I took up triathlon (sprints) about 3 years ago after some time away from sport but come from a road racing and running background. I am Ok, can win my age group in local races and get into the top 3 overall. I am I always thought that tri bikes were BS but after years of messing aroung with a road bike with aero bars I got a tri bike (Litespeed Saber) and would not go back. I am just as fast on the bike but run much better off the bike. A couple of months ago Triathlon magazine ran an article about choosing between a road bike and a tri bike. They article seemed very slanted toward owning a road bike because it would be better to train on and you train more than you race. Another reason was that the pros train on road bikes and race on tri bikes. I tried that this year and have come to the conclusion that if you are not racking up the miles on the bike (less that 150/week) (and that is MANY sprint guys we don’t have the time to train more) you are much better off training on the bike you race on. I had much better results (all other things being equal) doing just that. Any thoughts on this??
Hi bryin, excellent post. I believe I agree with you. Almost all my miles now are done on a tri bike becasue that is what I will be racing on. I do still have a road bike but rarely ride it since I no longer do group rides. While there is unquestionably a benefit from riding both and doing solo and group rides, my rides being predominantly solo I prefer to get fully accustomed to the bike I will be racing on, its position and handling characteristics and mechanical characteristics. Also, as you correctly point out, running off the tri bike is much easier than running off the road bike. that may be the tri bike’s primary or secondary benefit (possibly behind increased comfort, aerodynamics and stability over a road bike). Now, bear in mind, I own a bike shop: I think everyone should own both. Of course, I also think I should be driving a new supercharged Nissan X-Terra with bulletproof glass and Recaro racing seats and an Alpine system with nightvision, GPS and a Momo steering wheel sittin on 20" Daytons with roll-flat tires. but since everyone doesn’t own both I have a 5 year old dented Subaru. so it is my best interest to sell bikes. but having said all that, there is a benefit to owning both, but most of my time is spent on a tri bike.
Wow Tom Dermerly agrees with me… I have to thank you, I used your site to learn how to set up the tri bike. Also you helped me pick my first tri bike, a Felt F22. I think your bike fit section is great, the pics help alot. I wrote the thread because the article in Triathlon seemed to not match my experience. I do think that many people try a tri bike but come to false conclusions about it (won’t climb well, because they don’t know how to ride it. I didn’t to start. I found that you have to stay in the aero position as much as possible even when climbing as it allows you to spin faster and that is the secret to riding a tri bike. I tried to ride it like a road bike powering up stuff and it did not work. Spinnig over 90rpms was the trick and a computer with cadence really helped. I think the steep position is better for anyone that runs in addition to cycling. Tom- thanks and keep up the good work. Perhaps you could write for Triathlon and set the record straight about which bike a Triathlete should own? By the way, hope that X-Tera is in your future.
Interesing response Tom. Thanks for your candor. Given those variables Bryin mentioned - i.e., weekly bike miles south of 150 - would someone like that be better off buying a bike like a Cervelo Dual or Talon SL, both of which tout interchangeable geometry? I ask as I’m on the precipice of buying a fairly high-end road bike, and last night started questioning whether it made sense. I’ve been riding a QR PR Compact for 2.5 years. Love the bike, but 2/3s of my training is in group rides. I would also like to try some crits this year. My one concern is how adaptable I can be to ride two different bikes interchangeably if I only ride 3-4 times per week, 150 or so miles (my 2004 goal).