I currently have a tri bike (QR Kilo) and have noticed that I only stay aero around 50% of the time because:
I live in an area that is exclusively “rolling” hills. I get pain and stiffness in both shoulders that does not get better with riding volume. I am a MOP triathlete, but a BOP cyclist who averages 18mph on a flat course (15-16mph near my home). I also notice that I am consistantly blown off the course by other triathletes on road bikes. My main goal is to stay fit and attempt to slowly improve my times. When training, I ride an average of 5 hours per week. I am very close to putting my tri bike on Craig’s List (or BT) and heading down to the LBS to check out the road bikes…what do you think? I can’t purchase a new bike without selling my tri bike first. It just seems to make more sense for my situation. I know the different bike won’t magically change my times, but I just want to have the correct tool for the job. Many of the people I know in the sport disagree with this attitude…I have all but made up my mind, but thought I might see if anyone had any advice. Thanks.
This is a very personal decision. Have you tried out some road bikes and found them to be more comfortable? I live in a rather hilly/rolling hills area as well and have been riding a road bike from the start. A lot of athletes in the are have tri-bikes, so I would say it comes down to comfort. The only other thing to consider is that if you aren’t in the aero position most (if not all) of the time, then you aren’t getting the most out of the bike/position.
Just my thoughts.
Go down to the local LBS and tell them what you just told us and that you want to demo a bike (for more than an hour!).
Take their bike for a weekend. See if you like it better in terms of your conditions and riding style. My bet is that you won’t want to get back on your tri bike except for racing (and then you’ll be sorry you sold it).
This past weekend I raced somewhere that had rolling hills and I was able to stay aero for the entire ride and passed tons of people who had stood up or were on the tops of their handlebars on the uphills. A properly fitted aero bike won’t kill you on hills, but for training - no way would I train on a tri bike.
Chris, I have a 2006 QR Kilo, had to change out the saddle, but other than that am in Aero 99% of the time on rather hilly/ to rolling terrain. Where exactly does it hurt that you can’t stay on your bars, and are you able to get some speed in a steeper position (first third of your saddle)?
HI there -
I just moved from a tri bike (Trek Hilo) to a road bike (Lynskey). I live in a similar area with lots of hills too.
I love the switch. I even feel great on bricks coming off of my road bike. I rode the road bike which I did not put aero bars (I have those wide handle bars…so an aero bar fit is not that easy) on in a completely flat half Iron distance race last month and just stayed in the drops I felt great. Something about the fit on my new bike is so much better than the old bike. I do not think will go back to a tri bike at all. Probably not a decision for everyone, but I am very happy on the road bike exclusively.
Good suggestion on going to the LBS and taking one out for a demo… Good luck
If I look down and see 9mph (which happens quite often on the hills)…it is intinctual to grab the drops for more stability…sometimes coming out of the saddle sometimes not.
I have never had a problem with quads or hamstrings going from bike to run…so that aside, why would I want a tri bike on a hilly course? Why don’t pro cyclists use TT bikes on the hills?
Try physical therapy, chiropractic and/or accupuncture to deal with the discomfort. It shouldn’t be that way at your age, nor even at mine (56 goin on 57). Also a pro fitting might help, even if you’ve had one before, but I’d go the PT route first. Cure the discomfort and you’ll get faster almost immediately. Switching bikes probably won’t fix things, but if it would, then refitting the bike you’re on would take care of it.
I concur completely with the idea that PT and a re-fitting would be the things to try if you’re interested in sticking with the QR. Perhaps stay with it through this season and then decide…
My rides all start with hills and include hills (4500+ ft in 30 miles or so, as an example). I use the tri-bike on every ride this time of year, try to stay aero on the climbs, try to be prudent on the descents and enjoy the flats and rollers. I’m a MOP cyclist on a good day, but I’m definitely faster in races when I train / ride the TT bike. And practice has made me a much better climber. (Last bit of free advice from me: Get compact cranks!)
But then why don’t pro cyclists ride TT bikes all the time?
I think this thread spoiled my train of thought and has me questioning my tri bike…
Pro bikers use TT bikes in time trials. They use road bikes when better handling, climbing, acceleration are required.
Pro triathletes, AFAIK, use tri-bikes / TT bikes in all their races. Training I’m sure is a matter of choice and circumstance.
You were already questioning your tri bike, right? We’re suggesting you question the fit, and your neck/shoulder area. (And maybe the gearing.) THEN question the bike.
pro cyclists are not allowed to use TT bikes in the road stages.
The reason people blow by you is not because they are on a road or tri bike but because they are faster cyclists than you. For many people, climbing on a road bike is more efficient, but it can be done well on a tri bike–the form/technique is different than for a road bike though. (See Dan’s piece somewhere on Slowtwitch about climbing on aero bars)
If you are capable of MOP swimming and running, then you certainly can be at least an MOP cyclist. It is probably a training solution and not a new bike. That said, I think if a person can only have one bike, then it ought to be a road bike, strictly because it is more versatile. A good road bike can make a very passable tri bike with some position modifications, and clip-on bars.
“Pro triathletes, AFAIK, use tri-bikes / TT bikes in all their races. Training I’m sure is a matter of choice and circumstance.”
Simon Lessing won IMLP on a Soloist rode in the road position…I guess the above statement is not ness. true.
This is highly technical, so stay with me:
Ride the way you have the most fun.
I switched from a QR Tequillo to a Kestrel Talon road bike with clip-ons. I also live in an area that is hilly. I’m not sure if I am faster on the road bike, but I’m not any slower. I’m also much, much happier on the road bike. My splits are generally around the exact middle of the pack on the bike and top 10-25% on the run regardless of which bike I was riding. I run equally well coming off either bike. But the tri-bike hurts my back and shoulders and I can’t shift while standing on up-hills.
The road bike is fantastic and I love to ride it. I feel like I’m aero enough for the 50% or so of every race that I am actually in the aerobars, and shifting with clip-ons takes less than a second and you don’t really come all that out of the aero position.
My advice is to go with what makes you happier, as I doubt the bike itself will make that much of a difference other than the fact that you are more likely to train more on the bike you enjoy riding the most.
Just my $.02. I live in a very hilly area and had been racing on a road set up for the last 7 years. I switched to a steep angle tri bike and am riding at least 1mph faster no BS. I have been putting up personal bests since I got the bike about a month ago. It sounds like you need a good fitter to adjust your current position.
the purpose of the aerobike is to ride aero. if you cannot do that most of the time, then there is no reason to ride an aero bike!
it sounds to me that your heart is telling you to get on a road bike; therefore, i’m on board with what you want to do! honestly, you should do what you want to do, not what others tell you is better or more popular.
FWIW, if you hang out around mile 16 of a tri bike leg, it’s amazing to see how many people aren’t in aero position. these are people who should probably be on a road bike, as it is more comfortable and therefore more efficient for them.
I’ve switched this year to a dual purpose Kestrel Talon after several years on a Cervelo P2K and QR Kilo before that.
I personally never got comfy on a tri bike on long rides despite having the recommended FIST fit. There is no getting away from the fact that you put more pressure on your crotch and hold your neck in more extension on a tri bike. Consequently these areas would bother me on long rides even though on shorter races the tri bikes worked good for me.
Most of my training was on my road bike and I do a lot of group riding with the roadies. My tri bikes were mostly used for race day with some solo training rides. The road bike is more versatile and certainly climbed much better on the steep stuff.
One suggestion is a dual purpose bike such as a Kestrel Talon or Cervelo Soloist.