Is it me or the bike? I'm a tri bike flunky!

[Running Mommy]

Sounds to me like a tri specific geometry is just not for you. I'd sell it and call it a day. Just because all the other "kids" ride on doesn't mean you have to.
Love the one your with I say...
It's hard to find a bike that fits you as well as the trek does, so no need to cast her aside.
Just my opinion and all, but heck I say don't pressure yourself to ride tri specific if it doesn't work for you.

[ilima]

I agree with RM. Sell the P2 while you can get as much money as possible for it. 1700 miles is sure giving the bike a chance.

Have you thought of posting over on slowtwitch? FIST is a system based on riding steep, but there are a number of folks over there that are riding slack. Here's a recent thread on the matter.
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/cgi-bin/...i?post=1842053

While FIST works for a lot of folks, it doesn't work for everybody.

[celerystalksme]

i always suggest that road racers use the roadbike with clip on aerobars before taking the plunge and getting a tri bike. did you ever try that? give it a shot. if your trek with clip on aero bars feels great, there might be a chance to find a tri bike and a tri bike fit that will work for you. if you don't like your trek with aero bars, i suspect you're probably just not comfortable with a riding position so stretched out, so low, and so unstable for overall maneuvering.

[silver]

I just recently rode the louisville ironman course and I'd say that with the rollling terrain, turns, and traffic, that road bike geometry would be more beneficial on that course.

I'm one who sticks with road bike geometry in the tri world. I don't even have aerobars even though I'm thinking of giving them a try. Most of my riding is on rolling terrain on winding roads, I just don't think that what tri bikes were made for.

now I say all this, but I do have several tri buddies who have just gotten tri bikes and report 1 to 2 average mph improvement in speed.

Do what feels good for you! Are you doing IM Lou again?

[celerystalksme]

I just recently rode the louisville ironman course and I'd say that with the rollling terrain, turns, and traffic, that road bike geometry would be more beneficial on that course.

I'm one who sticks with road bike geometry in the tri world. I don't even have aerobars even though I'm thinking of giving them a try. Most of my riding is on rolling terrain on winding roads, I just don't think that what tri bikes were made for.

now I say all this, but I do have several tri buddies who have just gotten tri bikes and report 1 to 2 average mph improvement in speed.

Do what feels good for you! Are you doing IM Lou again?

if the course gets technical or if there is a good climb involved, you are right...a tri bike is not the right tool for the job.

[IronSnoopy]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I really appreciate it!

I'm doing IM Arizona in November. I grew up out there, so it's like a hometown race for me. I'm so excited!

Lou was incredibly hilly for a girl from the flatlands of Illinois. I definitely chose the wrong bike.

I didn't put aero on the Trek first. I went straight from the road bike to the tri bike. Everyone told me it would be an adjustment, and I'll admit I don't adapt to change as quickly as most people, but still...this is out of control!

[KSH]

WOW! Great discussion.

I can't really speak to your situation or give you advice... other than... go with what you feel good on.

Now, I have to say, IMAZ is pretty flat and can be windy. A tri bike or at least some aero bars will be beneficial there.

I have a Cervelo One (older model tri bike)... and a Specialized Tarmac roadie.

I am going IMKY in August... and I have decided to ride my road bike there. I'm comfortable on it. I really don't see why I would take a tri bike on a hilly course. So thanks Silver for saying you road the course and you think a roadie would be great on the course.

My road bike is the better climbing bike. So you have made me feel good about taking it to Kentucky. I know I'm going to be the dork on a road bike, but screw 'em. I'll be happy.