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Road vs Tri Bike?

I'm new to EN so please accept my sincere apologies if this is a redundant question or the wrong forum and direct me to the appropriate forum/thread.  I've tried the search function but cannot seem to get it to work.  My question is - once the weather allows you to get outside which bike do you ride the most, road or tri?  And if you are training for a triathlon do you feel that your training is in anyway compromised by riding your road bike part of the time?  Beside the fact that I just enjoy being a "roadie" once in a while I have a 125 mile Gran Fondo with 16,500 feet of climbing in June and I would prefer (obviously) to ride my road bike.  Thanks.

Wade

Columbia Triathlon '15 / Eagleman '15 / IMMT '15

PS:  these forums are addicting!

Comments


  • Posted By Wade Gaasch on 27 Feb 2015 12:05 PM

    I'm new to EN so please accept my sincere apologies if this is a redundant question or the wrong forum and direct me to the appropriate forum/thread.  I've tried the search function but cannot seem to get it to work.  My question is - once the weather allows you to get outside which bike do you ride the most, road or tri?  And if you are training for a triathlon do you feel that your training is in anyway compromised by riding your road bike part of the time?  Beside the fact that I just enjoy being a "roadie" once in a while I have a 125 mile Gran Fondo with 16,500 feet of climbing in June and I would prefer (obviously) to ride my road bike.  Thanks.

    Wade

    Columbia Triathlon '15 / Eagleman '15 / IMMT '15

    PS:  these forums are addicting!

    For me, I ride the bike that reduces the mental cost of riding until about 12wks out from my A-race. Then I lock myself down on the tri bike, with the exception of monster climbing days like you mentioned where riding a tri bike is just dumb and sucks 

  • Coach R - thanks for the reply.  With the different seat tube angles and muscle group usage I was concerned about the possibility of injury. 


  • Posted By Wade Gaasch on 27 Feb 2015 02:12 PM

    Coach R - thanks for the reply.  With the different seat tube angles and muscle group usage I was concerned about the possibility of injury. 

    No, very low risk with switching, in my experience. However, there is a bit of an adaptive period. For me, switching from road bike (very slack) to tri bike (very steep) really focuses the work on my quads but I'm usually good to go after 2-3wks. 

  • You've gotten the official coach advice, now from the other side (it will still sound amazingly similar). I do all riding roadie until about 2 weeks before I start my IM build. At that point, I'll get out the tri bike, take about two weeks or so letting my body adjust to the position, and them I'm ready for a new FTP test (outdoors in aero) when I start my 12 week IM specific work.

    Good luck image
  • Wade - since you are from Ellicot City and talking about a Grand Fondo in June, I'm speculating you are talking about the Garrett County Grand Fondo. Is that right? If so, hands down, use the road bike. Riding a tri bike in that event would be absolute hell.

    I have a place in Deep Creek and ride out there quite often, but given the terrain out there, I rarely ever ride the tri bike. I am contemplating the GC Grand Fondo, but haven't decided yet. I've wanted to do it for a few years but the schedule has never fit.
  • I am in the same boat. I delay riding my Tri bike as long as possible. My road bike is just more comfortable, more sure footed and handles more forgivingly.

    When I change the bikes the real cost is my upper body. It takes time for my shoulder and neck muscles to adjust to hours in the aero bars.
  • Thanks to everyone for their input. It's pretty much what I was hoping to hear.
    John - Yes, I'm doing the GC Gran Fondo Diabolical Double. I've done the Savageman double a few times and the GC Gran Fondo Metric once; very challenging but beautiful rides. If you decide to do the GC Gran Fondo let me know so we can connect up and say hi. That's probably the last time I'll see you as you ride off into the sunset. I'll be taking that 16,500' slow but steady. ;-)
  • Wade - I said I like to ride out there, I didn't say I can do it fast! I'll let you know if the timing works out.
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