Tri Bikes vs. Road Bikes

Hi. I just purchased a new bike, the Specialized Dolce Vita. I was in between that and the Cannondale R500, but the Specialized D4W fit really clinched the decision for me.

I was doing a bit of post-purchase researching and found that the Vita was categorized as a Tri Bike (or rather, as a Multi-Sport). I'm not really concerned (there is no way I'll be doing a Triathlon any time soon!) about the specification, as I'm pretty sure I'll be happy as a clam riding it on the charity rides and group rides I plan on taking it on, but I'm just curious as to what makes a Tri Bike different from a Road-specific bike.

I did some online searching and found only that maybe a Tri bike is a bit more aggressively cut? Or maybe I didn't understand what I read, but this bike feels like butter for me (and I got it at a great price, it being a '05 and all).

So if any of you ladies could help me to understand, that'd be great!

K.

well the fit and feel are most important.
The tri vs road bike thing is all about geometry. A tri geometry usually had a steeper angle so as to "dump you" down into the aerobars so to speak. They are basically made to be ridden in a very aggressive aerodynamic position-low on the aerobars. A road bike is more suited to be ridden upright or in the drops, but a more "slack" position. Kinda hard to explain I suppose. But specialized not being a real tri heavy company I'd imagine that the geometry is more like a road bike than a pure tri bike. A pure tri bikes angle is 76-78 degrees, a road bike somewhere in the low 70's. I'd bet the Specialized is somewhere between 74-75, which is just enough to go between two markets. The road bike market and the entry level tri market. Now the bike itself may not be entry level- don't take that statement wrong. But alot of people new to tri tend to go for a more slack geometry.
Does that make any sense??
Whatever the case, if it fits- go with it! Ride what fits ya, not what someone else rides, or what looks pretty.
Enjoy her! :)

Hi Kimmyt. :) I'm personally not sure what the difference is but I see that RM had an answer for you. :) When you get a chance, drop on by the "Getting to know you thread" and say hi. :)

Mel

To add on to what "RM" mentioned, tri-bikes are a tat heavier compared to road bikes. Owned a previous Cannondale MS800 for 4 yrs, really aerodynamic and stiff, compared to a recently owned Litespeed. ;)

Ah, well 'heavy' in terms of road bike doesn't really bother me so much. See, I'm coming off of a monstrous Walmart cheapo craputer bike. I've done rides as long as 30 miles on that sucker, and let me tell you, when I first picked up my Vita I could barely believe how light it was! I was riding it and a gust of wind just about blew me over!

Supposed to get fitted next Saturday, I'm rather excited, then hopefully time for an inaugural ride that evening!

As far as weight it really depends on componets.. There are alot of light tri bikes out there. Carbon fiber frame, aerobars, and a light crank = light bike.. Like anything it all depends on componets and material...

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml

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Originally Posted by madisongrrl

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml

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Thanks for this link! I've saved it, and will study it. I guess I know I'm a tri geek when my response to the website was, "Wow! Where is this store?!" (Um, it's in MICHIGAN, Lise!) It looks so cool. :D