Quantcast

Buying A Road Bike For Triathlons

DaBrat's picture
Posts
6
Member
400 days
started by DaBrat on December 4, 2007

Hi All,

Several weeks back, I posted a question on getting a tri bike. After reading your suggestions and getting advice from friends, I'm leaning towards getting a road bike.

Are there things to consider with a road bike that will be more suitable for triathlons? For example, lighter, stiffer, sloping/traditional top tube?

I am looking at the Colnago Extreme C, the Orbea Orca, the Cannondale Super Six and the Pinarello Paris. How will those bikes do for triathlon riding? Would either be better than the others?

Thanks for your help!

Tags: road bike
Tikal Dog's picture
Posts
1040
Member
1397 days
Tikal Dog posted 52 weeks ago.

There's nothing much out of the ordinary about tri's that will make a difference between these bikes! Yo will do fine with any of those bikes. (Of course a Tri bike has the aero advantage)

I personally would go with the Orbea but it's just a matter of personal choice.

Don't focus that much on the equipment there's no magic brand that will give you an edge you will not get from training. Go out buy the bike you like the most, analize components, prize, weight etc. That's the fun part of buying a new bike...... but believe me, what does the trick is putting those riding hours in.

Let us know what you decided, and remember to post some pics when you have it.

Hyperactive Trifueler!!!! (I refuse to let the status go :p)

Iron Dan's picture
Posts
622
Member
566 days
Iron Dan posted 52 weeks ago.

I agree with Tikal, it is more about the motor than bike. None of these bikes will give extreme advantages over another bike. Just when you get one, put the miles in.

Tribro's picture
Posts
2334
Member
2427 days
Tribro posted 52 weeks ago.

The only thing I might look at is if one has a shorter top tube but still is comfortable. You'll stretch out a little more when putting on the aerobars.

tri2achieve's picture
Posts
48
Member
384 days
tri2achieve posted 52 weeks ago.

I read your previous post on TRI vs Road bike with interest. I went through the same process a couple years ago. I think a Triathlete is better served by a TRI bike but if you put in the training time on a road bike you will be a better Triathlete.

Didn't someone say "It's not about the bike" :-)

Enjoy your ride and be safe.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.- Paul

Mike20124's picture
Posts
75
Member
696 days
Mike20124 posted 51 weeks ago.

I recently traded in one Cannondale road frame for another with a plan to use the new frame for tris. On the advice of a trainer and the LBS, I went with a slightly smaller frame (58cm vs 60cm) so I would not be as stretched out when in aero. It works great so far. It's a Cannondale Six13 which is a less expensive cousin of the Super Six. As others have said though, its the engine that's counts most.

MrUtley's picture
Posts
30
Member
763 days
MrUtley posted 51 weeks ago.

I've got a road bike but wish I had a tri bike. Can't afford both. Actually my wife would divorce me if I got a tri bike:(. Don't get me wrong I love my road bike but I spend 90% of my time in the aero position and feel stretched out on the road bike. Also, tri bikes are just awesome to look at. When I'm at a race I'm envious of all those racers with tri bikes...I want one!!!

ChunkyB's picture
Posts
997
Member
414 days
ChunkyB posted 51 weeks ago.

If you're the type that completely obsesses over time, then you'll probably be the type to buy a TT bike. Honestly though, if you aren't going to lose sleep over an extra minute on your time, just get a bike that fits well and feels good. If that means a road bike, then so be it. If you enjoy the aero position, then you might want a TT bike, or at least a little smaller road bike.

The main thing you want when you're buying a bike is a bike that will make you want to get out and ride. If you buy one that fits well, and looks great, and has nice components, you'll get out and ride and you'll become a better rider.

If it were me, I'd get a road bike and enjoy it.

"The melting point of wax means nothing to me": Thrice

My Blog

Pete L.'s picture
Posts
157
Member
833 days
Pete L. posted 51 weeks ago.

MrUtley,

It might be worth it. With a sexy new tri bike (think 08 specialized, or white and red Cervelo P2C), you can meet lots of women. Or maybe I'm thinking guys. You could meet lots of tri geek guys. Okay. Better hang in there with the Mrs, and stick with the road setup.

DaBrat's picture
Posts
6
Member
400 days
DaBrat posted 41 weeks ago.

Update . . . Thank you all for your help. I finally decided to get a road bike. Took it out for a ride this morning and I believe that I made the right decision. There are a lot of hills, windy roads and traffic where I'm at and all ride I was trying to imagine how tough it would be to stay in the aero position. It's probably a newbie thing and given more experience I'll be able to handle a tri bike on the same roads, but I'm glad I took the road bike at the present moment. Can't wait to start training for my first tri!!! Thanks again!