profjmb

OK, you know what it's like. You're very happy with your bike but think there are some things (not all things but some things) you could do better with another. My Cervelo RS is great for me. I love riding it. But I do also like to train for speed some in flat Chicago. So I've been brooding/fantasizing/obsessing about getting a bike with an aero frame (Cervelo S2 maybe)–not to replace RS but to share my attention.

What I want to know is this: You who have both an aero and a non-aero bike:

1. Do you still put significant miles on both?

2. Can you tell a difference in a way that sometimes favors the aero frame? (Like if I could sprint 1mph faster, that'd make me so happy. I suppose that the fit of the bike might be even more important here.)

3. If I get an aero frame, will I reach the final N+1?

merlinextraligh

If you're racing at a very high level, and want one bike for flat stages, and one bike for climbing stages, this could make some sense. Otherwise it seems a bit overboard, and my bet is one of the bike is going to sit essentially unused.

The speed difference on the flat, is only going to be measurable with a stopwatch. The decrease in comfort, however, is likely to be perceptable.

Personally, I've found that having 2 road bikes, I ride my favorite one, and the second one never gets used, unless the first one is in need of repair.

If you have only one bike, it might make some sense ,just because it's nice to have a backup.

cvall91

Doesn't seem like a very good idea. I think switching between light and aero wheels might make more of a difference, especially in your wallet. But I'm new to the sport so my input may not be very accurate.

KantoBoy

I'd look at other "aero" bikes like the Scott Foil or the BMC TimeMachine TMR01

Bah Humbug

TMR01 is way more expensive than an S2. That said, I agree that it's a silly addition. You're not going to feel faster. I like my S1 because it gets me back to transition a bit faster. I missed 2nd in age group by 19 seconds on Sunday. Does that happen to you? You're not going to gain 1mph or anything like that. Get a 'cross bike and go race that. Or a TT bike and get some real speed. Something more different.

island rider

An RS versus an aero frame is going to be a night and day difference in terms of ride feel. It may be that you don't like the ride of the aero frame.

That said, if you want another bike, get it. But don't think it will give you a marked difference in speed on a day to day basis. Out in the flat land, I might be more inclined to try a TT bike if I were you.

stilltooslow

You didn't mention which wheels you have, but as some others pointed out, your money is likely better spent on a nice light aero wheel set, like the Zipp 303 Firecrest or equivalent. Maybe you'd be able to feel a slight difference in another frame, but you'll definitely feel the difference in a great set of wheels. BTW...my old ride was a RS (still have the frame), and it's still a great bike regardless of comparisons.

profjmb

Thanks guys! Sickness is abating! Is it fun to ride TT bikes?

zatopek

This is a no-brainer. Always buy another bike.

jkuper

I have an RS and I just ordered a Ridley Noah RS frame

merlinextraligh

No, they're the spawn of the devil.

I train on one out of necessity, because I'll do stage races with TT's.

I'm sure others will disagree, but a TT bike properly set up to go fast, is about going fast, not particularly about being comfortable, or having fun doing so.

RoadMike

To ride one properly? No, in fact it is probably one of the least pleasant experiences on two wheels until you cross the finish line.

While it's true that you should buy a new bike, I would recomend broadening your cycling horizons and get some thing fun to ride and different from a road bike. A TT bike is not a bad idea if you do stage races or for some sick reason like to race TTs. Other good options are a cyclocross bike, mountain bike, fat tire mountain bike, track bike, or really anything but another road bike. The only way I personally will consider buying an aero road bike is if I already have one of every other type of bike for the riding and racing I want to do.

Seattle Forrest

I have a Cervelo R3 and Soloist. One is very much like your RS and the other is a very old version of the S2. I got a screaming deal on the Soloist as a used bike, I traded in a cyclocross bike I didn't want anymore for it.

I ride the aero frame when it's raining, or when I need to lock the bike up and leave it behind.

bonz50

why not get an aero road bike instead of a TT/Tri bike?? something like a Spec Venge or Cervelo S5 or Scott Foil... my .02