So, I am a triathlete. Yes, I know a lot of you guys may not like Triathletes, but I started out as a cyclist, so it's alright
Anyways, I'm only 17 and don't have a job, so I've only ever owned 2 bikes, and my dad bought and paid for them (A Cervelo S2 with Force and a Lapierre Xelius with Ultegra). The Xelius is my current bike and I love it. Unfortunately it's not the most aero bikes out there and although I'm one of the best riders in the Triathlon's, I never really do any better than 4th, purely because my bike isn't fast enough.
Anyway, I'm looking into getting a TT bike to use and (depending on whether it comes with them or not) Carbon Wheels. I'm still choose my previous bikes, but I want to put in much more input into the purchase of this new bike as triathlons are the direction I want to go and I am actually much better at triathlons than cycling.
So, are there any tips/bits of advice to be said on the topic of buying a new TT bike? And are there any bikes/models that standout as good bikes?
Alright, from a cyclists point of view, always buy a second hand TT bike if you can. However, if you are only running mid to low grade wheels, then I would suggest starting with them first. You can always throw them onto a new bike down the track, and if, for whatever reason, you decide to go back to real cycling, then they'll be a lot more useful then a TT bike.
As far as the frame goes, there are plenty of cervelo's floating around for cheap, especially where I am. BMC's are good bikes, although good luck finding a second hand TT bike cheap.
If you can get some good running gear and drivetrain, like SRAM or Campag, then that's a bonus. This stuff can always be swapped over latter though.
Good luck!
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Pinktay3 wrote:
[...]although I'm one of the best riders in the Triathlon's, I never really do any better than 4th, purely because my bike isn't fast enough. [...]
[...] as triathlons are the direction I want to go and I am actually much better at triathlons than cycling. [...]
Maybe it doesn't have so much to do with the bike than with the cyclist ?
Work your cycling and you may improve your cycling part in triathlons more than with a bike change that could possibly disappoint.
Think of what rules the performances in an ITT or a cycling part of a triathlon :
- mechanical output (takes about 10 % of your power)
- bike + equipment + riders weight (matters when you climb or accelerate)
- aerodynamics (combined with the former that's 90 % of your power)
On the first one, if your bike output is 10 or 20 % better, that's 1 or 2 % of power saved overall with a bike change, but if you're already using Shimano Ultegra there might not be so much to gain unless your bike needs fixing.
For the second one, it depends on whether your routes usually climb much.
For the last one, think in terms of W/m² (or W/ft² - not sure where you're from). Obviously most of the frontal surface of the bike + rider comes from the rider. But, of course, the rider's position is determined by the bike. Can your current bike offer you a more efficient position with or without different new parts (handlebars, etc.) ? Is its aerodynamics particularly poor ?
I can't tell you if you should change it or not, but the performances you might gain from a change of material might be lesser than what you could expect. Try someone else's bike if you can to get an opinion.
Toy with your position, and more importantly, work on your physical condition (you're not an international superstar - yet - so there are probably margins for improvement).
Thanks for the replies guys. Aidan, one of the thins u was considering was getting an aero bike (such as the s5) and wack on TT bars, but I do t think it would be the same. Jseadog, I know what you mean. I got my s2 for 6,500. Now the same model retails for about 3,000. Aquarius, that could possibly be it, but with the crucial parts of a tri being the swim and the run, and me not having any natural ability for them (I once went 2 months without riding my bike, raced a tri and still had the fastest bike split), means I really need to hammer home my advantage in the ride and make it as quick and easy as possible, thus meaning a TT bike.
Pinktay3 wrote:
Thanks for the replies guys. Aidan, one of the thins u was considering was getting an aero bike (such as the s5) and wack on TT bars, but I do t think it would be the same. Jseadog, I know what you mean. I got my s2 for 6,500. Now the same model retails for about 3,000. Aquarius, that could possibly be it, but with the crucial parts of a tri being the swim and the run, and me not having any natural ability for them (I once went 2 months without riding my bike, raced a tri and still had the fastest bike split), means I really need to hammer home my advantage in the ride and make it as quick and easy as possible, thus meaning a TT bike.
Nothing you can do about I guess, if you want a good bike you will have to spend the money
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