road bike vs. tri bike - Triathlon Week

KEAU · 08-17-2005, 07:50 PM

Ive put 2 seasons on my current tri bike and feeling more comfortable as time moves on.

My question is Ive heard its better to do most of your training on a road bike and use your TT for races and maybe a interval once a week. How many of you do this?

Thanks! Keau

sfricks · 08-20-2005, 01:54 PM

I've never heard the bike switch theory. I road race for 10 months of the year and only switch bars for TTs and Tris but I don't think using road bars helps me in my tris. Theoretically, all it does is adds wind resistance. No big deal. Grab a bigger gear and turn it faster. Same difference. Good luck!

KEAU · 08-20-2005, 01:57 PM

Ive heard this from most riders. Most recently from a couple of cat 1 friends of mine and a Steve Larsen Article. Looking at getting a Cervelo Soloist with the ability to switch from 73-76.

crazylegs · 08-20-2005, 04:16 PM

I've been riding for over three years (and after a 5 year layoff for 6 years before that). I've never heard of the "bike switch" theory either. Doesn't mean it not true, just that I've never heard or read it anywhere.

I think a road bike offers more versatility. I can do centuries, crits, and group rides with a road bike. As was mentioned, if I'm doing a tri or ITT, I put clip-on aero bars and practive for a few weeks with them before the event.

If your going to do strictly tri's, then you can ride the tri bike, but there is so much more out there for cyclists. Being part of a fast moving paceline is like nirvana for a cyclist.

sfricks · 08-20-2005, 05:25 PM

Keau,
What benefits did the article and your friends mention? Today is a great day to learn something new!

Smartt/RST · 08-26-2005, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazylegs

I think a road bike offers more versatility. I can do centuries, crits, and group rides with a road bike.

This is really what it's all about, especially if you live where there are a lot of hills, where the geometry of a road bike can be very advantageous for handling the terrain. This conversation makes me think of one of my clients who is a top national level age group triathlete. We've very successfully used the local roadie hammer fest to develop some high end power and raise his ceiling; something he could do on a tri bike but is more motivating for him than to do VO2max intervals on his tri bike. Keep in mind that the closer you get to your goal event, the more specific your training should be - that includes spending more and more on your time on your tri bike.
(this reply has been edited since its initial posting)

KEAU · 08-28-2005, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfricks

Keau,
What benefits did the article and your friends mention? Today is a great day to learn something new!

Basically what has mentioned already. 73 degree seat angle better for climbing, more comfort on longer rides. Larsons Article was from a back issue in triathlete, his bread and butter was a 10 mile TT once a week.

treker · 09-02-2005, 09:44 PM

I have a Trek5200 for road rides. I have a Cervelo P2K for triathlons. I'm still getting used to the tri bike. I feel way bent over but so are the athletes in tri mags.