I was wondering which bike I should bring for Ironman Portugal 70.3? I feel faster on my TT bike, but if the climbs are too steep I have better gearing on my road bike. I was looking at the video on the website and it seems like a lot of participants are riding road bikes. Any insight would be helpful.
In 2021 I did the full Ironman in Cascais and this years course hasn’t changed much. There is some climbing involved, but not Alpine style. With the right gearing a TT bike is much faster. I used a 39x28 as smallest gear which was sufficient. Have fun, it’s a great race!
Definitely TT. There is one steady climb but in no case would a roadie be faster. TT with disc wheel all the way.
TT bike.
Would anyone suggest a 39x25 as the smallest with a TT bike/disc wheel? The gear ratios are a bit better and closer for flatter sections. Or do you think it’ll be a grind on the climbs? Thank you!
Would anyone suggest a 39x25 as the smallest with a TT bike/disc wheel? The gear ratios are a bit better and closer for flatter sections. Or do you think it’ll be a grind on the climbs? Thank you!
Of course you can force your way up, but there are two or three sections where you will be out of the saddle. For a 70.3 that might work, it’s only 100-200 meters at a time so doable, for a full Ironman you might want to save your legs a bit.