I got in a lottery slot for Alcatraz (I am quite excited) and am trying to decide which bike to bring. Bike 1 is a softride Rocket TT with 650 wheels and a double crank. Bike 2 is a steel lemond beunos aries with a triple. The softride is lighter and generally faster, but the hills of the Alcatraz race make me think maybe I should race the Lemond. I am an above average triathlete. I am a very strong swimmer, a decient cyclist, and a weaker runner. I usually finish in tris (In colorado) between the top 1/4 and 1/2 in my age group (40-45). I have been doing some hill work (short-not colorado passes) and plan to do much more. For those of you who have done this race, which bike do you reccomend.
I will be in SF next weekend (4/25) on busniess and I hope to ride the course on my cousins road bike (if time)–fortunately we are the same size.
Thanks in advance.
JB
I’ve done this race on both a road bike (Schwinn Fastback w/STIs) and a Rocket R1 (700c) pursuit/aerobars w/bar-end shifters. I was faster on the Rocket, but I was also in better shape too. This year I will more than likely bring the Rocket back to Alcatraz. I didn’t think that being able to climb while having my hands on the tops of my road bike handle bars was that great of an advantage over a more aero bike. Even if the advantages of both bikes are a wash, I’m more comfortable on my Rocket in the aerobars vice on a road bike riding on the hoods/tops. Some folks like road bikes with “shorty” bars (ie… Jammers etc…). I’ve tried several types, and just don’t care for them. Just my $0.02.
Anyway, good luck at the race. I think you are really going to like the course.
Joel
I’m taking my Rocket TT 650, double. From what I have heard/read about the hills, I doubt you’d need a triple…my 650 climbs really well and I’m sure I’m not in as good of shape. But it’s my first time, so what the hell do I know.