For 1st 70.3 should I purchase a entry level tri-bike or purchase clip-on aero bars?
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tsilcyc posted 19 weeks ago.
What does "aggressive" mean? You want it to scare the other riders out of your way? :) Seriously, when you say aggressive, I'm assuming you mean more aero dynamic, lower front end and you're riding the rivet. After you climb on this "aggressive" bike, you might wish for some hurt shoulders on your Alez. This is something that takes time to adjust to. There's plenty of time between now and your race to get used to it but realize, it is NOT a beach cruiser.
Should you buy a tri bike? Sure. Will you get "fit" with an aggressive position? Maybe, maybe not. It really depends on your body type and how flexible you are. Go down to the local bike shop (lbs) and see what they have, how they feel, whether you like getting low in the front, etc.
You ARE going to get passed by men/women and kids regardless of what you ride.
Personally, I am not a fan of the clip ons but plenty of people use them. Do NOT raise your seat unless your seat is too low. If the bike wasn't fit correctly, get another fit. Road bike fits are $40. Tri bike fits are more expensive, especially when they start swapping components to get the fit right.
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nyfan21 posted 19 weeks ago.
Yeah I just meant more aero dynamic :)
My shoulders hurt because I can't lean on anything I have to hold them up the whole race and since I have a large frame (not fat just muscluar) it hurts after 20 miles. I wasn't thinking it was a beach crusier but for me to do longer rides I need to be more comfortable.
Thanks for the advice/comments. I apprecaite your help.
-MC
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tri-ac posted 19 weeks ago.
get the clip ons and then lower the stem appropriately for aero bar height based on your current position. ride that for a while (few months) and then try lowering the bars a few millimeters
save the money and get a tri bike a little further up the price point ($1600-2100) for more likelihood of true tri geometry and reliable components
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sldotter posted 19 weeks ago.
I did my first HIM with the allez with clip ons and I love it. I also bought a forward seat post and took out all the spacers to lower the handlebars.
Trevor Douglas YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!
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nyfan21 posted 19 weeks ago.
Thanks sldotter; what type of clip-ons did you buy?
-Mat
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Iron Dan posted 19 weeks ago.
I would recommend going to a bike shop and try out different types of clip-ons. There are many different types and each on has a different feel in how it positions your hands. There are ones that are straight, ones that are shaped like hockey sticks, ones that are connected, ones that have spring loaded pads, etc. (as you can see there are many different options). Go try them out and see which one you think would be most comfortable for a 56-mile bike ride. Personally, I find the ones that are shaped like hockey sticks to be the most comfortable over a long period of time.
Also, i would probably try to stay away from upgrading to an entry-level tri-bike just because it would not be that much of an upgrade over what you are currently using. You could achieve the same feel with clip-ons and a forward seat post.
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nyfan21 posted 19 weeks ago.
Iron Dan-
Thanks I'll take your advice and look at clip-ons and a forward seat post.
-Mat
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GGehrke posted 19 weeks ago.
I'll also jump on the "go for clip-ons" bandwagon with the observation that clip-ons are relatively cheap. At the very least, they're worth a try. Don't like em? eBay em.
I don't know about the shops everyone else goes to, but all my LBS's have pretty limited selection of aero bar parts. Take a look online before you go in and if they don't have the ones that you think you'll like, ask them to order some or see if they can track down a loaner.
I currently use the Profile Airstrike, which is a model almost synonymous with "aero bar." I don't really like it for aerodynamics (not low or narrow enough), but it is comfortable and I think it set me back like 50 bucks. Before I start competing this spring I'm looking at upgrading to Oval Concepts' modular, stem mounted, A711 system.
And, as some other people have mentioned, as your torso gets lower your saddle needs to move forward - but ALSO up - a little. Think arc-around-your-bottom-bracket. If you think about it, you want to keep the distance from your hips to your clips constant, which requires you go up just a smidge as you go forward.
-Grant-
I am doing my first HIM in July and my worst event by far is the bike. I love my Specialized Allez; but I feel the bike is not "aggressive" enough. Meaning I feel like I am more level with the bike instead of being higher up on the bike. Plus with no aero bars my shoulders hurt during racing.
And to be honest I hate being passed by old men/women and kids. Should I purcahse a entry level tri bike (price range $1,000-$1,300) or just buy clip-on aero bars and raise my seat higher? (I had the bike fitted to me, not sure if it was done right)
Thanks
-MC