Triathlon - Tri vs. Road Geometry

I'm a beginner triathlete and would really appreciate your feed back. Are there any tri folks out there racing on road bikes? If there are, what type of races do you prefer road over tri—longer or shorter distances? Do you use aerobars ? And if you prefer tri geometry, I'd appreciate your input as well. Any pro/con arguments would be helpful. Thanks!

what type of races do you prefer road over tri—longer or shorter distances? Do you use aerobars ?

I think that a tri geometry would be better in both short and long distances. I ride on a road bike (allez) with aero-bars. I'm kinda in the same situation as you. I believe that you would always prefer a tri setup because it
(a.gets you in a more aero-dynamic position
(b.saves your legs for the run afterwards
I've done 2 tri's in the past month with another in 3 days and still have not really "optimized" my bike for tri's. Aero-bars definitely make a huge difference, but take a bit getting used to, and to be effective needed to really be put on the right way.
I'm pretty new to triathlons too so take everything I say with a grain of salt.;)

If you're doing triathlons you'll benefit from a 'tri position'. In general this is a more forward position, putting you further over the pedals. You can try using a seatpost that flips around, there are few with offset that doing this moves you forward a few degrees. Obviously aero bars are a huge advantage both aerodynamically and for saving energy for the run as well. One key though is to do some training in your new position - don't just try it once...it's different on the muscles, breathing restriction...you need to get comfortable in that position.

If you're doing triathlons you'll benefit from a 'tri position'. In general this is a more forward position, putting you further over the pedals. You can try using a seatpost that flips around, there are few with offset that doing this moves you forward a few degrees. Obviously aero bars are a huge advantage both aerodynamically and for saving energy for the run as well. One key though is to do some training in your new position - don't just try it once...it's different on the muscles, breathing restriction...you need to get comfortable in that position.

So I take it, aerobars on a road bike will be even more uncomfortable?? Bummer. I just ordered a road bike and now I think I'm going to have to cancel. :(

I think that a tri geometry would be better in both short and long distances. I ride on a road bike (allez) with aero-bars. I'm kinda in the same situation as you. I believe that you would always prefer a tri setup because it
(a.gets you in a more aero-dynamic position
(b.saves your legs for the run afterwards
I've done 2 tri's in the past month with another in 3 days and still have not really "optimized" my bike for tri's. Aero-bars definitely make a huge difference, but take a bit getting used to, and to be effective needed to really be put on the right way.
I'm pretty new to triathlons too so take everything I say with a grain of salt.;)

Appreciate the feedback. I haven't ridden a bike in 20 years and currently don't own one. I just ordered a road bike online and now am thinking of canceling. I really have no interested in anything but triathlons.

Although there are definate benefits to a tri bike (position, muscle recruitment, etc.), you need to think about the area you live in and what kind of riding you are going to do.

I would say that if this is going to be your only bike, stick with a road bike. They are just more versatile. It's not uncommon that group rides either won't allow aerobars (or at least that you are using the aerobars, limiting you to the bullhorns/brakes) or at least might not be too comfortable with you riding in the aerobars... there's lots of people that don't mind at all, but at least keep this in mind.

If you live in an area where you have plenty of climbing, it might not actually be a negative racing on a road bike as well...

FWIW

So I take it, aerobars on a road bike will be even more uncomfortable?? Bummer. I just ordered a road bike and now I think I'm going to have to cancel. :(

No, aerobars on a road bike aren't uncomfortable. In fact, once you get used to them, the aero position can be very comfortable and gives you another position for regular raod riding besides the hood, drops, and top of the bar.

Appreciate the feedback. I haven't ridden a bike in 20 years and currently don't own one. I just ordered a road bike online and now am thinking of canceling. I really have no interested in anything but triathlons.

well, if you were to get a tri-specific bike, get the cervelo p2c :thumb:

but like stanseven said, aero-bars dont necessarily make a road bike more uncomfortable, if anything it gives you another position to switch to when your arms get fatigued in the hoods/drops.

well, if you were to get a tri-specific bike, get the cervelo p2c :thumb:

Yep, love cervelo tri bikes (on paper at least). Little too rich for me right now. I'm going to have to go with a cheapy to start.


but like stanseven said, aero-bars dont necessarily make a road bike more uncomfortable, if anything it gives you another position to switch to when your arms get fatigued in the hoods/drops.

Yeah, I didn't say that right. I realize it wont make the road bike itself more uncomfortable, but rather the aero positon will be less comfortable than on a tri bike. IOW, it seems the aero position is somewhat uncomfortable generally (or at least will take getting used to, and will be easier to get used to on a tri frame).

Okay, so, in the average triathlon, how much time is spent in the aero position? I'm assuming this differs per course, but generally, is this where I'll be the majority of the time?

Another question: Are tri-bikes somewhat uncomfortable in the upright position?

Check out the sticky in the triathlon forums concerning "Which bike should I get?" for more detailed information on why you absolutely, definitely, unquestionably want specialized triathlon geometry if you are certain that all the riding you'll be doing is in triathlons.

