Ironman Frankfurt

Triathlon Forum
1

Doing this in May and wondering whether to use a TT bike or road bike with clip ons. Anyone know the course and have an opinion?

2

TT bike…

3

I have a local bike track here in austin, it is full of hairpin turns and hills.

I’m a lot, LOT faster on it on my tri bike than my road bike

and both bikes are cervelos =)

so I tend to question what kind of course it would take to make a road bike a faster choice…

4

this is one of the fastest courses, so make sure you use a TT bike - AND this is also one of the most beautiful IM in the world - more spectators than at all US IM races together…

5

I have a local bike track here in austin, it is full of hairpin turns and hills.

I’m a lot, LOT faster on it on my tri bike than my road bike

and both bikes are cervelos =)

so I tend to question what kind of course it would take to make a road bike a faster choice…
I think a road bike is a better choice for the Monaco 70.3.

6

Thanks that pretty much answers that. Monaco as you say is much quicker on a road bike as indeed is the ‘Lost Sheep half Ironman’ in Kerry in Southern Ireland which I would suggest is probably the most beautiful,scenic race anywhere. See ‘you tube’ for clips.

7

I’ve done IM Germany twice, both times on my Softride TT bike. There are a couple of short hills, but no technical descents, and you are definitely better off on a TT bike because of the long downhills and the chance to face a little headwind going back south into the city. Word of caution – make sure your bottle holders and straps are tight – there are some cobblestone sections which are littered with all kinds of crap which gets shaken off bikes (spare tubulars, water bottles, etc).

8

Great,thanks.That settles it. Any other tips welcome.

9

Hi all, new to the forum.
I do a lot of my training on the Frankfurt course and can confirm that there is no reason not to use a TT bike.
If you´re in the area be aware that there are nasty roadworks in Rendel and the diversions include a couple of 90 degree bends that are unmarked, so take care round that village.
There are lots of nice routes on and around the course, and of course the Taunus aren´t that far away if you get here early and want some hillier routes for training.

10

You can best use the bike you used most during training.

11

Sorry to hijack this post. But I wanted to ask the recommended wheels for this race. Shall I go for 404 or 808 or a combination? Thanks.