you distribute your weight evenly so that you do save the proper muscles for the run. I hope the tri bike was worth the money...
2006-11-15 8:59 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike

United States Cycling Federation rules prohibit aero bars for mass start racing in road races and criteriums.  They are legal for time trials.  UCI regulations prohibit them as well for Euro races.  A few years back, many of the pros were using a short pair of clip on type aero bars made by the Italian Spinaci Company, but they've since been outlawed.

 

2006-11-16 12:03 AM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
I have both a road bike (Trek 2300) and a tri bike (Cervelo One). I enjoy switching back and forth between the two during my "off season". As I get closer to a race, say within about two months before, I stick to my Cervelo to get my body fully used to the aero position. Also, I do more brick workouts at that time and the geometry of the tri bike is much better for the transition to run. I do notice that I am better on climbing hills on my Trek and it does handle much better around town. For longer time trial type rides though on open roads, I'll take my Cervelo any day.
2006-11-16 1:56 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
I'm looking to purchase a tri bike in the next month or so. I've been racing for 3 years with a road bike and I feel like it is time. I also got approval so....Not too familiar with what is out there for the money but I've got about 2500.00 to play with. I'm a clydesdale with 2008 IM aspirations. got two 1/2 IM's this year so i'm looking for a ride that will be as comfortable as can be. Any suggestions within the price range? I'm going to get fitted on Sat. to see what size I will be and from there I'm sure bikes will come up.
2006-11-16 2:03 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike

nel34 - 2006-11-16 1:56 PM I'm looking to purchase a tri bike in the next month or so. I've been racing for 3 years with a road bike and I feel like it is time. I also got approval so....Not too familiar with what is out there for the money but I've got about 2500.00 to play with. I'm a clydesdale with 2008 IM aspirations. got two 1/2 IM's this year so i'm looking for a ride that will be as comfortable as can be. Any suggestions within the price range? I'm going to get fitted on Sat. to see what size I will be and from there I'm sure bikes will come up.

Lot of good sales out there this time of year.

I have less than that in my bike, a Cervelo Dual with HED Trispoke front wheel and a Renn 575 disc in the back. You may be able to match that for $2,500 or a little more. 



2006-11-16 2:12 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
the bear - 2006-11-16 2:03 PM

nel34 - 2006-11-16 1:56 PM I'm looking to purchase a tri bike in the next month or so. I've been racing for 3 years with a road bike and I feel like it is time. I also got approval so....Not too familiar with what is out there for the money but I've got about 2500.00 to play with. I'm a clydesdale with 2008 IM aspirations. got two 1/2 IM's this year so i'm looking for a ride that will be as comfortable as can be. Any suggestions within the price range? I'm going to get fitted on Sat. to see what size I will be and from there I'm sure bikes will come up.

Lot of good sales out there this time of year.

I have less than that in my bike, a Cervelo Dual with HED Trispoke front wheel and a Renn 575 disc in the back. You may be able to match that for $2,500 or a little more. 

Red bikes cost more though...

2006-11-16 2:20 PM
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
MarkQuiet - 2006-11-16 2:12 PM

Red bikes cost more though...

Not much more...





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2006-11-17 8:54 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike
the bear - 2006-11-16 2:20 PM

MarkQuiet - 2006-11-16 2:12 PM

Red bikes cost more though...

Not much more...



Thanks bears. You always have the best suggestions. Question though how much of the bike really needs to be red? Now that I am signed up for my first HIM I need a new bike and I may need all the red I can get.
2006-11-18 8:55 AM
in reply to: #598436

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Got Wahoo?
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Subject: RE: tri bike vs. road bike

 Thanks for all the advice, guys (and misscullen). Here's another related question:

 

Is there a conditioning window going from road bike to tri bike? 

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