I posted a related topic a few months ago, but still need more help here. I have both a steep-angle tribike (that I love) and a great road bike (that I could set up with shorties). I’d rather stick with the tribike as right now I’m in the height of season and feel very comfy on this bike (it’s all set up and fitted, ready to go). I would only switch to my road bike for this course if there is really an appreciable difference, say something greater than 2 minutes. The road bike is much lighter than my tribike, and climbs and turns better. As I’m not a great climber (190 pounder), the steepness of the hills might be the biggest factor for me. So how steep are they? Any thoughts? Thanks all.
The hills aren’t very long or steep, I would consider them power climbs that would be very easy to do on a tri bike.
I think that the biggest consideration is what level swimmer you are. The reason is that it’s pretty much a mass start and if you are a slow swimmer but fast cyclist you’ll find yourself going through a lot of people.
It’s not a course where you’ll end up riding in your aerobars a lot so take that into consideration too. The flatest portion is the bit around Golden Gate Park. Check the Tri California website for the map and course profile to get a better idea.
I used a road bike a couple years ago when I did it for handling reasons.
Steep is in the eye of the beholder. Where do you live and what is your reference? It’s no Wildflower or World’s Toughest.
There is only 1,580 feet of climbing in the 22 miles. A couple of the climbs are puffers if you aren’t a good climber (me). From the water up to the Bridge is about 200 feet in less than half a mile. Lincoln coming back is about 1/2 mile, but nothing too steep. The grind up to the Palace is again a grind, but not overly steep. There is one (or two?) short (1-2 blocks) steep bits coming back. Through the park is fairly flat, with a some little rollers.
I ride my tri bike on the course a lot and am fine with it.
clm
If you are in doubt, give me a call - i’ll buy your spot 
Seriously - how do you ever get into this race?
Definitely the tri bike for the first reasons you give. Plus, it gets windy pretty early sometimes and I always, always, hear friends who go road regret it after.
"Seriously - how do you ever get into this race? "
Move to Hawaii, get in on the State of Residence drawing. There aren’t manyof us here who are willing to swim in that cold water. I’m pretty sure that’s how I got my slot…kj