Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - A view from outside my box

Today a co-worker asked me the difference between a road bike & a tri bike.

I explained to him the differences as I understand them and then asked him why he asked. Turns out a guy that runs in his social circle recently bought a $4500 bike and is now talking about selling it and getting a tri bike. Apparently spending this amount of money on a bike tossed this clique into a tizzy. *BTW, all these guys have Harleys and/or boats.

My friend said that his buddy had offered to sell him the bike for $1000. I discussed the things to check (mainly fit) and said a $4500 bike for $1k is probably a killer deal.

He replied that he wasn't sure he really needed a $1,000 bike. He'd be happy with a bike like mine.......






















This is my bike that he was referring to

http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd321/mymojo34/Bike%20Stuff/Sir-vell-ooh3.jpg



ummm, yeah. :notamused:

I agree with your coworker. I'd take your bike over a $1K bike any day.

So, what is the difference between a road bike and a tri bike?

Today a co-worker asked me the difference between a road bike & a tri bike.

I explained to him the differences as I understand them and then asked him why he asked. Turns out a guy that runs in his social circle recently bought a $4500 bike and is now talking about selling it and getting a tri bike. Apparently spending this amount of money on a bike tossed this clique into a tizzy. *BTW, all these guys have Harleys and/or boats.

My friend said that his buddy had offered to sell him the bike for $1000. I discussed the things to check (mainly fit) and said a $4500 bike for $1k is probably a killer deal.

He replied that he wasn't sure he really needed a $1,000 bike. He'd be happy with a bike like mine.......


There's no dealing with ignorance.

Buy the $1000 bike yourself. Even if it doesn't fit, you'll get more than that for it.

So, what is the difference between a road bike and a tri bike?

Tri bikes are more like TT bikes with a more aggressive position and aero bars. As well as cutting down on the air resistance the set up is said to be less tough on the hamstrings so it isn't quite as hard to make the transition from bike to run. Whether that is true or not I couldn't say.

Clearly, being a TT-style bike they don't handle as well as a road bike.

I don't understand your point. Is a 4500 dollar bike "better" than a less expensive one simply based on the price tag?

I don't understand your point. Is a 4500 dollar bike "better" than a less expensive one simply based on the price tag?


yeah I guess the point of the post was a bit unclear. The $4500 bike was just the conversation prior to a personal light bulb moment I had. My friend doesnt want to spend $1000 on a bike, he'd be happy with something simple like mine. The point being that with all the hand wringing we all do about our bikes on here, to a casual observer they are all the same.

yeah I guess the point of the post was a bit unclear. The $4500 bike was just the conversation prior to a personal light bulb moment I had. My friend doesnt want to spend $1000 on a bike, he'd be happy with something simple like mine. The point being that with all the hand wringing we all do about our bikes on here, to a casual observer they are all the same.

I don't know if I count as a less than casual observer, but in a sense they ARE all the same. That's one reason I get fed up with the road bike snobbery around here.

Right, Neil. As much as we may pride ourselves on the price or the name on the downtube.....


most people can't tell a difference.


Of course, if you find an S1 with Ultegra for under $1k, please let me know (preferable a 58cm). ;)

You should buy the bike and part it out that is if it for real.

You should buy the bike and part it out that is if it for real.

Trust me, I've thought about that. But we gotta see what hes gonna do and then if the price is strictly a friends price or if it extends to "friend of a friend". I told him that at worst, if its for real, he should get it and if he doesnt like it, he can probably flip it for a bike he does like.

Trust me, I've thought about that. But we gotta see what hes gonna do and then if the price is strictly a friends price or if it extends to "friend of a friend". I told him that at worst, if its for real, he should get it and if he doesnt like it, he can probably flip it for a bike he does like.

Cool..Just outta curiosity are you riding the Chinese carbon wheels? Or have you just taken the sticker off of your wheels?

They are actually double walled aluminum, not carbon. H + Son SL42s. I figured the weight difference didnt matter as long as I've got extra to lose from the engine. But the double walled aluminum might hold up better under the unique pressures of supporting a Clyde.

I actually hit a curb with a set of these while doing 25+ mph.... didnt even scratch them. Of course they probably vibrate a bit more than carbon, but I can live with the trade off.

So the moral of the story is you didn't tell him how much your cervelo cost?

Hmmmm, I never really thought about it, but I guess I hadnt. But then, the price tag isnt the story of that bike to me.

It fits, it rides nicely, its got a nice grouppo and..... its drop dead gorgeous (yes I am one that can admit: looks DO matter).

I have no idea what a Cervelo costs either, but I do know they're expensive.

I'm planning to buy a used Big Dummy for $1000. I've been test riding it, including commuting. A co-worker couldn't believe I'd pay $1000 for it.