Clip-on aerobars on a road bike are, however, not a bad option if you've already got a road bike. You'll get 95% of the way to a full-on aero position with a fraction of the cost. However, if you're starting from scratch, definitely get a tri bike that fits you. Aerobars on a road bike usually create several fit compromises--you get a shallow seat angle, unusable tops and drops (if you put your bars low enough to make a decent aero position), and poor balance relative to the wheels.

To answer a few of your direct questions: other than the start, finish, very steep climbs and cornering, you should spend 100% of your time in the aero position. A triathlon bike that fits you will be comfortable in the position which is optimal for you. If this is an "upright" position (which, if you're on a tri bike, it probably won't be) then that's fine.

Check out the sticky in the triathlon forums concerning "Which bike should I get?" for more detailed information on why you absolutely, definitely, unquestionably want specialized triathlon geometry if you are certain that all the riding you'll be doing is in triathlons.

Clip-on aerobars on a road bike are, however, not a bad option if you've already got a road bike. You'll get 95% of the way to a full-on aero position with a fraction of the cost. However, if you're starting from scratch, definitely get a tri bike that fits you. Aerobars on a road bike usually create several fit compromises--you get a shallow seat angle, unusable tops and drops (if you put your bars low enough to make a decent aero position), and poor balance relative to the wheels.

To answer a few of your direct questions: other than the start, finish, very steep climbs and cornering, you should spend 100% of your time in the aero position. A triathlon bike that fits you will be comfortable in the position which is optimal for you. If this is an "upright" position (which, if you're on a tri bike, it probably won't be) then that's fine.

Yep, very valuable info. Okay, I'm convinced. I just cancelled my road bike order. I barely got it cancelled before it shipped. I actually got a call from BD.com confirming the cancellation and they even gave me a number I could call back to follow up! :eek:

I definitely have no interest in group rides. Been there, done that (20 years ago). Only interested in triathlons, so I'm beginning the search for a low-end tri-bike. Sure am glad I decided to post here at the last minute. Appreciate the input. I can see why a road w/ aeros would work for a lot of people, but it seems for me, a tri frame is the way to go. Now I just gotta find one.

report back when you decide on one! I'm also interested in tri-specific bikes, but am waiting until later to get one.

report back when you decide on one! I'm also interested in tri-specific bikes, but am waiting until later to get one.

The one that seems to make the most logical sense is the Motobecane Nemesis (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/nemesis_pro.htm) by BikesDirect.com. It's a whole lot of bike for $1300 (delivered and tax free). There are 2 bike shops in my area that can built it and safety test it (one for $60 and one for $80).

The only thing is, it's an aluminum frame and I think they'll be coming out with a Motobecane carbon tri frame in the near future. Their Immortal road bikes are very nice (Immortal Pro (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/immortalpro_08.htm), Force (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/immortalforce_08instock.htm) and Spirit (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/immortalspirit_08instock.htm)). I would think a carbon tri frame is right around the corner. My fear is, it's going to come out right after I purchase the Nemesis. I wish I could just find some used tri bike for a few hundred to tie me over for a year or so.

Those Cervelos you mentioned in the other thread are, in my opinion, much better bikes than the Motobecane. The seat angle is better (75/78 vs 76), the frame is more aero (Cervelo's frames are wind tunnel tested, I don't think the Motos are), and some other small things are nicer (cockpit, seatpost, wheel spec). But again, if you can get any of these bikes fitted, by a real, knowledgeable (hopefully FIST certified) person, under your body, in person, that's the way to go, even if it means paying more money.

Those Cervelos you mentioned in the other thread are, in my opinion, much better bikes than the Motobecane. The seat angle is better (75/78 vs 76),

You say the Cervelo is 75/78? Does that mean it's adjustable? The problem is I have no idea which angle I'd be most comfortable at. Something adjustable would be preferable.


the frame is more aero (Cervelo's frames are wind tunnel tested, I don't think the Motos are), and some other small things are nicer (cockpit, seatpost, wheel spec). But again, if you can get any of these bikes fitted, by a real, knowledgeable (hopefully FIST certified) person, under your body, in person, that's the way to go, even if it means paying more money.

That's the biggest dilemma in this whole process. My preference would be to buy from my LBS to reap all the benefits. The only temptation is the savings online. And if derailers don't really matter.....

You say the Cervelo is 75/78? Does that mean it's adjustable?

You can either ride the bike at 75 degrees or 78 degrees. Of course, you can get an additional degree or two each way by adjusting the saddle fore/aft.

The problem is I have no idea which angle I'd be most comfortable at. Something adjustable would be preferable.

You probably should ride at 78 degrees. This is usually optimal for power and aerodynamics when in the aero position. The 75 degree position is usually reserved for Time Trial riders who have to deal with UCI restrictions on saddle placement.

Of course, a real live fitter will confirm all this.