Upgrading from entry level bike to something a little more spicy?
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JamieM posted 50 weeks ago.
There are a lot of unknowns involved in that question.
What bikes are you considering? What price range? Are most of your rides/races flat or hilly? Have you ever been on a tri bike before and can you adjust well to the new position?
I think most will tell you that the potential is there for a speed increase, but there may be better ways for you to achiveve them.
Personally, I saw about a 1-2 mph jump switching to the tri bike.
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vanjames posted 50 weeks ago.
They key is and will always be fit IMO. Power is determined from your position not your bike. You may be more aero on a tri bike but may have more power on a roadie or vice versa. Try to get tested on both witha power meter and HRM and see what works best for you.
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UFTriGator posted 50 weeks ago.
Power is deifnitely very important, but don't underestimate the importance of aerodynamics. I was riding with a friend a while back and remember him telling me of one time at a camp putting out 40W less over a TT than another guy (i.e., a HUGE difference in power), but still won because he had a better position (and is skinny as rail). Experimenting with power is definitely the way to go, but finding the optimum balance between aerodynamics and power is going to be more telling of your speed than pure power numbers. Of course, that will require a lot of riding around outside to find out how the different positions translate to a particular person in terms of speed.
To the OP....I don't have race numbers to give you, but my average over several base rides with a road bike is a bit over 20 mph, while with a tri bike is a bit over 21 mph. The difference should be bigger during racing because of the higher speeds.
______________________________________________
-Matt
Not fast enough.
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Iron Dan posted 50 weeks ago.
I also saw about a 1-2 mph jump from my road bike to my tri bike when I ride in the aero position.
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Paintrain posted 50 weeks ago.
I saw about 2 -4 mph difference but the road bike I had was not the right size and my tri bike was. Like someone else said the fit is very important. Also the thing that I noticed right away was my legs felt better coming off the tri bike to start the run.
What am I on? I'm on my bike busting my ass 6 hours a day... What are you on? - Lance Armstrong
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longhair posted 50 weeks ago.
I am a long time cyclist turned triathlete. The fit is the key. Uncomfortable and aero does not equal speed for very long.
However, unless you are of an unusual body type, ie legs and torso are unusually proportioned, I feel that with you can be fit well to most frames with adjustments to stems, seatpost and crank arm lengths. Wherever you buy, hopefully there is someone to help you with fit. I was fit to my bike as part of the purchase.
I rode a Giant TCR2 for many years. When I started doing triathlon, I converted it to a tri bike within the limits of its frame geometry. I just recently purchased the Xlab Avenger TT. I bought it in September, so I don't have any data to give you for performance. But while riding it before I put it away for the winter, I make the following observations:
Carbon vs aluminum...carbon dampens the road vibration, resulting in a more comfortable ride. After long traingrides on less than smooth roads in SE Connecticut, I would feel a bit beat up on my aluminum Giant, and much less so on the carbon Xlab.
Steeper seat tube helps you get aero. I am in a more aero more comfortable position on the new bike, and I can still get forward, lower and more aero if I choose. I could not get any further foward on my Giant.
Does it help you for the run...I am not sure there yet. Next season when I do more bricks I will have a better idea.
Set your budget and see whats available. There will probably be a lot of options.
One other suggestion. A huge improvement in speed can be achieved with a good wheelset. Most likely your new bike will come with some very basic wheels. If you can, put asside some $$ for a good race wheelset.
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bgreinke posted 50 weeks ago.
I just made the switch you are considering a week ago. Went from a Specialized Allez Elite to a Felt B12. After only 2 rides (one of which was cut short due to a flat), I don't have much proof to back it up, but it does appear I'm going to pick up about 1 MPH. Again too early to tell for sure, but that's the direction the wind appears to be blowing. Also, my legs don't feel as tired as they were on the road bike. My next brick workout isn't until Saturday so that'll be the real test.
The position is taking some getting used to, but I think it's coming (mostly wind and sore forearms). I did find that because of the change in body position, I'm having to get used to balancing one-handed as I grab for a bottle...something I could do in my sleep on the road bike. Anyone with any pointers other than practice, please let me know.
I can't speak from a position of authority, only the position of someone just slightly further down the road than you are. Hope that helps a little.
Braden
So i've heard the debate go both ways from bike salesmen. I've decided, who better to ask than the people who have actually made the transition. I currently have a mid range Mercier road bike w/ aero bars and am looking to upgrade to a true triathlon bike. Who has made such upgrades and was there a noticeable increase in average speed??