Road versus hybrid for a triathlete commuter
09-23-11, 10:41 PM
#27
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Congratulations, Teresamichelle, on your new accomplishments and your (renewed?) love of biking as an adult. 
Fortunately, many bike companies make bikes to suit your needs these days.
As others mentioned Bianchi (volpe), Soma, Surly, Salsa, Jamis, Giant, .... and the big guns, Specialized and Trek - all make models of road bikes that are bit of a cross between a racing roadie and a touring rig.
If you can be patient and test ride many - you can find the one (or ones) that fit the best, and go from there.
I have not competed in a triathlon since the late 90's - but when I did, they were all on a touring bike (I guess I should qualify though.... I was never fast....
).
I currently have a 2010 Salsa Vaya - and I absolutely love it!!
Although I am not competing in triathlons anymore, I have (had) a similar need for racks, fenders, etc. for commuting, errands and overall fitness riding.
Bianchi still has the Volpe (I think?)
Soma - Double-cross or the Saga
Surly - Cross check or the Long Haul Trucker
Salsa - Vaya, Casseroll, (I think they have others as well)
Jamis - Aurora, Bossanova
Specialized - Cross check (perhaps others)
Trek - so many models, I can't keep up with them!!
Raleigh as well.... someone mentioned the model earlier.
....all have rack and fender mounts. Go test ride and have fun!!
Fortunately, many bike companies make bikes to suit your needs these days.As others mentioned Bianchi (volpe), Soma, Surly, Salsa, Jamis, Giant, .... and the big guns, Specialized and Trek - all make models of road bikes that are bit of a cross between a racing roadie and a touring rig.
If you can be patient and test ride many - you can find the one (or ones) that fit the best, and go from there.
I have not competed in a triathlon since the late 90's - but when I did, they were all on a touring bike (I guess I should qualify though.... I was never fast....
). I currently have a 2010 Salsa Vaya - and I absolutely love it!!
Although I am not competing in triathlons anymore, I have (had) a similar need for racks, fenders, etc. for commuting, errands and overall fitness riding. Bianchi still has the Volpe (I think?)
Soma - Double-cross or the Saga
Surly - Cross check or the Long Haul Trucker
Salsa - Vaya, Casseroll, (I think they have others as well)
Jamis - Aurora, Bossanova
Specialized - Cross check (perhaps others)
Trek - so many models, I can't keep up with them!!
Raleigh as well.... someone mentioned the model earlier.
....all have rack and fender mounts. Go test ride and have fun!!
09-24-11, 05:45 AM
#28
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Looks like the alloy version of the Cannondale Synapse has rack eyelets as well. It might be worth checking out.
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/wome...ns-alloy-5-105
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/wome...ns-alloy-5-105
09-24-11, 01:13 PM
#29
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Looks like the alloy version of the Cannondale Synapse has rack eyelets as well. It might be worth checking out.
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/wome...ns-alloy-5-105
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/wome...ns-alloy-5-105
09-24-11, 01:43 PM
#30
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09-24-11, 01:49 PM
#31
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My opinion/experience/predjudice....ymmv.
9 miles each way is a respectable commute. I would go with a roadish bike with drop bars, not flat bars. there are lot of common recommendations, as noted.
Why?
I find flat handle bars are a pain....literally, i get wrist pains...it is not a natural ergonomic positions (look and handle bars over time.....most are set so that the thumbs point forward and palms face in.....form follows function). Though this can be minimized by using ergonomic barends like the cane creek ergo or the ergon.
Drop bars give a lot of postions options.....really handy when the wind is not with you.
Efficiency..... even a flat bar is not going to position you quite like a road bike..... I find a huge difference between my upright commuter/utility bike and my road bike. This will make a difference on a 9 mile commute
cross training...goes more directly to your triathlon goals.
You can get fenders on most bikes.... for a road.... the race blades or use p clips for frames without mouting points. Putting full fenders on a racy road bike may give very limited clearance or going down a size in tire..... but in the past I have run my miyata 1400 with full fenders.... tight but doable.
9 miles each way is a respectable commute. I would go with a roadish bike with drop bars, not flat bars. there are lot of common recommendations, as noted.
Why?
I find flat handle bars are a pain....literally, i get wrist pains...it is not a natural ergonomic positions (look and handle bars over time.....most are set so that the thumbs point forward and palms face in.....form follows function). Though this can be minimized by using ergonomic barends like the cane creek ergo or the ergon.
Drop bars give a lot of postions options.....really handy when the wind is not with you.
Efficiency..... even a flat bar is not going to position you quite like a road bike..... I find a huge difference between my upright commuter/utility bike and my road bike. This will make a difference on a 9 mile commute
cross training...goes more directly to your triathlon goals.
You can get fenders on most bikes.... for a road.... the race blades or use p clips for frames without mouting points. Putting full fenders on a racy road bike may give very limited clearance or going down a size in tire..... but in the past I have run my miyata 1400 with full fenders.... tight but doable.
Also, I just so happened to have been checking out the utility forums, and someone linked to the cetma cargo page. CETMA has numerous bike racks for the front of the bike and the guy that owns the shop (it's a one man business) explains why loading the rear of the bike isn't ideal. I think a road bike with a CETMA front rack could be excellent for you.
https://cetmacargo.com/CETMAracksindex.htm
I currently own a hybrid bike (a Globe Daily 2) and one of my bosses, who does centuries was shocked at how big the bike was. I also have a hard time with hand positions and am even considering a clip on aero bar to get up some of the hills in a more efficient manner. I love my bike - she was an excellent choice for going back to riding - but I wouldn't recommend a hybrid at all for a triathaloner. Get a road bike or cx bike and make some comfort adjustments.
Best of luck. Be sure to update with pics!
Last edited by zencalm; 09-24-11 at 01:50 PM. Reason: to include CETMA link
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