Which TT bike seems like the better buy?

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Riding in aero can get you some speed increase, but it *is* all about the engine. Don't assume that the new bike will get you 3.5mph.

Have you considered going used?

Oh, I'm definitely not expecting 3.5mph, but most people tell me that 2-3mph vs similar effort on a road bike is pretty expected. Frequently in these races I do (which are generally not big -- for some reason dus are never as popular as tris) I'm the fastest woman on a regular road bike and often faster than some on TT bikes. With a speedier bike and at my goal weight (15-20#s lighter) I think I could at the very least have the lead women in my sights. Having a visible carrot is far more conducive to pushing harder than having no shot once the lead 1-2 women mount their bikes.

I'd have no issue going used...the tricky part is we're part owners of a bike shop, so DH thinks it looks bad (and he's not 100% sold on me even having a TT bike, because he does no TTs/multisport -- but I'm selling my 29er, so I can use the argument that I don't mountain-bike, so this is MY thing). We only carry 3 brands that offer TT (BMC, Bianchi, Wilier), which limits my options...especially at <5'4". Pretty sure the smallest Wilier will be a hair too big. The smallest BMC and Bianchi models are pretty close in size and look comparable to my road bike.

[HillSlugger]

Oh, I'm definitely not expecting 3.5mph, but most people tell me that 2-3mph vs similar effort on a road bike is pretty expected. Frequently in these races I do (which are generally not big -- for some reason dus are never as popular as tris) I'm the fastest woman on a regular road bike and often faster than some on TT bikes. With a speedier bike and at my goal weight (15-20#s lighter) I think I could at the very least have the lead women in my sights. Having a visible carrot is far more conducive to pushing harder than having no shot once the lead 1-2 women mount their bikes.

I'd have no issue going used...the tricky part is we're part owners of a bike shop, so DH thinks it looks bad (and he's not 100% sold on me even having a TT bike, because he does no TTs/multisport -- but I'm selling my 29er, so I can use the argument that I don't mountain-bike, so this is MY thing). We only carry 3 brands that offer TT (BMC, Bianchi, Wilier), which limits my options...especially at <5'4". Pretty sure the smallest Wilier will be a hair too big. The smallest BMC and Bianchi models are pretty close in size and look comparable to my road bike.

My partner-in-crime had her husband working at a bike shop and got a great deal on the top-of-the-line BMC tri bike; she loves it, but if your hubby isn't sold on the tri bike thing I doubt he'd go for that one And yes, you should be able to race and have a tri bike even if it's not hubby's thing; it's *your* thing.

Bianchi isn't well known for their tri bikes, but I'm sure you know that fit trumps most everything else.

The idea that a tri bike is inherently uncomfortable is bunk. You can't rideong distances and get your best top speed if you are uncomfortable, and with your wrist issue, being on the aerobars would probably be a big improvement.

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The idea that a tri bike is inherently uncomfortable is bunk. You can't rideong distances and get your best top speed if you are uncomfortable, and with your wrist issue, being on the aerobars would probably be a big improvement.

And the more I read around, the more I keep seeing owners and reviewers raving about the comfort of the BMC TM02. Sounds like the positioning is especially adjustable.

[HillSlugger]

I just saw this article that you may find interesting:

http://triathlon.competitor.com/2015...uo6R7bvAqmV.99

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I just saw this article that you may find interesting:

http://triathlon.competitor.com/2015...uo6R7bvAqmV.99

I definitely have several places I can improve. Weight and figuring out how to make my ride position comfortably aero for the bulk of the bike leg (which is tough with drop bars and a bum right wrist). My training volume is good, but I should do more structured speed work, probably.

Though I discovered something very intriguing from the recent race results. The woman who took 1st was only a mere 26 seconds faster than I on the 10k run leg (she was nearly 2min, faster on the 5k). I suspect this was her first olympic distance race, as I've done this race the last 3 years and this was the first time I'd seen her. I've otherwise only seen her do sprint dus and tris. Her bike leg was so strong that I suspect she focused more on TITS than time on foot, and/or she went out too strong on the bike and blew up for the last run. I usually take a more 50/50 approach.

Compared to my time last year (when I hadn't messed with my saddle height days before the race -- thing I should know better than to do -- and generally had a FAR better, stronger day and fewer training interruptions, allergy issues, and other nonsense during training) she was 8 min. faster...which I think better aero positioning and loss of even 5-10#s off my butt could easily account for (I cut 10 min. off my time between the 1st and 2nd times I did this race without much change to my training). It's a reasonably flat course, so weight loss wouldn't benefit me hugely on the bike, but definitely on the run. I've seen a quick-and-dirty formula that suggests ~3sec./mile running improvement for every # lost. I've generally found that this holds pretty solidly true.

[HillSlugger]

btw, have you considered putting aerobars on your road bike? It's not the same as having a dedicated Tri bike, but it give some aero advantages and would get you off your wrist

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btw, have you considered putting aerobars on your road bike? It's not the same as having a dedicated Tri bike, but it give some aero advantages and would get you off your wrist

I have, but I'm under the impression that they'd not be something that could simply be swapped on and off easily -- and I still use my road bike for paceline/group rides (which I do 2-3x/week). Even if I weren't riding on the aerobars, just having them jutting-out is kind of dangerous to riders in front of me, in the event of a crash, right? Plus I'd need to look at a different seatpost to mimic TT geometry, I suspect.