If you are front of the pack cyclist, would there be any advantage to STI shifters on a tri bike? I got this advice from a pretty strong rider who did the race but a nice thread on here seemed conclusive that tri bike was better than toad bike.
I was thinking of taking my Scott Plasma and setting it up with light gear, a nice aero set of clip ons, drop bars and DA STI shifters. After reading that thread I am having second thoughts. However, for the technical parts and climbing, I thought the easy shifting of STI might still be any advantage.
I would agree that STI on that course would be beneficial. I raced it last year with tri-bike with bar end shifters and wished I was riding a road bike set up. For me at least, the amount of climbing involved was such that I could have simply used a road set up with clip on and been more comfortable.
No question, full aero tri bike as Eganski says. There is Hawaii style wind on most of the backside after the Beast and you need to slice through that without extra drag.
yes go with the tri bike. In a pack you need to shift on the fly, and react quickly. If you are watching where you are going (and pre ride/drive) you will see climbs coming and know to shift ahead of time. Aerodynamics in draft free racing are paramount.
If you are not comfortable on your bike, and don’t have much of a riding history, the more upright ‘roadie’ position may be a little safer/ more comfortable on corners.
I need to bring you out to St. Croix in 2010 so you can crush Mirror Man Moats’ dreams if he decides to ignore the draft free version of the St. Croix half Ironman and shows up with the reflective gear (and we’re not talking reflective tape here)
I’m with Dev and Nat on this (and whomever else). The tradewinds are far worse than the beast and the aero advantage to me far outweighs any climbing change from the road bike. The amount of turns you do in the course really isn’t THAT bad and those winds really ARE.
