Tri Bike vs Road Bike

[DML66]

I'm sure this has come up lots, but I am new to the forum, so here goes. I am looking for a road bike to supplement running. I am an ex-racer (circa 1983) and it has been a long time since I've shopped/rode bikes. I don't anticipate doing triathlons (crumby swimmer). I've come across what appears to be a good deal on a triathlon bike (2001 Jamis Comet; no aero bars; angled seatpost; full Ultegra) and it falls within my tight budget. The QUESTION: What are the major differences between a standard road bike and a triathlon bike? I'd love to hear some honest opinions, especially from someone who rides a tri bike as a road bike (training, maybe racing). Thanks all!

[Rowdy]

Well, normally a triathlon bike would have the aero bars but the bike your getting doesn't have aero bars. I have only ridden my triathlon bike in the aero position so that doesn't help you. I guess if I were you I would ride the bike and see how it fits and feels to you. I know I am more comfortable in the aero position on my tri bike than when I sit up on it.

[bvfrompc]

Can you post a pic of this beast?

From your description:
No Aero Bars - Unusual on a tri-bike
Angled seatpost - Unusual on a tri-bike

It sounds like a regular road bike with a forward seatpost. In which case your one seatpost away from a regular roadbike.

The differences are many and can be searched here.

[cjbruin]

Looks to me like it basically a road bike with some aero tubing. Probably a good race bike...I don't think I would want to do centuries on it. The only downside I can think of is that it will be a little less stable in cross-winds...that wouldn't stop me from buying it if I were you.

[DML66]

Can you post a pic of this beast?

Here is a link to the identical bike. On the 2007-08 Jamis site it lists the Comet as a Triathlon Bike, so that is what I am going on and when I look at the picture in the link below, the tight wheelbase leads me to believe that this is a Tri Bike as well.

http://www.epinions.com/bicycles_2001_Jamis_Comet#.

[cjbruin]

That's the same pic I saw. I think the only thing that makes it a tri bike is the forward seat post (and it's turned the opposite way in the pic).

[Dalai]

Seat tube angle is 73.5, so not tri bike geometry. It's a road bike geometry with an 'aero' downtube.

Seat post is a thompson elite setback seatpost facing the correct way in the linked picture and not a forward seatpost.

Looks like from what you want from the bike it's an okay deal. Just buy some clip on aerobars and you are away.

[Garfield Cat]

Since you're from Canada, you should be familiar with Cervelo, yes? Try their web site. You might have to click around to get their FAQ and questions and answers section.