General Cycling Discussion - Difference Between Road and Triathlon Bike?

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tigris
04-25-08, 08:32 AM
What is the difference? I ask because there is a bike for sale nearby and is listed as 'Specialized Allez Comp Road - Triathlon Bike'. Is this a bike I could use daily to commute roughly 12 miles round trip during dry weather?

bab2000
04-25-08, 08:55 AM
Allez is a model with several versions offered by Specialized, the listing is found via this link (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=08Allez).

Seller may have tweaked for his purposes with an addition bar, or pedals. For the most part i expect it a road bike heart and soul.

Being Tri-a, he may be trying to up the interest...;)
edbikebabe
04-25-08, 09:36 AM
A "true" tri bike is a time trial bike. Picture the very low position & weird aero helmet.

A road/tri bike is more road bike like (fine for a commute) but with a little more agressive geometry (but I can't remember exactly what is different). In all likely hood it would work for your purposes. Of course the only way to know for sure is to test ride it & make sure it is comfortable & that it fits.

wahoonc
04-25-08, 09:37 AM
Only way to know if it will work for you is to try it on for fit. I am pretty old school when it comes to my bikes. The biggest difference to me between a "tri-bike" and a "road bike" was the position. Most tri riders preferred to have the saddle further forward and used the aero bars. My road bike position had me further back for power.

Aaron:)
tigris
04-25-08, 09:54 AM
Thanks for the responses so far. I should have mentioned this in the original post, but here it is. The post lists components for the bike as :

2004 Specialized Allez Comp road bike - 56 cm
Brand new condition - rarely used and well kept -> inside, clean, warm, and dry.
Great triathlon bike!

* Columbus SLX smooth-welded alloy frame with replaceable derailleur hanger.
* Shimano Ultegra 18-speed complete group.
* Shimano lightweight R-540 high performance wheel set.
* Specialized Pro oversized 7075 stem and handlebars.
* Specialized Body Geometry Pro leather saddle.
** Bonus - Specialized All Condition Armadillo tires ($90 value) included along with original Pro Cipollini tires.

Asking price is $900. Any opinions on whether this is a good buy?