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road bike or new tri bike... which makes me better long run?

Ed EovinoEd Eovino
in General Training Discussions

I currently own a 2013 Cervelo P3. I've ridden it for the last 3 seasons and don't hate it. It's comfortable and to be honest I don't think I've outgrown it yet. I also have a Cannondale cross bike that I bought last year for fun rides. I ride it when I don't care about power output.. intervals or anything else performance related... and it is fun!

I ride mostly alone. Once in a while I'll meet up with a friend or two and go for a ride. Usually these are at a much slower pace than I'd do myself (sorry Rich if you're reading this!). I'm open to doing group rides sponsored by some of the bike shops in the area as a way to grow as a cyclist.

I have some money burning a hole in my pocket... What makes me the better triathlete.. two... three... four years from now?

Do I go out and buy a Specialized Venge with a power meter and all the bells and whistles. I can then switch bikes for training and also start riding with some of these groups?....Or do I invest the money in a Cervelo P5 or another trip specific bike now... take some immediate performance gain and know equipment wise.. I'm good for quite a while?

 

Comments

  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    The P3 is a pretty venerable frame set. I went from a P3 to a P5 and I wouldn't call the change revolutionary. Evolutionary perhaps, but it wasn't like the earth moved. It was good choice for me because I had a small stable of road bikes at the time.

    So, I would recommend a nice bike. It will give you tons of more options, it's super comfortable and will make group rides infinitly more fun. I think a solid road bike will give you a lot of capability that an upgraded Tri bike will not. If you get a new Tri bike, you will just have more of what you currently have, better sure, but the same capability.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    You dont need a new tri bike. What you need is more ways to challenge yourself and have fun. For the price of a really good tri bike, you could get a nice road bike AND a mountain bike. Go out, get dirty and anaerobic. Or, if you have a willing partner, tri a tandem - harder work than it looks. Sign up for RAGBRAI, or the local equivilent, and ride 500 miles in a week. Stuff like that WILL make you a better triathlete, and keep you saner.
  • ezellrhezellrh
    x3 on a road bike. It just opens more possibilities to you that are semi-closed because you don't have one. Now, with that being said, IF you decide to get a road bike, explore local group rides. Totally not the same as solo-tri fun, but a different vibe and totally enjoyable IF you find a cool group that meshes with what you want.

    And if you do drop coin on a new bike, pictures or it didn't happen image
  • Ed EovinoEd Eovino
    I think you guys are telling me exactly what I thought I'd hear

    @Dino... Your new bike is sick and probably one of the reasons I want a new one. The wheel accents... Sweet.... Thanks a lot for making me envious!

    @Al... When I started doing tris the bike was a necessary evil.. I didn't really like riding all that much. Since I've joined the team I can honestly say that's changing. I can definitely see myself doing some of the things you suggest.

    @ Roy.. Pictures will happen when I pull the trigger.

    I've ridden shimano 105's and Ultegra... I haven't ever tried dura ace... Do it if I can... Or is it just vanity nonsense? And $1500 for DI2... I really hate adjusting my derailler... But is the user experience THAT much better?
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    I would hold off on the Venge. It's long overdue for a new version.

    I like having a road bike and a tri bike.

    The difference between DA and Ultegra is probably not at all noticeable. A little lighter, a little crisper, a lot more expensive.

    Di2 is also super awesome. Been using it since 2011 with two different bikes. I think Ultegra Di2 is a good bargain.
  • Josiah GarrisonJosiah Garrison
    Road bike for sure. Gives you a new and different way to trash your legs with 1000's of feet of climbing. Get at big old 11-29 out back and then go climb all the steep stuff you can find. Or do some fast group rides. P3 is a solid tri-bike and is likely giving you a ton of aero, steady-state activity already, the jump to P5 is a marginal improvement.
    Best idea: get a gently used roady with a PM!
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Almost nothing will make you faster faster than getting your ass handed to you regularly by stronger riders. Get a road bike, ride with faster people, get spanked, have fun, repeat. 

    IMO, solo riding is why triathletes are generally slower, weaker riders than their roadie counterparts. 

  • Dino SartiDino Sarti

    Posted By Ed Eovino on 26 Feb 2015 11:53 PM




    @Dino... Your new bike is sick and probably one of the reasons I want a new one. The wheel accents... Sweet.... Thanks a lot for making me envious!



    Thanks!   

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