New bike!

**colby** · 07-08-2010, 12:42 PM

I got Lucy about 5 weeks from my first Ironman and it was enough time. I went from a road bike triple 105s (never riding aero) to a triathlon bike compact double DA/Ultegra mix riding aero most of the time on a hilly course.... it's doable.

I wouldn't go any closer to your race than about 5 weeks, though, because you need time on the bike.

You will want to get it fitted ASAP, and you will want to ride a couple of long rides on it on a hilly course to get used to the differences in riding aero (or that bike's aero from your current bike's aero) and (hopefully subtle) differences in gearing. Also watch for saddle discomfort, you won't have a huge amount of time to dial it in, and you only have a few long rides left.

Awesome!

**Tri Girl** · 07-08-2010, 04:20 PM

Gorgeous bike!!!! Now not only are you going to DO great in KY, you're going to LOOK great!!! Woot!!!

**blumensh** · 07-09-2010, 04:35 AM

Originally Posted by colby

I got Lucy about 5 weeks from my first Ironman and it was enough time. I went from a road bike triple 105s (never riding aero) to a triathlon bike compact double DA/Ultegra mix riding aero most of the time on a hilly course.... it's doable.

Did you see a big improvement in your time going from a Road bike to a triathlon bike?

**colby** · 07-09-2010, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by blumensh

Did you see a big improvement in your time going from a Road bike to a triathlon bike?

Yes, but I don't know that it was a fair comparison - I also got a good bike (which I paid over twice as much for as my road bike) that was well-fitted and has race wheels on it.

The aero bars do make a big difference on windy courses (which is common where I live), and I notice I go downhill faster. It's a smoother and more comfortable ride, though some people have more discomfort aero than I do. So, yes, I did see a significant improvement, but, I don't know that it was worth it for my first year until I knew my way around the sport and knew I wanted to invest in it.

**Veronica** · 07-09-2010, 01:37 PM

I chose to not get a tri specific race bike, but went with a road race bike instead this year after doing tris for two years with the road bike I had.

I didn't think I'd be comfortable in the aero position of a tri bike. Just going to a lighter more aerodynamic road bike made a huge difference for me.

Ride what you have for awhile. If you find yourself hooked, then spend the big bucks.

Veronica

**colby** · 07-09-2010, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Veronica

I chose to not get a tri specific race bike, but went with a road race bike instead this year after doing tris for two years with the road bike I had.

I didn't think I'd be comfortable in the aero position of a tri bike. Just going to a lighter more aerodynamic road bike made a huge difference for me.

Ride what you have for awhile. If you find yourself hooked, then spend the big bucks.

Veronica

I totally agree. If my focus was not basically exclusively on triathlon at the time, I would have reversed what I did and got a nice, light, road bike and considered a triathlon bike a couple of years later, if at all. In the end, I'm considering replacing my road bike anyway, and I was at the time I bought my triathlon bike - the triathlon bike just presented itself at an opportune time (when I had tunnel vision and bike lust simultaneously).

I'm betting I probably would have ended up buying the triathlon bike this year anyway.

In the end, it's the engine makes the biggest difference after all.

**surgtech1956** · 07-09-2010, 03:11 PM

Beautiful bike -

**kacie tri-ing** · 07-09-2010, 04:01 PM

Thanks! I am following her on UPS!

I am fortunate enough to also have a sweet road bike, and this is the third year that I have been racing tri's on her too. I am glad that I have the road bike, and the deal on the tri bike was just too good (and I just finished teaching an extra summer job!!!). I can't wait for her to get here! I am nervous about the aero position, but I have a fitting planned (he uses lasers and stuff! It is supposed to be a pretty great guy and it takes 3 hours), so hopefully he will be able to nail down my position!

**kacie tri-ing** · 07-12-2010, 04:06 PM

SHE'S HERE! And soooo pretty......

So now we live in a 700sq ft condo and three of our bikes are inside (and the rest are outside). I can't ride her until i get her fit on wednesday (because the seat post has to be cut), but I can't stop looking at how pretty she is!!!!!

ok, back to gaze at her!

**colby** · 07-12-2010, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by kacie tri-ing

SHE'S HERE! And soooo pretty......

So now we live in a 700sq ft condo and three of our bikes are inside (and the rest are outside). I can't ride her until i get her fit on wednesday (because the seat post has to be cut), but I can't stop looking at how pretty she is!!!!!

ok, back to gaze at her!

Whew!! Wednesday can't come too soon. That first ride will be exciting.

**GLC1968** · 07-12-2010, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by kacie tri-ing

SHE'S HERE! And soooo pretty......

So now we live in a 700sq ft condo and three of our bikes are inside (and the rest are outside). I can't ride her until i get her fit on wednesday (because the seat post has to be cut), but I can't stop looking at how pretty she is!!!!!

ok, back to gaze at her!

You could still take a pic for us, you know, up close and personal. I'm just sayin'....