Road/Triathlon bike?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by sam_glasser
I am completely new to cycling and am in need of some help.

My goal is to eventually work my way in to triathlons once I have built up some strength in my never ridden legs!

Firstly I need to buy a bike! Here is my question:

What is the difference between a Road bike and a Triathlon bike? If I were to buy a road bike and train on that for a while could I then just convert it to a tri bike by just changing the handle bars?

Are there differences in the gearing?

Any comments would be much appreciated,

Thank you,

PS,If there are any Triathletes out there what is meant by drafting?

Listen. You don't want to be a dork and get into triathlons. It's not worth it.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by sam_glasser
I am completely new to cycling and am in need of some help.

My goal is to eventually work my way in to triathlons once I have built up some strength in my never ridden legs!

Firstly I need to buy a bike! Here is my question:

What is the difference between a Road bike and a Triathlon bike? If I were to buy a road bike and train on that for a while could I then just convert it to a tri bike by just changing the handle bars?

Are there differences in the gearing?

Any comments would be much appreciated,

Thank you,

PS,If there are any Triathletes out there what is meant by drafting?

I'm not a triathlete but I believe serious triathlon bikes are the same thing as time trial bikes. More aerodynamic frame, wheels, bar, etc.. The gearing I believe is the same. I don't see any reason why a regular road bike couldn't be used but I would imagine you would want the aero bars and wheels. Once again I'm not a triathlete but drafting whether it be on a bike or car or whatever is getting close enough behind somebody so that they are decreasing your wind resistance.

Matt

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by sam_glasser
I am completely new to cycling and am in need of some help.

My goal is to eventually work my way in to triathlons once I have built up some strength in my never ridden legs!

Firstly I need to buy a bike! Here is my question:

What is the difference between a Road bike and a Triathlon bike? If I were to buy a road bike and train on that for a while could I then just convert it to a tri bike by just changing the handle bars?

Are there differences in the gearing?

Any comments would be much appreciated,

Thank you,

PS,If there are any Triathletes out there what is meant by drafting?

if you are just starting out....get a normal road bike....you can easily put a set of tri-bars onto the bike and adapt it for use in triathlons....that way you can also do some bunch riding and get the 'hard legs' that only a few years of road riding can buy....you will also learn how to 'suffer' by riding with other road cyclists.....remember to take off your tri-bars when riding in bunch's (if you do) as this is a big no-no.
drafting is sitting behind another cyclists wheel and gaining the benefit of their efforts.....big no-no in triathlons....

triathlon bikes are very specific for time trialling.....usually aerodynamic and totally set up for solo time trialling.....maybe if you stick at triathlons it would be worth getting one in a few years.....otherwise as a novice you would not really get the benefit of such a bike while you are still developing your strength........keep it simple for now and just enjoy the challenge....your body will take a couple of years to adapt (depending on your athleticism and intentions) the flash time trial bike can be your aim after you have learn't the game

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by sam_glasser
I am completely new to cycling and am in need of some help.

My goal is to eventually work my way in to triathlons once I have built up some strength in my never ridden legs!

Firstly I need to buy a bike! Here is my question:

What is the difference between a Road bike and a Triathlon bike? If I were to buy a road bike and train on that for a while could I then just convert it to a tri bike by just changing the handle bars?

Are there differences in the gearing?

Any comments would be much appreciated,

Thank you,

PS,If there are any Triathletes out there what is meant by drafting?

Agree with Shaneo - get a normal road bike, and for Triathlon events you can easily bolt on a set of tri-bars.

I got into triathlons about 3 years ago, with a 2nd hand bog standard Giant 8200. Bolted on a set of tri bars for events and cycled with a group of local enthusiasts. I've upgraded to a Cannondale and have entered a couple of local criteriums. I love both events and can do all this on one bike.

At cycle events - you will see all kinds of colour, but the bikes are essentially the same shape. Triathlons bring out all sorts of variations on the theme, every combination of frame, bars, wheels etc (all looking for wind drag).

The events however are chalk and cheeze - Triathlon, like time trials, is about you and your time over the course. No drafting (for us amateurs) means more than 7meters behind a rider in front of you, out of their slipstream. There is very little strategy in Tris. Cycle events are far more tactical - you can sit in and draft, explode away from the peloton, and of course, sprint for line honours.

A pure time trial or Triathlon machine will have aero profile bars, bar end shifters, aero wheel$ and and aero frame. All big $$$, just for TT or Tri events and not practical for road riding or even training.

