dmagic17

So Ive been riding a specialized allez for a couple years for training and tris. I have an opportunity to get a good deal on a Trek Equinox but I would have to sell the allez to make it work. Im nervous to only have a dedicated tri bike. Is is hard to adjust to using the bar end shifters? If you hit some hills and need to do a lot of shifting out of the aero position, it is a pain? Any other thoughts? Thanks.

thehammerdog

well, it all depends on how much racing you do....I have a great new roadie and a beater tri bike....so ask your self what you wnat to ride...if speed each and every rid is the answer o for it....if not...get a beater and make it your tri bike

Barchettaman

Remember that Lessing holds the course record at IM Lake Placid, on a road bike with clip-ons (Cervelo Soloist IIRC).
If you are comfy on the Allez and fast enough for your aspirations, no point throwing money at another bike.

cjbruin

If you ride alone most of the time, I would definitely consider the tri bike. Using bar end shifters is not nearly the big deal that people make it out to be. The aero advantage you gain from the body position is significant for racing...and tri bikes are cool!

cjbruin

It's important to consider that Placid is one of the hilliest IM courses so it makes sense to consider a road bike for that course. Also, when the Soloist came out, Cervelo advertised it as a bit of a crossover bike between roadie and tri.

I'm not sure I would use Simon as a model of what you should and shouldn't do. Don't get me wrong, he's a great guy and has had a lot of success. He has even done a great coaching job with a good friend of mine. On the other hand, he is very opinionated that there is only one correct way. I find this logic breaks down when he is advising someone who isn't 6'1" and 150 lbs like him.

HarlieJ

I bought a Equinox last season. Up to that point, I had never owned a 'road' bike - always have mountain biked. Then again, I had never done a tri. In my opinion, the bar end shifters are very easy to use and I've never had an issue with them. Very easy IMO.

900aero

I'm in the reverse position to you - have a nice tri bike but would also like a road bike. Here are my pros & cons:

Pros:
faster bike for flat, non-drafting races
time on the tt bike is the way to get used and make the most of the riding style;
different ergonomics allow your legs to have more chance of holding up during the run

Cons:
Not the greatest on big hills or really windy, busy roads ( where you want integrated brake/shifter levers)
Can't use it in regular bike races
overall, a very specialised piece of kit. hard to take it to the shops for milk & bread........


Whats ideal? one of each or ......
aero bars & change to your seat for Tri racing. This is one reason for the Cervelo S1 beling popular: a skilled bikefitter can set it up for either road or TT racing. The reversible gooseneck on the seatpost means that you can have a steeper, tt -focussed riding position that allows you to fold forwards onto the aero bars more easily.

jhodgson

I did Ironman Louisville last year on an Allez with clipons. I'm glad I never bought a tri bike.

My philosophy on buying aero/gofast gear is that I don't need it unless I'm within sight of the leaders. Outside of dinner the night before, I never have been