Tri vs Road Bike Training Time

[sigg.switz]

So of all you hard core triathletes out there...how much time a month do you think you actually use your road bike? DO you do all of your training on your tri bike?

I have the opportunity to upgrade my road bike for a great deal...the promblem is that I'm getting a tri bike and am having a difficult time determining how much I'll actually be using my road bike. I don't want to upgrade if I wont be using my road bike at all...

[slim_77]

...oh, the luxury of such problems.;)

Mine is my road bike (+clip on aerobars)...upgrade hopefully in <1 year.

"I don't want to upgrade if I wont be using my road bike at all... "

Seriously, I think only you can make that decision.

[ChunkyB]

That is a problem. You got a tough life.

Are you going to be doing tris exclusively, or are you going to do some centuries or other group rides. You need to ride your tri bike enough so it feels natural and comfortable, but my guess is that you will use your road bike more than your tri bike. <Broad Generalization Warning> Even pro traithletes use their road bikes a significant amount of the time, even if they don't do any non-time trial/tri events.

[cjbruin]

Everyone is different but here's what works for me...

I ride my roadie if I'm going to be riding with friends and/or when I do my bi-weekly big climbing ride.

Most solo rides during the week (up to 90 min) I typically ride my fixie unless my legs are tired and then I ride my tri bike.

All of my long solo rides (typically Saturdays) are done on my tri bike.

Then again, sometimes I walk into the garage and think, "Maybe I'll ride the white bike today." It really helps if you like all of your bikes.

[ChunkyB]

One thing to keep in mind: If you're planning on doing any local organized rides, many of them won't allow bikes with only aero bars, simply because the peloton can get pretty nasty with lots of less experienced riders. I don't think it's the majority of organized rides that are like this, but it's something to consider. You'll probably be fine at group rides though, so unless you're doing the local charity/safety ride or whatever, you'll probably be fine.

[sigg.switz]

Yes yes I know...Life is full of tough decisions right? Well it's really just a deal to good to pass up and I'll be eating ramen noodles for months to come :) Anyway I've decided to do the upgrade - now to decide on the components....
The main reason for my decision - Harpoon's Brewery to Brewery Ride. What's the best thing about biking 140 miles from Boston's Back Bay to Winsor, VT? All the ice cold beer you can drink at the finish :)

[Rowdy]

I like to ride my road bikes as much as possible. Two weeks before any triathlon I switch over and ride my tri bike exclusively.

[enginerd]

All my long rides are done on one of my tri bikes (yes, life is full of tough decisions...). Most of my commuting is done on a hybrid. If I have a very hilly ride that I'm trying to ride for speed, I'll take my road bike, but this is a rare occurance for me.

[Stallionforce]

I set my tri bike up on my trainer during the winter and try to do two 2x20 sessions on it per week. It's not the same feel as the road but it will get you used to the position; additionally, it will alert you to any positional changes that need making before the season starts. But then I'm a converted roadie so maybe it's different for tri guys. I can already see a huge difference in position between, say, Zabriskie and the guys at Kona. So maybe getting used to the more relaxed tri position on a TT bike isn't something you need worry about a great deal.

[Triguy]

I have three hard workout days a week on average. All of which I would probably onl do on my tri bike. Any other day of the week is open to using my roadie.

[AaronDavidson]

I ride my tri only, but again its my only bike. I am looking to build a fixed gear for the winter.

[sigg.switz]

I'm thinking it's not time to upgrade, maybe just get some new rear cogs, chain, rear shifter.