I currently ride a Specialized road bike with clip on aero bars. This is my second year doing tris - I did several sprints and a HIM last year. This year, I’m planning several sprints, 2 HIMs and maybe a IM (its on the radar and have to consider the whether i have the time to train).
Now, I’m considering buying a tri bike; however, the husband and I are debating the necessity of purchasing one. If I do buy, I’d like to spend less that 2K.
Could I do an IM on this bike? What advantages would I get from the investment? Is it worth it if I don’t know if I’ll ever do another IM – I’ll definitely do more HIMs and sprints.
If cash is an issue, try a forward seatpost and a professional fit on your current bike. For the long stuff, its the skeletal support, better aerodynamics and open hip angle you want from your modified geometry.
you might read my review earlier this week of the QR Seduza. it’s an all-carbon complete bike that fits into your price point, and if you’re 5’6" or shorter that smallest size is a really good bike. also, as another person pointed out, the kuota k factor is a great bike in this small size. i think i wrote about both these bikes in the same article.
the seat post will be relative more forward allowing you to get your torso lower and more aerodynamic without crunching up your hip angle too much. This will make you a lot faster. You can fake this with weird seatposts posts on a normal bike, but then the bike will handle poorly.
a good tri bike will have a more aerodynamic frame which will make you a bit faster.
thats it!
I currently ride a Specialized road bike with clip on aero bars. This is my second year doing tris - I did several sprints and a HIM last year. This year, I’m planning several sprints, 2 HIMs and maybe a IM (its on the radar and have to consider the whether i have the time to train).
Now, I’m considering buying a tri bike; however, the husband and I are debating the necessity of purchasing one. If I do buy, I’d like to spend less that 2K.
Could I do an IM on this bike? What advantages would I get from the investment? Is it worth it if I don’t know if I’ll ever do another IM – I’ll definitely do more HIMs and sprints.
Depending on your size - a very good friend of mine is selling an amazing bike - QR lucero at a very low price - includes race wheels - ready to go - for $1000
i have it listed with pictures on the classifieds section
.
I had the same dilemma as you, and opted to have the road bike adjusted to more of a tri fit. Seemed to work well - it was more aerodynamic, a bit harder on the neck, but I definitely felt fresher on the run. For a hilly course I wouldn’t bother, but on a flat course you can certainly gain with the tri bike.
since it sounds like you are serious about the sport, then keep looking at tri bikes. As others have pointed out, 2k is a good price point and you should be able to find something good.
I, however, wouldn’t look at it as if you have to have one to do these races, especially the HIM and IM races. With less then a year to prepare for IM, you may be more comfortable on the road bike anyway. lots of people who own tri bikes choose to race IM on road frames. I would steer clear of the forward seat post. I tried ‘modified road’ position and it didn’t work. I was much happier (and faster) with a normal road fit and itu style bars.
Since you have the money in place, find a bike a pull the trigger. I would just take your time and find the one you really want. If that means it takes a few months, or if you have to wait until the end of summer to save up a little extra, then do it.
You can definately do an IM on a road bike, that was pretty much what triathletes did for many years in the “early” days and its how a lot of us started.
A well fitted tri bike will most likely be faster, over every distance. If its worth it is up to you. Dan’s article is excellent.
I tried to copy a “balance sheet” of tri bike vs. road bike from a review I just wrote but I couldn’t get the darn graphic over here in one piece so you could view it.
Here are a couple resources that may be useful in your survey:
I have had the professional fit and maybe I just need to have it redone. For shorter distances, i’m comfortable on it; however, at around mile 45 in my HIM, I couldn’t get comfortable on the bike (maybe it was a bit of a lack of training) - but my back and my shoulders were killing me. Have you had any of these problems?
one can’t be sure without seeing you, but the single most typical reason for this is a cockpit that is too long. you’re too stretched out. but i’m just playing the odds here. no way of telling without seeing you on your bike.
Interesting, I’ll have to take it back in to my LBS. The interesting thing is that when I ride, I find myself holding on to the very end of my aerobars with mainly the bottom of my palms. Perhaps I’ve stretched myself out too much.
Have you ever seen pro bike racers on a solo breakaway resting their forearms on the handlebars and holding the gear cables to create a virtual aerobar? Thats what your position should be like. Another analogy would be to hold onto the brake hoods with your forearms horizontal and resting on the bars then bring your forearms in closer. Chances are you need to bring the pads and extensions back closer.
“I have had the professional fit and maybe I just need to have it redone. For shorter distances, i’m comfortable on it; however, at around mile 45 in my HIM, I couldn’t get comfortable on the bike (maybe it was a bit of a lack of training) - but my back and my shoulders were killing me. Have you had any of these problems?”
I only did the one HIM (Clearwater) with the tri fit, and definitely found it harder on the back, but not to the point of “killing me”. I find the road bike configuration more comfortable and can do the IM distance on it without problem - not sure I could say the same on tri bike (at my age)
Sounds like you’re on the right track by considering having the fit adjusted, and by seeing if that combined with more training will solve the problem.
Best solution though would be to add a tri bike to your stable. I tried that angle with my wife, but no luck. Maybe you’ll have better luck getting that one past your hubbie!
Thanks again for your comments. As an aside (not sure if you’d find this interesting), I had a pedal analysis done last night and the coach had some comments on my bike fit and my tri/road bike. The most telling thing about the experience was his comments regarding the geometry of the bikes – he would never do a HIM or longer on a tri bike. He says that it is better to use the road configuration for the longer distances. For the shorter races, he thought that my bike set up was good; however, for a HIM, he thought that I should lower the seat a bit and raise the front end a tad. Perhaps its all just personal preference…
Hmm, that’s strange because I was told and somewhat believe the opposite.
I have a road bike for shorter, pack riding and hill riding rides.
I have a Triathlon Bike for longer distance riding, 60+ which is more comfortable, but I also do sprint workouts with too.
I’m sure the HIM would be more comfy on a road bike
but not as fast.
you lookin to just tour the course or crush dreams? =)
Bmas,
Thanks again for your comments. As an aside (not sure if you’d find this interesting), I had a pedal analysis done last night and the coach had some comments on my bike fit and my tri/road bike. The most telling thing about the experience was his comments regarding the geometry of the bikes – he would never do a HIM or longer on a tri bike. He says that it is better to use the road configuration for the longer distances. For the shorter races, he thought that my bike set up was good; however, for a HIM, he thought that I should lower the seat a bit and raise the front end a tad. Perhaps its all just personal preference…
