Tri Bikes vs. Road Bikes

[Kimmyt]

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.

[Running Mommy]

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!

[Melody]

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

[Morphine]

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.

[Kimmyt]

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!

[Running Mommy]

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...

[madisongrrl]

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

[Lise]

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

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.