Convince me why I need one
IMO ,.... you would get more out of a turbo trainer than a TT bike in terms of conversion to race paceTurbo will get a lot of use through the winter and a TT bike wouldn't
Of course the best option then is a TT bike and a turbo. Turbo through the winter on the TT bike to get an improvement in speed and an aero position
What`s the deal with TT bikes and long races such IM or HIM. I can see the obvious advantage over 40km, but over 112miles or even 56miles is it hard/umcomfortable to maintain the position in a TT bike, therefore a road bike is better.
If the TT bike is right size and correctly fitted, why would it be uncomfortable?
A TT bike is clearly the worst option - that's why everyone that is any good has one - they want to make it more of a challenge for themselves.
I think I'd find one hand position uncomfortable after 60 miles even in a Eurofighter Typhoon. LOL.
But they look cool as anything.
Dreaming Of Magic wrote (see)
I wouldn't say that is the case for everyone DoM... I find my TT bike more comfortable than my two road bikes and am much faster.... I did do most of my training including turbo sessions on the TT bike though last year which definitely helped
DK - I used to ride to work - 29.7 miles, with two hills (part of the Challenge Henley course). I used to average 1hr:35 on my road bike - best time 1:33.45. On the TT average time was 1:26, best time 1:23.45.
Doner Kebab wrote (see)
Well what I meant was that if you can't get in the aero position for a good portion of the race you are limiting yourself to one hand position. Which will become uncomfortable after 60miles.
That's a known problem at IM Florida which is so flat and straight that you end up on the tribars for very long periods without a break. At other courses, even ones supposedly pretty fast & flat like Outlaw or Roth, there are enough hills and turns to give some natural breaks from the TT position. You still need to practise long turns down on the bars though, or you'll be struggling pretty quickly. If that happens, you lose the aero advantage of the bike and you might as well be on a road bike.
Rafiki wrote (see)
Sounds pretty conclusive. Over 112 miles that would translate to 34 minutes of a difference. Not to be sniffed at! And I don't think riding aero is awkward at all. I much prefer TT bars to road bike ones.
Plus, due to the steeper seat angle you run better off a TT/tri bike. When cycling it is almost like pushing back on the pedals rather than down.
But more importantly still - they look soooo cool!!
