Who owns a triathalon bike and doesn't race??

[smoothie7]

I am completely in love with the triathlon bikes. I don't know why but I think they are down right sexy Unfortunately I have no plans on running any triathlons but wandered who owned a triathlon bike just for pure fun? If you want to show some pictures for us to drool over that would be great!!

[jsedlak]

I'll show off... but I do race in the NJ TT series. Just got it - a Trek SpeedConcept 7.0.

It is definitely a very fun bike to ride, though it can be painful. Spent a good 2+ hours on it last Saturday and you definitely feel everything. Everything.

[takl23]

I find the geometry of the TT/Tri bikes to be awesome as well. I love the TT even though I don't do enough to warrant a TT bike.

[smoothie7]

the trek pictured above is the one I am in love with. lol
I have zero intentions on racing at this time. I too don't know if I do enough to warrant owning one. 99% of the riding I do is by myself. I just absolutely love the looks of it!!

[AMCman10]

the trek pictured above is the one I am in love with. lol
I have zero intentions on racing at this time. I too don't know if I do enough to warrant owning one. 99% of the riding I do is by myself. I just absolutely love the looks of it!!

Loving the bike you ride is very important. If you look at your bike and you dont get excited, its going to be a lot harder to get out and ride.

[steelbikerider]

They are actually called time trial bikes. I have one and do an occasional TT. Otherwise, I ride it about once every week or 2. The real fun I have is working on it, trying to make it and me as areo as possible without spending much $.

[JCavilia]

Have you ever ridden one? You should try to find one in your size to borrow or rent and go on a few rides of decent length. You might like it, but you might not. The position is quite different. Deciding on a bike by looks alone isn't such a good idea, IMHO.

If you like riding it, by all means ride one. There's no rule that says you have to use a bike for some special purpose. Though if you do get one, there's no reason not to give a local time trial a shot. Unlike road racing, there's no special danger in time trialing, and no special skills to learn beyond handling your bike well, and pacing yourself. It can be fun. And if you don't swim, but you run, duathlons are lots of fun.

[jsedlak]

the trek pictured above is the one I am in love with. lol
I have zero intentions on racing at this time. I too don't know if I do enough to warrant owning one. 99% of the riding I do is by myself. I just absolutely love the looks of it!!

Get one, ride it, have fun, enter some time trials. They are easy to get into and quick/hard solo efforts! I enjoy them because they are just you against the clock.

[Pirx]

I am completely in love with the triathalon bikes.

If that is so, then you might want to start by learning how to spell the things: They are "triathlon bikes", or tri-bikes for short. Just sayin...

[jmitro]

I'll show off... but I do race in the NJ TT series. Just got it - a Trek SpeedConcept 7.0.

It is definitely a very fun bike to ride, though it can be painful. Spent a good 2+ hours on it last Saturday and you definitely feel everything. Everything.

I recognize that bike from bf.c

[jsedlak]

I recognize that bike from bf.c

I'm everywhere

[Wood Devil]

Loving the bike you ride is very important. If you look at your bike and you dont get excited, its going to be a lot harder to get out and ride.

Exactly!

Which is why I want a Cervelo S5.

[spade2you]

Get one, ride it, have fun, enter some time trials. They are easy to get into and quick/hard solo efforts! I enjoy them because they are just you against the clock.

Exactly.

From a technical/geek perspective, I enjoy TT bikes for the simple fact that it's the fastest you can possibly go on your own for the given effort.

...but they are sexy.

[JCavilia]

Exactly.

From a technical/geek perspective, I enjoy TT bikes for the simple fact that it's the fastest you can possibly go on your own for the given effort.
...but they are sexy.

Actually, it's only the fastest you can go with the arbitrary race-rules limitation of no aerodynamic fairings. There are faster HPV's, and even semi-faired recumbents that you can buy are capable of higher speeds.

But I get your point. To me, they're kind of ugly compared to traditional road bikes, but that's in the eye of the beholder. I do understand the appeal of a machine designed for efficient function.

[kini]

Not yet, though my next bike will be. Either the Trek System 7 or Cannodale Slice.

[smoothie7]

I tell you what, looking at these bikes has kinda got me into the mood of doing a triathlon. I never have given one a thought but with some training, I think I can do just about anything. My girlfriend always says, if you want something bad enough, you will get it. This bike might be one of those things. lol

[Geoffersonspin]

Actually, it's only the fastest you can go with the arbitrary race-rules limitation of no aerodynamic fairings. There are faster HPV's, and even semi-faired recumbents that you can buy are capable of higher speeds.

My guess is they made the rule because fairings are quite ridiculous looking!

[davelikestoplay]

^^ do one. I did my first one this year at age 38. BTW your GF is smart.

[cwg_at_opc]

They are actually called time trial bikes. I have one and do an occasional TT. Otherwise, I ride it about once every week or 2. The real fun I have is working on it, trying to make it and me as areo as possible without spending much $.

there is a definite distinction between pure TT bikes and the latest breed of tri bikes; pure TT bikes have more rules to follow(seat/BB distance, aero extensions, etc. see UCI) while there are less restrictions for tri bikes. the steep-seat-tube-angle that dominates the majority of tri bikes is one of the features that make them comfortable for going fast over long distances and a limiter for anyone racing a timed TT for points or prizes w/o a morphological exception.

that said, i have an '08 QR Caliente that i use about half of my ride time, and it is my go-to bike for any long ride that doesn't require panniers or camping gear. i had originally bought it and participated in 3 tris on a relay team at work, but for a variety of reasons, i don't race any more. my other bike is a cervelo s1 that i bought used to replace my ancient kestrel 200ems. the scary part is, i think the s1 is actually faster and more efficient than the QR, based on data from my powertap and ride times over my regular routes. there is a lot to be said for a super-narrow tubes.

[Blue Bird]

I built up an FM020 as an aero road bike...I think it turned out pretty good! I am definitly farther forward, and the bars are at about the minimum height that I find comfortable, but it works pretty well. The bike is VERY fast, and rock-solid even when standing. Here is a crappy cell phone pic:

[superjesus]

Does a Centurion Dave Scott Master Ironman count?

[smoothie7]

any other thoughts? Has anybody tried the Felt TT bikes?

[jsedlak]

No but I'll post another picture!

http://jancurran.smugmug.com

[nOOky]

I would love a time trial bike. There is a 50 miler I've always wanted to do, but I'd feel silly showing up on my regular road bike. Even to just borrow one and see how much faster it is might get me hooked.

[hrumpole]

I'm with you on the coveting part. I have aerobars on my road bike, which are comfortable, but would really love to see what would happen in the aero position.