Choosing a bike

[Nic]

Me again

But this time the other side half of my bike buying decision. I currently ride a softride in a forward position - steeper than 76 degrees, TT set up. It was my first tri bike bought locally when I knew nothing and has been a great start. However it also means I have a limited experience about diamond frame bikes.

I'm buying another bike for a couple of reasons - the softride is heavy (2.5kg frame) and while very fast on flats I fall behind on hills. I also want to do some cycle club in the off season and hence need a trad road front end and will put clip ons for tri races.

I'm thinking carbon road bike with either custom steeper seat angle or forward position via the seat post (like cervelo).

I've looked at the Giants and test rode a cervelo soloist which I loved (but is working out a comparatively expensive option). I have a really good quote for a limited edition Hed's R1c frame, a good quote for a custom build carbon from NZ and after reading about the American women at Kona thought I should also look at QR (no idea what model to look at). I'd love any feed back, ideas and experieince you have to add to my thoughts.

Like most women I am long inthe legs (77cm inseam) but shorter in the torso (165cm tall)

Thanks again

[Wahine]

Nic, I'm going through the same process right now and what I've learned is that to the extent that you give up the steeper seat tube angle, you loose aero position, mechanical efficiancy and cannot effectively use a tri set up. If you go to a more traditional road configuration and use clip-ons, you usually end up too stretched out in the upper body to be comfortable and you're not as aero.

One solution is to use a trad road bike with clip-ons that are positioned with the arm rests,more posterior, at the head tube area. These leave you less stretched out and more comfortable but don't solve the problem with the better aero position on a steep seat tube and mechanical efficiency.

My solution. I'm planning to buy a tri bike used or at a discount and save up for a nice traditional configuration road bike with a compact double for all the hill climbing training I do around here.

After everything that I've read, I've come to the conclusion that you lose a lot in both areas by trying to find a bike that conforms to both situations. As someone once told me... Use the right tool for the right job.

[Nic]

Hmmmmm

I was trying to get my position on a road bike to closely latch my TT position so that I train the muscles I want to use in a triathlon race even when I'm road racing or simply cycling. With most road bikes I can get quite forward by using a flipped seat post like cervelo.

Maybe I wont be able to get as forward as I like.

However are you saying that you will train hills in a position more road like and do Tri's in a time trial position and train in both?????

Thanks heaps for your reply - Iwhen I'm going to put hours of training in I'd really like to get this as right as possible.

Good luck with your bike buying.


Cheers

Nic