Final tip - ride with some serious roadies and learn how to cycle properly. I had some great rides with a local bike shop (LBS) - they were helpful on all matters of group ettiquet, technique, safety and set-up. You see some pretty bad technique at tri events 🙂

Go for it....

Primary difference is that a tri bike will place you more over the pedals and forward so that you can reach the aero position without having your knees tumping you in the chest. It basically rotates you clockwise if you are viewing the bike from the right side.

There are some bikes that do both by a seatpost that swivels. Check Cervelo.

Read this. I'm sure it will help you and it has pictures:

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml

Also, a TT bike is going to have the same geometry as a regular road bike 73degree seat angle while typical Tri bikes have steeper seat angles of 78 degrees, this will help you run better after the bike ride because it helps use different muscles.

I have done a few tris on a road bike with aero bars clamped on, but I prefer road riding so a road bike is better suited for me. If you are doing this for mostly Tris, follow bikesportmichigans' advice and just get a tri bike to start off with. That way you don't need to get a new bike after 6 months.

and Yes, Check out the Cervelo Soloist is you're still not sure

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by sam_glasser
I am completely new to cycling and am in need of some help.

My goal is to eventually work my way in to triathlons once I have built up some strength in my never ridden legs!

Firstly I need to buy a bike! Here is my question:

What is the difference between a Road bike and a Triathlon bike? If I were to buy a road bike and train on that for a while could I then just convert it to a tri bike by just changing the handle bars?

Are there differences in the gearing?

Any comments would be much appreciated,

Thank you,

PS,If there are any Triathletes out there what is meant by drafting?

Hi:
I am in the SAME boat you're in, except, I've been riding for a while, but am in the market for either a road or TRI bike. Here's what I found out from SEVERAL bike gurus (roadies and TRI-folk) who KNOW they're stuff: contrary to what some people here have said, IT IS NOT NECESSARILY ADVISABLE TO SIMPLY PUT AEROBARS ON A ROAD BIKE FRAME FOR TRI RACING. This is why: Road bike geometry is diff. than Tri bike... When you get fitted for a bike, they should look at your position on the bike, you should not be too stretched out, and the bike fitters will know this by looking at your position. If you get a road bike that fits you, you will be in a proper position on that bike. IF you adapt that bike by putting aerobars on it, what it does is stretch you out more, pull you out of alignment so that your shoulders and parts of your back are in an unnaturally uncomfy position and might cause injury. Here's what I was told: do one of two things: Get a road bike and ride it AS A ROAD bike in triathlons, and so you'll be a bit at a disadvantage. When you get good and/or you realize you really LIKE doing TRI events, buy a TRI bike, again get fitted properly for it, and use THAT bike for racing, and your road bike for training. OPTION 2: As someone mentioned, LOOK AT THE CERVELO SOLOIST, and that's where I'm at too. But my issue with this bike, is that for the money, (soloist 105, not the TEAM VERSION which is 2300 dollars!!) you get a crappy componetry setup. But the Soloist, either the 105 (mix of tiagra and shimano 105 componetry)as mentioned or the TEAM (ultegra componetry) offer a road-bike geometry, but the seatpost can be flipped to put you in a more aero position, puts you closer to your handlebars, and this position is desirable in TRIATHLONS. I believe what I said above about NOT putting aerobars on a typical road bike DOESN'T APPLY HERE, but you will want to check on this also, when you get fitted for a bicycle. I think you MAY be able to safely and comfortably put aerobars on the Cervelo SOloist without putting your body out of alignment, although it may simply depend on your fit on that particular bike!
OTHER ADVICE: get a GOOD fitting, and make sure you communicate what you plan on doing with the bike!!

GOod luck.
TRI123

Quoted post said:

Final tip - ride with some serious roadies and learn how to cycle properly. I had some great rides with a local bike shop (LBS) - they were helpful on all matters of group ettiquet, technique, safety and set-up. You see some pretty bad technique at tri events 🙂

Go for it....

This is so true - in addition to your LBS's, check out local cycling clubs as well (even before you buy a bike).

In addition to being a great way to learn, riding with serious roadies is a great form of training. Even though you won't be drafting in triathalons, taking pulls at the front in a fast group at 45-50 kph is great form of interval training that will help you maintain a 40 kph average on you own. Much more fun than riding by yourself 🙂