Time Trial/Triathlon Bikes

R0B75

R0B75

R0B75

Soldato
Joined
15 Aug 2003
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Burton-upon-Trent
Wasn't sure if this should have it's own thread.

This year is my first doing Triathlons and have so far only completed a handful of club training events, my first proper event is not until July, a couple of sprints but possibly looking at a half IM in September. However, I already know I love the sport and don't see me stopping any time soon.

I'm fairly quick on the bike leg as it's by far my strongest of the 3, but having spoken to a lot of the more experienced guys and girls in the club they recommend I look at getting a specific TT/Tri bike or at the very least a more aero setup for my regular bike (Planet X RT-80) by getting some clip-on aero bars.

If I were to go down the route of a new TT/Tri bike I wouldn't really know where to start, it's something I've never previously had any interest in so I don't know what to look for and what to avoid. I've looked at PlanetX' offerings amongst others and read a few opinions on BikeRadar but in truth I'm a bit out of my depth. I wouldn't want to spend any more than £1500 initially.

Would I be better getting clip-on bars first, am I likely to see much gain from aero bars on my current bike/s? Is an aero bike with standard drop bars going to be a better option?

I'd really appreciate any advice on offer, especially if there's anyone that's been in the same position. Whilst I know getting aero setup alone won't help me win anything I do want to get the most out of the bike leg. My swim and run need to improve before I have any chance of actually competing :D
 
R0B75 said:
Would I be better getting clip-on bars first
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No. (see below)
R0B75 said:
am I likely to see much gain from aero bars on my current bike/s?
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Yes. Clip on bars on a road bike will give reasonable gains, but it'll just be a step on the way to a full TT setup. If you're serious about it, you may as well just skip this step.

R0B75 said:
Is an aero bike with standard drop bars going to be a better option?
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No. The frame contributes a very small percentage to your overall drag. The main bulk comes from the rider and the big advantages to be had from using a TT bike are down to the geometry and the position it puts the rider in.

You dont need to spend a lot of money on a bike. The weight doesnt make much difference for this type of racing and the bar-end shifters are pretty much the same across all model ranges and manufacturers. Something like a PlanetX exocet2 in base spec would do you well.
 
touch said:
The frame contributes a very small percentage to your overall drag. The main bulk comes from the rider and the big advantages to be had from using a TT bike are down to the geometry and the position it puts the rider in.

You dont need to spend a lot of money on a bike. The weight doesnt make much difference for this type of racing and the bar-end shifters are pretty much the same across all model ranges and manufacturers. Something like a PlanetX exocet2 in base spec would do you well.
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So looking at Planet X, they have the Stealth and Exocet I'm guessing the difference between the Rival and Force groupset would be negligible and that a better aero wheelset would be more benficial?

Out of those 2 Planet X bikes I prefer the look of the Stealth, not that I'm necessarily going to get either. I have looked at Canyon but they are a bit out of my price range really. Are there any other good value places to look at?
 
R0B75 said:
So looking at Planet X, they have the Stealth and Exocet I'm guessing the difference between the Rival and Force groupset would be negligible and that a better aero wheelset would be more benficial?

Out of those 2 Planet X bikes I prefer the look of the Stealth, not that I'm necessarily going to get either. I have looked at Canyon but they are a bit out of my price range really. Are there any other good value places to look at?
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I'd always go for cheaper groupset on a TT bike and spend more on wheels. There isnt going to be any difference in feel of the shifting when you're using thumb-shifters.

The stealth is a nice bike (I have one) but it's a very old frame now and things have moved on quite a bit. Internal cable routing probably being the biggest aero change.

I'd go for the exocet if you can get one in budget.
 
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Not a fan of any of the Ribble offerings though they do a very cheap option.

The Dolan bikes are decent, but no size medium in the plain black frame

The Quintana Roo bikes from Wiggle don't really allow for any customisation, shame, they're quite nice.

I think I will likely end up getting one from Planet X. I would make sure they fully fit me for the bike as I suspect getting the most from the bike will require a proper fitting.

Might pop over this weekend and take a look. Got 5 days off...Someone hide my wallet!
 
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