Triathlon - Tri VS Road

I realize this has probably been debated to death in the past, if not here than on other discussion forums but I want to talk about it again since I'm the one that has to make a decision this go 'round. :).

As you may recall I recently bought a Trek Equinox 7 (triathlon specific bike). I've had numerous problems with the front derailleur. I won't bore you with all of the details but after the bike shop having the bike for nearly a month I got the bike back last night and today I took the bike out for a ride and I'm STILL having trouble. UGH!

I recently bought a Fuji frame and fork off of Ebay that I was planning to build into a road bike. So what I was thinking about doing is either (1) returning the bike to the shop and getting a refund and go shopping for another triathlon bike or (2) returning the bike for store credit and using that store credit to build up the Fuji with road components and then buy a clip on aerobar and possibly forward seat post.

For those of you that have triathlon specific bikes, does it really make that much difference?

If you were in my shoes what would you do?

I'm just getting into triathlons myself and from what I've read triathlon bikes are like time trial bikes, made to go fast and long distances and are by no means made for comfort, so I guess if you're really into triathlons keep or get another triathlon bike, I'm gonna be racing my road bike in the triathlon I'm doing until I get more involved in the sport but for now road racing does plenty for me.

Depends on what you want to do. If you are planning on only doing tri's then get a tri bike. They are more efficient than a road bike and, given enough training and experience, will make a difference.

However, if you see yourself wanting to do a lot of group rides with the local club then I would recommend that you have a road bike. We get some people who ride their tri/TT bikes with a group and, while we don't have many problems, there are groups who don't like the mixture. TT bikes are made for just that purpose, the steeper geometry, aero bars, etc. means that they don't always mix well with the road riders.

If you can afford both then the answer is obvious - more bikes is always better!

I own both a tri bike and a road bike and love both of them! If it is at all possible moneywise, try and work it so you can build up your Fuji without getting rid of your tri-bike. I appriciate having options when it is windy, raining, or we are going to climb hills. It's also nice to have the STI's on the road bike for group rides, and bar end shifters on my tri bike for racing. But if the Trek is giving you so many problems, don't wait any longer until you do something about it. Take it back, make threats, whatever you have to do. You have way too much money tied up in that bike to have something you are dissatisfied with.

Zack:

If you are serious about doing tris, you really need a dedicated machine. BTW, if you decide to return the Trek, you might want to consider the Guru Chron 'alu. Read this review by a Guru dealer, and well known national class triathlete who chose the less expensive (then for example the carbon fiber beauty that Guru sells) chron 'alu as his competition bike. Read this: http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/cron.shtml

You can get one with full Dura-ace in the two's, and can even have one totally custom made for an extra $100. BTW, I just got the wonderful news that mine arrived yesterday and will be completed by 2PM this afternoon. I have to call for a fitting appointment!

All: Thanks for the replies. After having some more time to think about it I'm going to ride it today and tomorrow and if I'm still having trouble I'll take it by the shop and have them do an adjustment before I head down south to Orlando Monday morning.

Zack,

I have two bikes: my road bike and a older roadie beater that I might convert to SS. My road bike will work if I want to get aero. BUT, my ultimate goal is to purchase a tri/tt frame and build it up for a specific tri-bike. If you can swing it, keep the Trek and get it fixed (eventually, they will get it right). Or, get another tri-specific bike instead. You can build up the Fuji relatively cheap these days... Then you will have two bikes! One for road and one for tri's. Let us know hoe the training in Orlando goes.

BTW, which Fuji did you buy?

RT

I think the problem is that one bike to do it all, is really too much of a compromise... You won't be as comfortable as you should be on the road (too short toptube/stem combo) and you may not be comfortable when riden as a tri.... I did try to use one bike for everything, but finally gave up and got a proper roadbike and optomized the Kestrel for tri (and maybe some time trials) only.

Two bikes (if you can afford them and have room to keep them) is much better solution.

BTW, which Fuji did you buy?

Roubaix PRO - 2003 model frame and fork.

a TT bike and tri bike is pretty much the same though right?