Bikes?

tim cronk

My girlfiend is looking at getting a new bike.  She is not comfortable on the tri-bike set up but will be using the bike specifically for training and Triathlon.  What bikes are you using and why?  Specifically if your using a road bike.

Thanks Tim,

jburbatt

Tim, I think a lot of it comes down to fit. I'm not saying she's going to be 100% comfortable for an entire ride on a tri bike (don't think that's possible on any bike, something always gets sore), but it shouldn't be uncomfortable. Mostly it has to do with one's personal measurements and what bike best matches with that. Some people seem to fit on many different bikes and others need that one bike that works for them. I'd recommend that she go out and ride a bunch of different brands and sizes to see what might feel most comfortable to her. A good bike shop will allow her to do that. Perhaps even take her measurements and recommend brands that match up well.

Re: road vs. triathlon, I think most of us ride triathlon bikes for tris and road bike/cross bikes/mtn bikes in the off and out season cause they are more "fun" to ride. If she's doing triathlons, a tri bike is going to be her best bet (shifters on the aerobars, generally a steeper seat angle, etc).

Good luck!

tim cronk

Thanks Jennifer. What do you ride and why? What would it be if money was no factor? FWIW I know what I want LOL just wanted several ideas to go look at. Again dont think a TT bike is a good idea yet she doesnt use her aerobars much and can't seem to get her to try my bike. Tim,

jburbatt

Both my road and tri bikes are Specialized. I bought my tri bike in the same size as my road bike because I was happy with the road bike ride. Not sure if that was a good idea, as I'm not 100% sold that my tri bike is the right size. If $$ wasn't a factor I'd get a bike built for me. TTbikefit has a service where you can send them video and they will do measurements etc. and recommend frames, etc. and even build the bike if you want. I'll probably go that route. It's more important to have a bike that fits your geometry than what brand it is. You can always put on awesome components, etc.

Re: trying the aerobars and road vs. tri. My road bike actually had clipons included when I bought it and it took me over 2 years to actually get in them. Was just afraid. Of course once I actually got in them and rode for 5 minutes I was perfectly fine. If she's only using her bikes for triathlon then I would say it makes no sense getting a road bike with clipons. I found the ride less stable and more frustrating without shifters on the aerobars. If she's doing more road riding and less triathlon then maybe a road bike is better. The aero advantage to aerobars is ridiculous as is the handling of a tri bike, if tris are what she's doing I'd encourage her to get into the aerobars, make sure she had a good fit, etc.

Hope that helps!

carls10

You don't mention what distance tris she is considering competing. I think there is a lot less to be gained in a sprint or even an Olympic by having a tri bike. The longer the race (HIM or IM) I do think that it makes sense to have a tri bike. I'm also thinking about general riding, group riding if that might be something to consider as any group ride I've been to, you pretty much are not welcome if you are riding a tri bike.

I did send my measurements to Todd at TTBike Fit, was fit by him, etc. He is awesome. I will agree with Jennifer that the fit (including the frame size and brand) is paramount.

I have a tri bike-Kestrel (purchased through Todd) which I made a conscious decision to buy a bigger frame so that I could have 700cc wheels. I also have a road bike-Trek which I just bought because the price was right and I wanted a road bike.

Good luck! Bike shopping is fun!

Swoodowrth

 I always recommend a road bike for "1st" "race" bike because they are versatile for whatever you end up doing.  If you end up loving tri then you can invest in a tri bike.  Tri bikes are traditionally spendier and having talked to people who have both a lot of them seem to appreciate having the road bike when not tri'ing.   Just my humble thoughts.  

tim cronk

@ Jenn Thanks.
@ Carly.... the distance will be IMFL on 11/5, she just did Timberman HIM , nothing will get decided before IMFL anyway . Will check out TTbikefit.
@ Sheryl.... she already has an old Trek 2200 road bike , I suppose I started this because when I get on her bike that aluminum frame is so so hard compared to my QR carbon frame I dont know how anyone could ride that for an hour nevermind 6-7+.

I personally find the tri-bike so much more comfortable.

William Jenks

Recommending a specific bike is a terribly dangerous game because the bike you should get is so strongly influenced by the one that fits you well, particularly at the "extremes" of size (e.g., almost all smaller women).

Proper aero position buys you 1-1.5 mph over non aero position, forgetting the bike itself. If that's your priority, then there is no choice but to buy a tri bike. There are some decent "compromise" bikes (e.g., Cervelo S1 if you can still find one!). Otherwise, for general comfort in the broadest range of riding, the consensus is for road bikes.

Material is largely budget-driven (Al vs C), but at the margins, don't be afraid to buy a good Al frame over an entry level C frame if that's what fits you better and/or feels better when you test ride it. (Make sure tires and tire pressure are quite similar!)

Good luck!