Comments on: Why does a triathlete need a road bike?

By: Derek Featherstone

Derek Featherstone — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:15:41 +0000

Thanks for the response, Kevin. I can see how being dropped would get me into gear and back with the pack, and that feeling of angst and need to dig deep would be very useful on race day. I’m not sure I want to admit it, but I think I need a new road bike

By: kgsbikes

kgsbikes — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:06:04 +0000

I really appreciate your comment and put the answer in the BikeTech section of our latest ezine which is here on the blog. Thanks!

By: The Mail

The Mail — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:45:45 +0000

This might be an impossible question to answer but thought I’d throw it out there anyways – if the ride leg was relatively straight and around 20km, what would be the rough time differences between one using aero-bars and without them? Would it be much? My thoughts are not much time difference but maybe the bigger difference would be the comfortable factor and therefore a better feeling jumping off the bike into the run. I could be way off the mark here. Cheers.

By: kgsbikes

kgsbikes — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:13:57 +0000

Thanks for the great comment, Derek. There is something about a pack of riders dropping you that will make you dig very, very deep to catch back up. This is not able to be duplicated when riding alone. Remember, unlike running or swimming, you can go anaerobic on the uphill sections, particularly in the shorter races, so having the feel for the road, being comfortable going fast and smooth and using your gears more effectively while in a group will transfer over to the tri bike and improve your results. Please feel free to contact me directly with all your questions. I bet you have more! Thanks again.

By: kgsbikes

kgsbikes — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:10:16 +0000

Thanks for commenting! Just start with a bike and learn the ropes. Triathlon is a very inclusive sport and you will get great support from folks. Be forewarned that you may find this a sport that you want to improve, so getting a better bike will result in a better time. For now, though, just jump on in, the water’s fine!

By: The Mail

The Mail — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:52:14 +0000

Great article! I am an about-to-be triathlete and while I will be competing on my road bike, I very well understand that there will be many on their hybrids and mountain bikes. We all cannot and will not be pros so hence it is perfectly fine for any bike to be used as you have said. Totally agree with the handlebars too. Great insight!

By: Derek Featherstone

Derek Featherstone — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:36:58 +0000

I’m very interested in this. I train for the most part on my own on my tri bike, but I’ve been contemplating getting back on a road bike again. You said in your post that riding a road bike in groups helps you to “learn how to ride smoothly and in a straight line.” Is that it? Is there more to it? Are there more benefits that I’m missing? And, as a keener, I’m kind of curious to know more about the “How?” — I looked at those group riding techniques, but I’m not sure how they make me better, other than knowing how to ride in a group.