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Tribike or Roadbike for OS?

Jeff BraatenJeff Braaten
in General Training Discussions
I haven't seen the question yet that is asked every year about this time is I will ask. Does it make any difference whether a Tribike or a Roadbike is used for the OS. Personally I have done it both ways indoors on the trainer an didn't see any difference but would like the insight of the rest of the team.

Comments

  • Jeff BraatenJeff Braaten
    Never mind, guess I should have looked at a few more posts. Already being discussed.
  • tgarsontgarson
    I'd be very skeptical that there is really any tangible physiological benefit one way or another.

    I'm sure lots of people will say to use the TT bike since that's what we race. I definitely agree you need to train on the bike you will race in your build for the race for a variety of reasons, positional differences/fitness, comfort, etc, however this far out I don't think it makes a lick of difference.

    Since I have the option to, I do my OS on an older aluminum road bike. This just deflects some of the wear and from my nicer bikes, the usual cable wear, chain, cassette, extra corrosion in headset+bearings from pouring sweat all over them, etc. The latter is pretty easily remedied with a towel or equivalent though.
  • Gaudir8Gaudir8
    I read somewhere in all the EN stuff that the coaches said train on whatever you feel comfortable with then make the TT transition as you get to your specific season plan. Personally on the road bike I have a lot more power so I am struggling with staying on it or just doing the entire OS on the TT.
  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    This gets discussed every year.

    Short version: (1) road bike is more comfortable; (2) 99% of people have a slightly higher FTP on their Road bike than their Triathlon bike; (3) Most people have a slightly different indoor and outdoor FTP...with more people going up than going down. If that's you, the road vs tri and in vs out may be a wash for when you first start going outside; (4) In a matter of weeks, you will re-adapt to the tri position and should get some gains from that.

    For myself, I prefer to tip my tri bike up so I'm not craning my neck all winter, but I'm one of the "unlucky" who test better indoors than out, so I want to ride my tri bike mostly during the winter.
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