Triathlon - Road bike vs Tri bike gains

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ksi300
08-15-08, 03:03 PM
I have finally decided to get either the Felt B12 or the P2C for my first tri bike when I save up enough $$$. I have a Raleigh Grand Sport and I can average just about 20 mph for a 15 mile course. How much speed can I expect to gain on the same course after the purchase?

audiojan
08-16-08, 02:04 AM
Without knowing the topography of the coarse, it's impossible to say.... is it hilly? Then the might be no time savings (most of the time a tri bike is not the fastest to climb with, and often does come with a slight weight penalty). Is fit very flat? Then you could see 1-4MPH, but only if your position is actually good. Remember that the position of the rider has the greatest effect on aerodynamics, so when you get your new bike, spend the money on a professional fit. You could easily gain some speed at given power just from that.

What I've found was the biggest difference between racing on a road bike vs. a tri bike is actually my run splits are now considerable better in the tune of ca. 15sec/mile. Again, positioning is critical on the bike is critical!
Rahzel
08-16-08, 08:08 AM
Link to a thread on this exact topic, just a few posts down from yours:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=453133