Using a TT/Tri bike for occasional city commuting
Discussion
I've often read that a triathlon bike isn't very good for group riding and/or normal road riding. Are they really that bad?
I'm considering getting one to use for occasional triathlons and would also like to use it for a bit of commuting, which would be along the cycle 'highway' following the Northern Line from SW London to the City. I've been doing that commute for a number of years on an old Cannondale Bad Boy (basically a rigid MTB with an aggressive road setup) and would keep that for the majority of commuting.
I'm considering getting one to use for occasional triathlons and would also like to use it for a bit of commuting, which would be along the cycle 'highway' following the Northern Line from SW London to the City. I've been doing that commute for a number of years on an old Cannondale Bad Boy (basically a rigid MTB with an aggressive road setup) and would keep that for the majority of commuting.
I don't mind the tool issue - I already look like a courier stuck in 2003 most days - but if I'm to get a tri bike I'd like to actually get a bit of use out of it beyond the occasional event/training.
With my commute being very flat and pretty smooth (but with lots of lights) I'm curious about what an aero bike would be like for a bit of effortless speed between the lights.
Would points be awarded for tripping speed cameras?
With my commute being very flat and pretty smooth (but with lots of lights) I'm curious about what an aero bike would be like for a bit of effortless speed between the lights.
Would points be awarded for tripping speed cameras?
Do it for the laughs mate.
Why is everyone so concerned what others think?
Granted I don't have a TT bike etc :P
I thought a tribike was setup slightly differently so you get to use more of your hams or quads (sorry can't remember which) so that after the cycle your not smashed for the run. Or rather you have a slight advantage then if it was a pure road bike?
Do it for the cool factor!
Koing
Why is everyone so concerned what others think?
Granted I don't have a TT bike etc :P
I thought a tribike was setup slightly differently so you get to use more of your hams or quads (sorry can't remember which) so that after the cycle your not smashed for the run. Or rather you have a slight advantage then if it was a pure road bike?
Do it for the cool factor!
Koing
I use mine for all sorts, including riding to work.
I don't generally use the pointy hat except in competition, though.
It's not ideal: in built up areas I stay on the bullhorns and don't go near the aerobars, and you'd be nuts not to do likewise, but reaching for the gear changes is a lot less of a distraction that it used to be with SIS levers on the downtube.
I also use mine in group rides, but again, stay on the bullhorns so I'm close to the brakes unless I'm on the front of the group or - more likely - way off the back and trying to catch up.
It's not the bike that's unsuitable, it's riding down on the aerobars that needs to be thought about.
I don't generally use the pointy hat except in competition, though.
It's not ideal: in built up areas I stay on the bullhorns and don't go near the aerobars, and you'd be nuts not to do likewise, but reaching for the gear changes is a lot less of a distraction that it used to be with SIS levers on the downtube.
I also use mine in group rides, but again, stay on the bullhorns so I'm close to the brakes unless I'm on the front of the group or - more likely - way off the back and trying to catch up.
It's not the bike that's unsuitable, it's riding down on the aerobars that needs to be thought about.
Surely it's like choosing to drive a 1.2 Fiesta to work because it suits the commute better and people might point and laugh if you took your Diablo because they all know it belongs on the open road going fast? I'd take the Lambo every time if I had one.
If you want to ride it, ride it. It's your bike.
Sometimes the 'rules' of cycling make it seem like a very unattractive hobby. I feel the same when on my roadie and lesser bikes pass with a sneer. I couldn't care less, I'm having fun!
We need more of this in our sport
If you want to ride it, ride it. It's your bike.
Sometimes the 'rules' of cycling make it seem like a very unattractive hobby. I feel the same when on my roadie and lesser bikes pass with a sneer. I couldn't care less, I'm having fun!
We need more of this in our sport
IroningMan said:
I use mine for all sorts, including riding to work.
I don't generally use the pointy hat except in competition, though.
It's not ideal: in built up areas I stay on the bullhorns and don't go near the aerobars, and you'd be nuts not to do likewise, but reaching for the gear changes is a lot less of a distraction that it used to be with SIS levers on the downtube.
I also use mine in group rides, but again, stay on the bullhorns so I'm close to the brakes unless I'm on the front of the group or - more likely - way off the back and trying to catch up.
