New 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!

**Veronica** · 07-09-2010, 04:05 PM

Hey, you don't have to justify getting a new bike to us.

I just don't want people starting out in tri thinking they HAVE to have all the fancy gear. It's nice, but tri is still fun on mountain bikes and sneakers.

Veronica

**kacie tri-ing** · 07-09-2010, 04:06 PM

I TOTALLY agree with that!

I did my first few on a hybrid, then a ton of races and 3 HIM's on my roadie

**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'....