Any reason why we do not see more technical reviews of the framesets stiffness, handling characteristics and other features of the triathlon bikes like we do with the road bikes?
Everything seems to be geared towards aerodynamics (i.e. drag) and fit (okay, we understand those are important), but what about a frames stiffness in the bottom bracket, handling characteristics (i.e. climbing and descending) and overall feel?
With that said, are there any reviews or other sources which go into such detail?
I think we dont see this because there aren’t enough people with extensive experience with tons of framesets. Otherwise you just get a lot of people saying, “I love my new (insert name here),” without any real info.
I would like to think that a frames ability to transfer power would be critical for triathletes especially in the longer races. As well as a frames rear triangle to provide comfort.
Just as some road bikes feel “snappier” on the flats or climb better, I would like to think that some triathlon/TT frames have different “feel” characteristics.
I think the hardest part is the amount of work involved with having to get each bike setup equal. I haven’t had a chance to test/ride a lot of triathlon bikes, but it would give us a lot more to argue and talk about. Wishful thinking…
Cuz, while bottom bracket stiffness may get you some brownie points in a balls out sprint, and handling characteristics are just peachy in a very technical criterium, they don’t count for nearly as much with your average head down at constant power triathlete trying to hold a steady output for 112 miles. Even if he’s got a studly 325W FTP. For the 99.9% of the rest of us it means even less. Nothing wrong with it but aero and eeking out the last tenth of a MPH out of our more meager wattage is the name of the game.
Buy It If: You want to break the stranglehold of the World Bottom Bracket, Seatpost, and Headset Conspiracy.
Don’t Buy It If: You can’t handle being a winner and don’t have what it takes to not suck.
I would tend to think the opposite. For an ironman where we’re noodling along at 160-200 watts we could ride the least stiff frames out there and not be penalized too much.
They test many frames from all over the world, some you have never heard of. Kuota, Scott score very well for stiffness and durability. Cannondales do ok too. A few Cervelo tests, so-so score.
Those are all very subjective criteria, and I have learned to take subjective reviews with a big chunk of rock salt. Tour Magazine Germany probably makes the best attempt at objective criteria as they measure frame stiffness at both bottom bracket and headtube as well as vertical compliance using special measuring apparatus.
Subjectivity can also be overwhelmed by the halo effect, for example riders have a preconceived notion that a very expensive bike will somehow ride better than a less expensive one.
If I review a bike riding a 51cm or 52cm frame with my particular body proportions and preferences there is no guarantee that you will feel the same riding a 58cm in a different position.