It's not the bike that's unsuitable, it's riding down on the aerobars that needs to be thought about.
Interesting to hear, thanks. I don't generally use the pointy hat except in competition, though.
It's not ideal: in built up areas I stay on the bullhorns and don't go near the aerobars, and you'd be nuts not to do likewise, but reaching for the gear changes is a lot less of a distraction that it used to be with SIS levers on the downtube.
I also use mine in group rides, but again, stay on the bullhorns so I'm close to the brakes unless I'm on the front of the group or - more likely - way off the back and trying to catch up.
It's not the bike that's unsuitable, it's riding down on the aerobars that needs to be thought about.
I'd absolutely be using the bullhorns almost all the time for the commuting and wouldn't be dressed in aero kit.Having been surprised on my current bike how much difference a kilo of bike weight and/or tucking into a more aerodynamic position makes, I'm intrigued how a proper tri bike would feel.
I'd be more inclined to worry about the heightened risk of it being stolen if it wasn't at my work desk next to me all day and damaging it with awful road conditions - sometime traffic and other circumstances will just make you ride that pothole and doing that on my race bike would traumatise me!!
For occassional "training" commutes I'd expect you'd leave earlier to get more flow and less stop/start + traffic in which case, why not go for it
For occassional "training" commutes I'd expect you'd leave earlier to get more flow and less stop/start + traffic in which case, why not go for it
I commute on my TT bike occasionally when I have a TT after work and can't be bothered bringing a car into town.
I wouldn't describe it as dangerous, but it really isn't fun or comfortable. You can't use the aerobars when there is any risk of having to brake suddenly, and with all the weight forward over the BB using the bullhorns is hard work on the arms.
If I had the choice between my TT bike and a MTB, I'd take the MTB, and I hate MTBs.
I wouldn't describe it as dangerous, but it really isn't fun or comfortable. You can't use the aerobars when there is any risk of having to brake suddenly, and with all the weight forward over the BB using the bullhorns is hard work on the arms.
If I had the choice between my TT bike and a MTB, I'd take the MTB, and I hate MTBs.
Garlick said:
If you want to ride it, ride it. It's your bike.
Sometimes the 'rules' of cycling make it seem like a very unattractive hobby. I feel the same when on my roadie and lesser bikes pass with a sneer. I couldn't care less, I'm having fun!
We need more of this in our sport
Too right.Sometimes the 'rules' of cycling make it seem like a very unattractive hobby. I feel the same when on my roadie and lesser bikes pass with a sneer. I couldn't care less, I'm having fun!
We need more of this in our sport
The more cyclists on the road the better for all of us. There's far too much arsey nonsense in cycling that discourages people from taking it up.
Sounds like I need to have a test ride to see how I find one.
I'm used to (what I believe is ) a pretty compromised setup - probably 8000 miles with a bone jarring, buzzy all-aluminium ride, very (nice) darty steering, lots of weight on the arms, 110psi slicks....
ETA: I'm only talking about a 6 mile commute too.
Dodgy photo:
I'm used to (what I believe is ) a pretty compromised setup - probably 8000 miles with a bone jarring, buzzy all-aluminium ride, very (nice) darty steering, lots of weight on the arms, 110psi slicks....
ETA: I'm only talking about a 6 mile commute too.
Dodgy photo:
Can't see why a tri bike wouldn't be any good for group rides or normal road riding for that matter.
Granted, the geometry isn't really ideal for commuting, but can't understand why anyone'd think they'd be unsuitable - if you want to use it, well, why not?
Having said that, personally I wouldn't use my TT bike for commuting. No chance - I'd far, far prefer to take the MTB. Streets ahead in comfort with a far better riding position for every day use.
Added to which, my Giant is worth more than my car, so it only ever gets rolled out on proper training rides or race day!
Granted, the geometry isn't really ideal for commuting, but can't understand why anyone'd think they'd be unsuitable - if you want to use it, well, why not?
Having said that, personally I wouldn't use my TT bike for commuting. No chance - I'd far, far prefer to take the MTB. Streets ahead in comfort with a far better riding position for every day use.
Added to which, my Giant is worth more than my car, so it only ever gets rolled out on proper training rides or race day!
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