TT Bike on Raceday?

Folks, your input please…

I've been offered the use of a mate’s Giant Trinity Alliance (with Planet X rims) for Outlaw.

For the last two years of tri I've been on a sizable Cannondale R1000 road bike with aero bars and have never before ridden a TT (nor used tubs) and will be able to get maybe three to four hours practice in before race day.

Is it worth the gamble in order to save maybe 10-12 minutes on the bike?

Rw

In a word NO

If you had a puncture, would you know how to change a tub? Do you have a spare tub to carry, pre taped or glued?

Over 112 miles you might save 15 minutes, but would your quads or back seize up as they won't be used to the aggresive positioning. So you run the marathon an hour slower than expected.

Personally don't think it's worth the risk, but others may disagree AND at the end of the day it's your choice. I would have been tempted though by the offer as well.

I'd say it depends on whether it matters more to you to finish the race...... or save 10-12 minutes, Robbie.

Similar conversation in our house.... could lend my wife my 60mm aero wheels which will give her a bit extra speed, but she's never used them before, they're a bitch to change if there's a puncture, and she'll have no time to practice before race day.

For what it's worth.... no mate. I don't think it's worth it.

it's a tempting offer I have to say, but if you're not used to long distance on a TT bike, as Holgs says, it's going to hurt as well.   not sure if over an IM distance that it's worth the extra pain vs a known comfort factor.

but I'd certainly give it a test ride to see how you get on and then decide

my missus was given the offer of a Cervelo P2 to race on but after a comparative ride between that and her current (tri fettled) road bike with deep rims, stuck with hers as she was 2kph quicker on it over the same route and under similar weather conditions.  comfort and the deep rims made a difference for her.

A little blast for an hour or two on a TT bike is a bit different to 112 miles on it. 

I'd go with the bike you've ridden in training. 

Although I may not stick to my own advice.

cougie wrote (see)

I'd go with the bike you've ridden in training. 

 

 

 

so your doing it on your fixie then?

I want to save the time but would clearly be adopting the same stupid "it'll never happen to me" mentality to punctures and malfunctions (mechanical or human) as I do with smoking.

I've not yet quit smoking but being in the position as non-addict, I also wouldn't start.

Rock.
me
Hard Place.

(but thanks for making mud a little clearer)

I'd use the wheels - not the bike.    Wheels don't really take any getting used to - riding an unfamiliar TT bike for 112 miles is a bit different.   

Well they may make a difference if they're tubs Pops ? Fixing wise ?

TSA - I looked into doing it on fixed but theres rules against it ! Pah. Spoilsports. 

Really? a guy did Lanza on a fixie.

(He did have working brakes though )

LPR, good advice, thanks.  I would be shifting to some Planet X carbon rims so as well as the need to learn how to deal with changing tub (how far can you ride on a 'filled' tub?), the breaking is something else I'd need to master.  Although Outlaw course isn't too technical.

I am visiting local bike shop tomorrow, seeking advice from trusted source, and showing them the two bikes.  I'd be shifting from 64cm road bike frame to 56cm TT frame.  The potentially cramped geometry could spell the end before the beginning!


Rw

How tall are you ? Thats a huge difference in frame sizes.

The TT bike is only faster because it puts you in an aero position. I doubt you'll be able to magically assume an aero position after months of riding a normal bike. 

And even if you could - can you run off the bike after being like that ? 

I'd not even bother taking the bikes to the shop. Ride the bike you're used to. 

The flasher Tri bike would be faster IF you could ride it properly, and IF you can run off it. But the risk is that you cant ride it properly - you could easily be slower, or crash and then not finish at all. 

Robbie - i dont know a great deal, however my advice would be - DONT DO IT, i honestly dont think you need it.

We did the Recce earlier in the month and from what i saw i think a 6 hour bike could easily be on the cards on the bike youve been riding and trainng on over the last 6 months

I’m 6ft 4 and a bit.  The 64cm Cannondale was always a little on the large size (I had to muck around a fair bit with seat and reduce length of headset).

To be fair, all signs are pointing to "don’t bloody do it you idiot", and I am pleased the message wasn’t more ambiguous.

Would have liked to go sub six on the bike as run is going to take best part of five hours regardless.


Rw

I rode Regensberg last year on my TT and that was after switching to my TT for almost all rides from about 2 to 3 months out. I could still barely stand getting off the bike in Regensberg after 6.5 hours. I loosened out after a couple of kms but I was very used to the TT position. It sounds like you aren't and I think the hugely different geometry along with the more aggressive position would be too much of a risk to me.