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Time trial bike V road race bike
Triathlon789
Posts: 8
in General Chat
I currently ride a Cannondale road bike for my triathlons, what are the pro's and con's of purchasing a time trial bike just for triathlon races?
Thanks!
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I'm turning 40 soon and my wife has promised to get me a bike of my choice (within a budget, approx. a grand).
I'm torn between just upgrading my road bike (I'm currently using a Saracen Sestriere 2005 which I actually really like) and getting a TT bike.
Will performance really improve just by upgrading the bike? Part of me only wants the upgrade for the "snob" factor of having a better branded bike, which is a bit sad. The old Saracen does actually work quite well and is as quiet and smooth as anything. But it sure as hell isn't cool!
Other things being equal, would upgrading my bike improve performance over 40km?
Does a TT bike really offer potential speed gains over a road bike over 40km?
Would I look like a tool cycling a TT bike on my occasional 2-3 hour spins out to the Hampshire Downs? (I expect yes).
Much as I'd love to be racking up a TT bike on race day I expect just getting a better road bike is the best otion. Maybe keeping the Saracen and getting the TT bike.
Which TT bikes, if any, are good at close to £1,000?
With regards to upgrades for a current bike, my racer is a cheap carrera valour. I upgraded it with new wheels, ultegra running gear and tri bars, and to be honest im clocking speeds almost on par with my full carbon TT bike!!! So the difference is not vast - basically i guess it depends on how much spare cash you have sloshing around. My personal opinion is by the "head" i would go with upgraded racer.....by the "heart" i would go with a carbon TT.
So far I've just been out on two test rides as I need to get used to the aero position but what I have noticed is how much faster it is than my road bike. However, I guess the difference depends on the spec of the road bike you are comparing it to.
I've yet to give it the full time trial test as I have the Paris Marathon this Sunday and I'm doing anything I can to avoid injury at the moment but I'm expecting a PB the first time I race it over 20km.
To be honest, I only bought it as I had the money at the time and i see it as an investment for the future races, 1/2 ironman etc that I expect to compete in.
As for the snob factor, I think most people want to race with the best gear possible and if you can then good luck to you.
Two questions
how different is it to a road bike if you put normal bars on it
and
is it going to make me go faster.
PS I am not saying a TT bike is better than a racer or vice versa- They are just different machines intended for a different purposes! So think about what your going to use it for before you spend thousands!!!!
As much as TT bikes are fantastic,They can play on your back.I wouldn't purchase a TT bike just for Triathlon, TT bike just are disigned for that, the whole purpose of a TT bike is to get you from A-B in the fastest time possible and then do it again to slash your time.TT bike are built for speed and mine done over 60mph as it is.My suggestion would be is what i find with many triathletes.Get a road bike and stick some aero bar extensions on it.
PC67
Idealy 1500.00 would be a better budget for a TT bike.For that you can get an Trek Equinox 9 wich is a fantastic looking bike or an Equinox 7 for 1150.00
or you can pick up a specialized Transition comp 06 off evans cycles for 1099.00 or theres a real jem on thier for 949.00.Get this a FELT S32 06 with Ultegra rear mech,105 front mech,Dura-Ace shifters with for your budget would be ideal a you have a bit of cash to spare.You find them at
www.evanscycles.com
PS.The PS part of pdunde has a very good point
I think I'd get little value from a TT and if the time comes when my swimming is more competitive then I may invest in a TT separately so my whole traithlon is competitive. I think a genetic upgrade rather than an equipment upgrade is what's required.
Focus Cayo has a carbon frame and got an unbelievably good review from a leading bike review site.
Felt F75 was well reviewed in 220 and got a decent review in Cycle plus magazine, albeit with the caveat that for the price the kit spec could be better.
However, I think the Cayo review was with general riding in mind, but the Felt F75 seems to be good for tri as it's got lower bars and is a bit more aero.
Decisions, decisions...
Anyone got a view?
I mean through my observation @ what the pro's use, in olympic distance races your not going to see anyone with a TT bike and aero helmet...lol..that would be rediculas...you see them...only road bikes with clip on bars!
I recently competed at the 70.3 Monaco and although I had taken my TT Dolan, I would have bitten your hand off for that Cannondale of yours. Similarly, I wouldn't think to take my road bike to Windsor or London as I know I'd fare much better on my TT bike.
A mate of mine has done London twice - first time on a Bianchi and second time on a Trek. Even though his swim and run times were almost identical he took almost 8 mins off his bike time!!!
One other consideration is to buy a TT bike like a specialized transition which can cope with the hills but also nail a lot of road bikes on a flat course. I use my Dolan for flat 40k's, Transition for hilly half's and a Bianchi for longer stuff. plus I train on a dog of an old Peugot so when I get on the Dolan it feels rapid. hope this helps.