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Source: Performance Training Systems
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Q: "I recently signed up for Ironman Florida and I was wondering if I need to get a tri-bike? Currently I have a Cannondale road bike that I've done a few Olympic tris as well as 3-4 days of consecutive 50-90 mile bike rides. Will a tri bike help conserve more energy and make me more efficient? Thanks in advance for your help."

A: Coach Patrick: So you are at a crossroads. You have done a couple of triathlons, and you want to do a bunch more next year. Up until now you have been able to get away with using your road bike and still have decent results. But your pending move up the triathlon ladder next year has you wondering...are tri bikes all hype or are they the real deal? Well, let's try to cover all the bases...

What Separates Tri from Road?
The biggest differential, aside from the aerobars, is the seat tube angle. Tri bikes tend to have a steeper seat tube angle (74+ degrees) as compared to road bikes. In other words, you are futher forward over the cranks/pedals. This angle allows folks to get aero in a comfortable way. Being aero is critical for a long time trial race (like an Irondistance triathlon) becuase it saves you some time, but it's more important in that it saves you a great deal of energy. It's way easier to rest on your elbows than it is to hold yourself up on your hands.

Most tri bikes will also have the shifters on the ends of the aerobars, as opposed to the index-shifting of road bikes. This means that triathletes have to plan ahead for their shifting and/or braking as doing so quickly can really get ugly. A lot of newbie triathletes get lazy with shifting when the levers are on their aerobars, settling instead to muscle over a few hills...this can really hurt you over the course of a long race day.

Why Get a Tri Bike?
Simply put, the geometry allows you to run better of the bike. On a tri bike, the aggresive forward seat tube angle will have you really loading your quadriceps. On a traditional bike, the relaxed seat tube angle allows for folks to use their hamstrings as well. A tri bike will do more to ease the load on your hammys, saving them for the run. Technically speaking, of course. Some folks really insist on crushing the bike, thereby destroying all hope of a good run. If that's your strategy, then it doesn't matter what bike you ride!

When To Get a Tri Bike
If you are going to do long-distance triathlons for more than a year, get a bike. If you want to be competitive at triathlons, get a tri bike. If you want to get in shape and are doing triathlons for inspiration, don't get a tri bike. If you are in your first year of triathlons, don't get a tri bike...just use what you've got. You just won't appreciate what you are riding if you start out with a whiz-bang carbon beauty.

If you are planning to step up to longer distance races, the question is for how long? If there is just one IM in your future (and it's hard to tell right now), it's probably not worth the investment. If you think you are going to catch the bug (most do), or you have several grand lying around just begging you to buy some shiny new machine, then pull the trigger.

How To Choose
With so many brands out there trying to snap up a part of the lucrative triathlon market, there is no one clear choice. Sure you can look at what your buddy rides or what the most popular frame is on the pier at Kona, but it doesn't matter what other folks are riding. It's more about the fit than the frame. I am going to go out here on a limb and say that the most important element of picking a tri frame is getting fitted well. If you want to truly take advantage of the benefits of a tri bike, you need to actually have a bike that fits you. Just owning a tri bike won't do the trick.

I advise you to do some healthly research and find a local guru that is the fit master. Ask the other local tri geeks. Go meet him/her. Talk about what you are looking for in a bike, etc. See if there's a spark there; remember that this is the person who will be helping you tweak your fit, fix your ride, etc., over the next few years. If you view this as a one-and-done purchase, you are truly missing out. Even a bike that fits and feels good on Day One will require some tweaking down the road.

How To Bargain
While you want to befriend the shop, you don't want to write them a blank check either. First step is to determine your true financial top-end. Once you know what that is, go back in and explain to the shop you have X to deal with. Aks how can they help. For example, if you know you can spend 3k, go to the shop and say you want to spend 2.5k. Ask what they can do for you. A good shop will give you options with wheels and components, allowing you to mix and match. You will most likely go over your original (low) estimate, so it's nice to have a bit of a cushion. When you are setting up the purchase, the shop - preferrably the master (ask for him/her) - will fit you. The cost of this should be ZERO if you purchase a bike from them (that's the usual deal here in New England at least). Also be sure to find out how long you have to bring it back in for a free tune up (usually 10 weeks). Again, something you won't want to forget.

Good luck with your final decision. Spend the right amount of time on it, and you're sure to be happy!

Performance Training Systems is a Boston-based triathlon coaching group serving multisport athletes of all ability levels. Over the last five years, PTS has helped more then 200 athletes reach their athletic potential. In addition to coaching, PTS offers camps, clinics, performance testing, and consulting services. Learn more at www.performancetrainingsystems.com.