Tri bike fare as an all-around bike?

[gnech]

I don't have an interest in competing in triathlons and don't know much about tri bikes, but I'd like to ask those of you who have triathlon bikes: how well do they perform as all-around bikes? Also, for what do you use your tri bikes outside of training/riding in triathlons? I know they perform well on flat terrain, but how about going up hills (compared to a road bike)? Do you find them to be more comfortable and efficient than road bikes overall?

[Rahzel]

Buy a road bike. A triathlon bike is meant to be ridden in a steep position, with aerobars. In a group situation, at a major climb, or on recovery or easy rides of any kind, a road bike will be better.

[gnech]

I agree, and own a road bike, but I was just wondering about tri bikes in general, and if in the future I would want one. Any other opinions?

[SouthBayChris]

All I have is a tri bike, so I do all my group rides and hill climbs on it. But if you don't want to do tris or TTs I can't imagine why you would want one. Road bike is a better "all around" bike

[carbonjockey]

answer to the question is no. Get a road bike, slide the seat up for a steeper effective seat tube, and if you really like shorten up the stem. That way you can do club/ team rides, or get into road racing further down the road(no pun intended)

[kuf]

Get a road bike, and add clip-on aero bars.