Triathlon - Drop Bars
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Quinman
08-25-04, 01:59 PM
I thought after doing a couple 1/2's several years ago I was finished with Tri's. But at 57 years of age and retired I now have the time to put in to do a IM....I think. My question is I bought a Trek 7700FX (fitness bike) last year that has flat handlebars. Is there a way to remove or add-on for drop bars? I have aero bars but I thoght the drops would help over the long run. Or is this bike one that most IM competitors would laugh at? Thanks for any help. Not sure where I am going yet, but I have a year to get it done.
I don't think this would be a good idea. You would also have to get and recable the shifters, probably a new stem and seatpost as well.
Brillig
08-26-04, 10:41 AM
Drop handlebars are only part of the problem. You also have very big, wide tires that will be slowing you down, very low gearing (mountain bike style) and a heavy bike. In addition you'd have a real hard time adjusting it to get in anything close to an aero position.
Bikes don't morph that well from one purpose to the next.
Quinman
08-26-04, 11:01 AM
Thanks, appreciate both of your inputs. I guess I will have to "bite the bullett" and buy another bike. In fact, just returned from bike store and guy was trying to talk me into a Specialized Roubaix. I think I will go back to previous threads and see what the experts have recommended. Thanks Again.
FatBomber
08-26-04, 02:08 PM
I heartily agree with the other posters. It would be prohibitively expensive to change your current ride into a roadie.
I looked long and hard at the Spec Roubaix. Relaxed geometry, carbon stays, and full ultegra were hard to ignore. I went with the steel Jamis Eclipse instead.
Ride a lot of bikes until you find the one that you love. Buy that bike. Slap on a set of aerobars and forward seatpost. And most importantly, ride, ride, ride!
(Have fun too!)