After finally riding a tri bike, I can definitely see how it would be faster for the longer courses; however, I think that I’d be a bit nervous with it on a very hilly course. As far as my goals, I’m looking to do my best and always beat my prior time. I’m never going to be a contender or place in my age group; however, I’m competitive with myself.
You can always compromise and go with a tri bike, with bullhorn bars and clip ons, like Chrissie Wellington does on hilly courses.
After finally riding a tri bike, I can definitely see how it would be faster for the longer courses; however, I think that I’d be a bit nervous with it on a very hilly course. As far as my goals, I’m looking to do my best and always beat my prior time. I’m never going to be a contender or place in my age group; however, I’m competitive with myself.
The fastest bike for long courses will always be the one that you are most comfortable on. For me, I couldn’t ride my tri bikes (QR Kilo & Cervelo P2K) comfortablely for much more than an hour before my neck and crotch started feeling discomfort. After two or three hours in the aero position on the tri bikes my neck and crotch were in agony. I’m personally always more comfy in a Talon/Soloist TT type “multisport” or a road position on long rides. Once discomfort sets in then fatigue soon follows and down goes performance. Some people are more comfortable on one type of bike than the other. Ride the type where you feel the most comfort.