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New Tri Bike or Power Meter on Road Bike

erik.schlanger@gmail.comerik.schlanger@gmail.com
in General Training Discussions

Hi All,

Looking for some equipment advice. I currently ride a Road Bike with Aero Bars on it. (The bike is a Specialized Allez Comp ) Next season I'm planning to step up to my first IM (I've done two HIMs with my current bike)

I have been thinking about getting a Tri Bike. However, after joining the team here I've been thinking more about a Power Meter. I don't think I can afford a new bike and a power meter. Should I think about a power meter on my current road bike or should I look at buying a Tri bike?

Any advice along these lines would be very much appreciated!

Thanks,

Erik

Comments

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    If the question is, "which will make me faster?", the answer is easy: a (well fitted) tri-bike. You should expect a 1-2 mph increase.

    While training and racing with power is ideal, and what a lot of EN members do, I spent my first year with EN training/racing with HR. When I added power, my IM time improved by about 5 minutes, on the same course. I can't say it made me any faster or better to have power on the bike, just a bit more efficient in my training.

    Proper race day execution is the NUMBER ONE means to improvement in IM racing.

    My 2¢ … If you see triathlon as a long-term activity for you, then invest first in tri bike and get a PM when you can afford it.

  • David LeventhalDavid Leventhal
    Hi Erik, I asked this exact same question several months ago & gots lots of good feedback.

    Here is the link to the thread - http://members.endurancenation.us/Forums/tabid/57/aft/14913/Default.aspx

    I will tell you that the powermeter has been the single best tool in my training. I've no idea when I'll be able to get a tri bike but I don't regret make the call to get the PM.
  • Shaughn SimmonsShaughn Simmons

    My vote would be yes and yes.......

    Custom fit tri bike with a Power Meter and the EN plan will take you to another level.  Why choose, go BIG and get it done right!

    SS

  • rlh2000rlh2000
    I would also add it depends on how you feel your training is going now. I always had trouble figuring out if I was pushing hard enough or too hard on the bike, so my training suffered. With a power meter, my training is way more effective.

    Depending on how much you ride inside, there are also cheaper options like virtual power on trainer road that will give you the training benefits of power, you just won't have it to help on outside rides or race day.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]

    @Erik

    I did exactly what Al did, I started on a Specialized Roubaix for my first year in triathlons, convinced SAU that I really liked Tri's and needed to buy a Tri bike so I "invested" in a Specialized Shiv, which made the long races and training quite a bit faster. I did EN without power for two years and finally had Coach Rich set me up with a Powertap and wheel, what a difference in the way I execute my training and racing now, much more in control. I must say, if I had unlimited money I should have gotten both, but like most of us, there were other responsibilities that needed my cash.

    There is not absolute need for either, I know a lot of Triathletes that never have or will use power, I also see a lot of Triathletes with regular or aero bikes, it all depends on what you "want" and what you can afford.

  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    Erik, what's your budget? If you're patient and creative, you might just be able to find both on eBay for cheaper than you may think. A 2-3 yr old bike AND a used Powermeter is a better deal than a brand new bike OR a brand new Powermeter...
  • John BayoneJohn Bayone
    Erik,

    Powermeter,

    Then a TriBike.

    And Totally what JW said....if you can get both through Ebay you can save some money.

    I got a PT wheel that someone had on ebay and it has worked great for more than 2 years, and still works great.

    Also a couple of years ago in the same position as you, I did the online pre-buy fitting procedure with Todd from ttbikefit. You can see the details on how to do it here. http://www.ttbikefit.com/how.html#pb I am not that great with technology and it was super easy, and he was very helpful. shot a few quick videos with my cellphone and was able to submit them to him. Using the bike model and size suggestions from his response, I spent a few months watching ebay and when I was able to find what I wanted and would fit me it has worked out great. It was still new had never been used, and was about half of what a local bike shop wanted for the exact same thing.  I have used that bike for two years and have no regrets at all.


    Good Luck with your searching. Let us know how it goes.
  • erik.schlanger@gmail.comerik.schlanger@gmail.com

    Thanks everyone for all the information! Very much appreciated! I'm working on the SAU's to figure out what I might really be able to afford. When I figure out what I'm doing I'll let everyone know. I'm sure I'll have more questions along the way if I decide to buy an bike or PM. Have a great weekend everyone!

    I'm leaning towards seeing what a bike would cost me...

    Thanks!
    Erik
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