Considering Tri Bike
I'm considering a tri bike for next year as I get back into long course and wanted to get the team's input. I'm unsure if I'll keep my current bike (a modified road bike) or sell it. I'd like to sell it to go towards the new bike obviously but it would also be nice to have 2 bikes. A few questions on both of these options:
- For those of you with 2 bikes, do you use the road bike on the trainer in the OS, and use the tri bike on the road? Is it easy to swap out back wheels as I have a PowerTap in my back wheel. Or if not, can I remove the Power Tap itself (and when I say "I", I mean my bike shop!) If I keep both bikes, I don't want to have to buy another PM.
- Any disadvantages to having tri bike only? Pros/cons to both scenarios?
I'll be doing the TT bike fit pre-purchase fit so I know what deals to be on the lookout for...
Comments
- when racing triathlons ( especially long course), you WILL go faster, and be more comfortable on a properly sized and fitted TT bike .. Doesnt matter the course, or how slow or fast you are.
- to gain the above advantages, you don't need the latest, or costliest TT bike with the lightest components. It's the frame geometry and your willingness to learn, adopt and adjust to riding in an aerodynamic position for the entirety of the bike leg that matters.
So when you are shopping, if you have a budget, don't feel pressured to spend more to get "better" frame material (carbon vs aluminum) or lighter components, or the " most aero" integrated front end. Buy the one that fits you, in your price range.
Your specific questions:
- I use my TT bike on the trainer.
- Swapping wheels is just about the easiest thing you can do on a bike, certainly easier than changing a flat. Watch the Tour de France next week. You'll see a mechanic swap out a rear wheel in 20-30 secs. YTMV, but a minute is reasonable.
-The power tap wheel should work just fine as long the the two bike's drive trains (gears, derailleurs) are compatible. Tell whoever is selling you the bike thats one of your requirements, just like a budget max is. When you get the bike, have them walk you through the wheel change process.
-OTOH, having only a tri bike is just fine, but it does limit you a bit, basically to training and racing. Road bikes work better when riding in a group, when going down long hills, and for "casual" riding like commuting or going to the store or riding with your kids.
Remember... A tri bike is always faster. You don't need to spend big bucks. You DO need to get a frame that fits you body, and to get all the little details of "fit" correct: saddle, aerobars, pedals all need very careful coordinated adjustment by an expert, a process which may take an hour or more.
If you get a TT bike and it's fit correctly you won't have trouble going back and forth between bikes. I ride my road bike predominately and jump on my TT bike a couple weeks before races. I only go up to HIM though. Power stays the same, I'm comfortable and don't worry about it
I'd say keep the roady also if you can, much better for group rides and general riding IMO. Of course this coming from a guy with 6 bikes and I ride them all.. lol
You use whichever bike you feel like when doing the OS. I've done the tri bike one year and the road bike another....there was no difference and it was mainly my mood at the time. It does take a little time (week or two) to adapt to one from the other in terms of finding your power difference as the watts usually don't translate directly given the position on the two bikes is different--mainly hip angle.
To the basic question of 1 bike versus 2. I'm very squarely in the 2-bike camp. I love my road bike and I do a ton of riding on it, even in-season. As everyone else as said, it's much better for group rides, and it's also much better for climbing and specifically technical descending. My road bike allows me to simply have more fun training, and when I have more fun, I train more and harder.
But yes, as Al said, I definitely do all of my racing on my Tri bike and there is almost no course that I'd consider not using it on. I suppose I would consider only having 1 bike (a tri bike) if I lived somewhere pancake flat and only road in small / no groups. Other than that, I do my TT/tri specific workouts and racing all on my tri bike, and most of my climbing, group and fun rides on my road bike.
Al-my current road bike is a triple.... Does that limit my tri bike selection in terms of wheel capability?
Triple means you have 3 chain rings on the front. That wont affect your concern about swapping the rear wheel between bikes. What will are:
- Both bikes must be the same wheel size, almost always 700c. Unless you are short, you won't be considering a 650 tri bike.
- And, the cassette on the rear wheel must be compatible with your TT bike components. This can be a complex issue and is best discussed with a knowledgeable LBS. You could just plan to switch the cassette each time you move the wheel to another bike. That's a process which LOOKs and SOUNDS hard, but is actually, IMO, easier and faster than changing a flat tire.
Dont worry about the triple. Worry about the cassette, and bring that specifically up with whoever is selling you the TT bike.
Thanks John! Once I get my TT fit info, I'll start keeping my eyes open for deals. I do ride with a group on Sat. but it isn't super-serious so I doubt anyone would care about what bike I am on....
Compact cranks good for hills? My newest plan is to shoot for Placid in 2015, so I'll need to "embrace the UP"! Not sure if I should factor that in or if that is something that can be fairly easily changed for each race. (ie FL vs. Placid) I know, mo gears mo betta. LOL
http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2008&Brand=Cannondale&Model=Synapse+Feminine+6
So you have a 9 speed.
assuming you get a 10 speed tri bike, you have to change rear wheel cassettes switching between bikes.
so a bit of a hassle if you want to use the Powertap wheel on both bikes.
In one scenario I put a 9 sp cassette on 1 hub and a 10 sp cassette on the other - swap power between the roadie and tri bike.
The other option I've used is just for the Slice. I put a 12-25 on 1, and a 11-28 on the other so I can setup for rollers or a more hilly ride.
I have toyed with the idea of getting rid of one of my road or tri bike at the end of the season (depending on how the race goes and what the future holds!), mainly for financial reasons, but I do see the usefulness of both bikes (ie I plan on switching out my pedals and using my road bike if I have the mojo to do some long rides in the fall). I do miss my road bike when climbing hills and therefore think my road bike is more fun on non-training rides.
Not sure this will help, just my two cents!