Triathlon - better investment? wheelset or tribike

i have finally decided to invest some money in better parts, now that i see myself doing more triathlons(i have done 11 so far, mostly sprints, intermediate distance stuff, currently training for 1st iron-distance race)

what is the better investment? adding some aero wheels to my road bike or invest in a tri-bike and ride on the stock wheels.

what are the pros/cons of each choice?

thanks

i have finally decided to invest some money in better parts, now that i see myself doing more triathlons(i have done 11 so far, mostly sprints, intermediate distance stuff, currently training for 1st iron-distance race)

what is the better investment? adding some aero wheels to my road bike or invest in a tri-bike and ride on the stock wheels.

what are the pros/cons of each choice?

thanks

I'd say it depends a bit on your Road bike. Do you already have aerobars and a forward seatpost? Is it lightweight or even aero, and also how are the components (at least Shimano 105 10sp or better?). If it is then maybe you want to go with the wheels. However if not your position on the bike is the #1 aerodynamic hinderance or help, and a tri bike will put you there. The added benefit is most come with good componentry etc.

After reading what I just wrote unless you're riding something like a Pinarello F4 or Cervelo Soloist, buy a tri bike. JMO

I'd say it depends a bit on your Road bike. Do you already have aerobars and a forward seatpost? Is it lightweight or even aero, and also how are the components (at least Shimano 105 10sp or better?). If it is then maybe you want to go with the wheels. However if not your position on the bike is the #1 aerodynamic hinderance or help, and a tri bike will put you there. The added benefit is most come with good componentry etc.

After reading what I just wrote unless you're riding something like a Pinarello F4 or Cervelo Soloist, buy a tri bike. JMO


Thanks for the information.

For the record

Right now, i am riding a Giant OCR1. It does have the Shimano 105 group. I installed aero bars about 4 months ago, i am progressively getting better at riding for longer periods of time.

Thanks for the information.

For the record

Right now, i am riding a Giant OCR1. It does have the Shimano 105 group. I installed aero bars about 4 months ago, i am progressively getting better at riding for longer periods of time.

Thats a nice bike but the compact frame design will never allow you to get into a truly comfortable and fast tri position. IMO the Tri bike will definitely help you improve far more than a set of carbon wheels. As well get yourself a wheelbuilder cover for the rear wheel on your tri bike. Works very well!

Tri bike-more aerodynamic and better position

This is great to see. I'm so used to this hypothesis:

"I'm planning on doing a triathlon and want a tribike". Hmmmm...

11 tris? Awesome. You have experience, so you are going to know more of what you like and I won't have to see that sad thread of a hardly used tri bike in the for sale section.

All right so back to your question.

I just started law school, so I'll apply the one certain thing I've learned here: "It depends".

Here is why...

You sound like you are pushing your limits on riding distance. If you aren't in the aerobars of your tri bike it becomes a pointless investment. In the ironman I did I saw a lot of people out of their aerobars in the last lap.

If you're looking to invest less than $1500, I'd say it's a toss up. You can get really good wheels for $1500, and a pretty decent tri bike for that amount of money.

If you're looking to spend over $1500 I'd say tri bike. You can get an amazing bike for $1500-2200.

I think if you're going to invest in a tri bike, I would get an aerodynamic, well thought out geometry, carbon bike. Aluminum is kind of going the way of the dodo.

If I were getting some new wheels, I'd look in to some Hed wheels: these guys I've heard have great prices: http://www.bicycledoctorusa.com/Monthly%20specials.htm

If I were going to look in to a bike it'd be these:
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/10/cusa/model-0RM5D.html
http://quintanarootri.com/QR_bikes/seduza/seduza.html
http://feltracing.com/09-catalog/time-trial-triathlon/tt-tri-series/09-b16.aspx

If I were going to go aluminum, I'd go with this:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/triathlon/equinox/equinox7/

I ride a Felt B2, it's an awesome bike. I really think it's faster than my old basic tri bike.

Let us know what you're thinking, are there any wheels/bikes you had in mind?

Tri Bike, position is worth more aero savings then wheels.

Tri Bike, position is worth more aero savings then wheels.

If you stay in the aerobars and your tri bike fits right.

This is great to see. I'm so used to this hypothesis:

"I'm planning on doing a triathlon and want a tribike". Hmmmm...

11 tris? Awesome. You have experience, so you are going to know more of what you like and I won't have to see that sad thread of a hardly used tri bike in the for sale section.

All right so back to your question.

I just started law school, so I'll apply the one certain thing I've learned here: "It depends".

Here is why...

You sound like you are pushing your limits on riding distance. If you aren't in the aerobars of your tri bike it becomes a pointless investment. In the ironman I did I saw a lot of people out of their aerobars in the last lap.

If you're looking to invest less than $1500, I'd say it's a toss up. You can get really good wheels for $1500, and a pretty decent tri bike for that amount of money.

If you're looking to spend over $1500 I'd say tri bike. You can get an amazing bike for $1500-2200.

I think if you're going to invest in a tri bike, I would get an aerodynamic, well thought out geometry, carbon bike. Aluminum is kind of going the way of the dodo.

If I were getting some new wheels, I'd look in to some Hed wheels: these guys I've heard have great prices: http://www.bicycledoctorusa.com/Monthly%20specials.htm

If I were going to look in to a bike it'd be these:
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/10/cusa/model-0RM5D.html
http://quintanarootri.com/QR_bikes/seduza/seduza.html
http://feltracing.com/09-catalog/time-trial-triathlon/tt-tri-series/09-b16.aspx

If I were going to go aluminum, I'd go with this:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/triathlon/equinox/equinox7/

I ride a Felt B2, it's an awesome bike. I really think it's faster than my old basic tri bike.

Let us know what you're thinking, are there any wheels/bikes you had in mind?



The bikes i have been looking at are the:
Cervelo P2
Quintana Roo Seduza
Kuota K-Factor
Felt b-16

i limited it down to these because those are the brands that the local multisport store carries.

Wheels
flashpoint fp60
hed 3
Hed Jet 60
Zipp 404


thanks to all for the information that has been provided.