Road Bike vs TT Bike in Off Season

[thalathalete]

Considering my 2012 race plans below, what would Team TBB recommend for the off season regarding time spent on your road bike versus TT bike?

I have raced 2 seasons as a pro with a full time job in the military, and next year I will transition to full time training/racing.  My current long term goal is the Olympics in 2016, although long races suit me well mentally.  I will reassess this goal as my coach and I see how I develop athletically over the next few years, but I'm not ready to give up on representing my country at the Olympics.  My "A" race for next year will be USAT Elite Nats (draft legal).  I'll do a few CC and/or WC level ITU races to prep for it.  Other than that, I'll sprinkle in maybe 2 half ironmans for fun and target shorter, non-draft legal races where I can make more money than on the ITU circuit.  I have recently acquired a top-notch bike sponsor and will be set up on their 2012 road and TT bikes this Monday.  So, finally, no last minute bike stuff to figure out as race season is approaching next year....for once, I'm well ahead of the game going into this off season and now I want to make sure I train as effectively as possible on this equipment, given my race plans for next year.  As for the training itself, I'm in good hands with Siri   No doubt about that!  Would love some input!!  Thanks

[Matthieu O’Halloran - "M@"]

Hey thalathalete, what TT frame is it?
If its not with intergrated handle bars, then TT frame with drop-bars all year long will be versatile and simpler.

Im 100% sure if grand tour ridders where allowed TT frames with drops in regular stages.
They for sure would ride it!

The slight dis-advatage of drop-bars over a 70.3 is very minimum in the grand-scheme of things!

[thalathalete]

Hi!  This is the TT bike (http://www.bhbikes-us.com/bikes/detail/14).  No integrated handle bars, right?  Interesting thought on riding the TT frame with drop bars all year round versus switching between bikes.  I love this idea!  Never thought about that, but the simplicity is very appealing.  Here's where it's very apparent that I'm somewhat new to this...is the GC Aero legal for ITU races?  Reference: Page 15, Item B (i) of 5.2 of the ITU competition rules (http://www.triathlon.org/images/uploads/itusport_competition-rules_20110222.pdf).  I'm thinking the GC Aero does not qualify as "straight or tapered tubular elements" because of how it hugs the rear wheel?  If this is correct, then I suppose we're back to the original question because I think it's worth using the GC Aero for non-draft races versus the RC1 with clip ons (which is the road bike I'm getting).  Thanks so much for the input!

[Sugar]

You sure you're in good hands? 

[thalathalete]

"No doubt about that!"  So, let's stick to the bike topic

[Brandon Marsh - "-Tex"]

Well, it kind of depends on your main goals...which it sounds like you need to talk over with your coach.  Hunter Kemper used his road bike all year this year even in non-drafting races.  Other athletes switched them up.  So, it kind of depends what you are most comfortable with.  I like to spin around supa easy on a road bike.  Hard workouts and long rides are definitely on a tri bike since that is what I race on.

But really, if you're working with Siri who coaches both styles of athletes...like her mentor...then she'll be the best one to tell you.  We athletes kind of get in trouble when we decide to listen to everyone.  A couple of trusted folks maybe, but the whole of the interwebs...definitely not.

[Matthieu O’Halloran - "M@"]

Hey thalathalete looks like those ITU rules are new...
As I remember Rei and AJ racing some WC on their P3's.

Also, Rei rode a Scott Plasma, 2 I think? Last year to his WC win in Hungary!
And I would be very courious to know what bike he rode @ Pan-ams!

Anyway, it might be a good option to look into a FAST-FORWARD seat post.
Where you can get a steeper position on your road bike!
http://www.profile-design.com/profile-design/products/seatposts/aluminum-seat-posts

As that would be much easier for you with only one all around bike.
Especially if your moving around training camps or traveling a bit away from home.
And also will save you a bit of ca$h as you dont need to get 2 sets of everything!

[thalathalete]

Brandon, I agree!  The final determination is made by my coach; that's a given!  For better or worse, the "student of the sport" side of me still values quality input, and I'm happy with my ability to decide what input I actually listen to.  While I thought you all might offer a "rule-of-thumb," I now realize the issue is not so cut and dry. 

Matt, I asked a certified official how he interprets the rule.  He thinks the GC aero frame would be legal, but he stressed that is merely his interpretation and it'd be up to the head official to decide.  Doesn't seem like a smart thing to chance.  So, I'll make 2 bikes work unless I find out it is for sure okay.

Thanks!

[as0l0]

You want to win a gold medal and you dont know if this bike has integrated bars?  No diss intended, but...learn bikes. Also, that bike sucks. Reliability will be an issue. Wheels are silly but bb and chainset will be first to die. There's a forum post in you future with an excuse about how you couldn't train because your bike failed.

p.s.  Lance principle = train heavy, race light.

p.p.s. i'm no one from no where.

[DamienC]

From what I understand from my dealings with the ITU, there is a move away from aero frames towards a more traditional design of more "rounded" tubes (i.e. the ratio between the width and depth of the tube elements will be much closer).  However, for the moment, the BH GC Aero "should" fall within the current ITU Bike rules, but I have a feeling that the new rules (which I understand are already under review) will see that frame falling out of the rules for draft legal races.  As to when the new rules will be implemented, and what they will actually be, is unsure.

If I was in your position, and looking at the races you are planning, I would be on the TT frame, as you are looking to target shorter, non-draft legal races where I can make more money than on the ITU circuit, while doing a few sessions on the road bike as you get closer to the draft legal races.

Just my 2cents.

[thalathalete]

Interesting about the possible rule change.  I can see that happening as well.  Thanks for the 2cents, Damien!  Have a great day

[Matthieu O’Halloran - "M@"]

Hey thalathalete I have to admire you!

One guy questions your coaching choice.
Another knocks you and your free bikes.

Regardless if they are right or not.

You just simply just shrugged it off and keep your class.
That is a seriously good quality!
Keep it up, that MINDSET will carry you a long-ways 

[as0l0]

'got the silver, but my bike was free'
*rock on*

[jodie]

hi thalathlete

as a x breed triathlete i raced a road bike in a tt position for all of 2010...if you are travelling and training abroad which you will be in itu then fiddling about changing bars is not going to be easy or stressless for you.  If your A game is to qualify for the olympics then ride the bike which will help you do that and change the set up for you non drafting races as many many of the other racers will be doing. 

Remember that if you train right then the bike is kind of secondary but you must train in the position that you will be in for your races...if this has to change then you choose the position of the race most important to you.

I know it sounds simple....it is.....make a decision then train on it.  If you to and fro and worry you will not get the best out of either choice.

Have faith in your coach, your goal, yourself and your bike and you cant really let yourself down.  Too much advice /too many opinions can confuse your own mind.  which- if it is a good one- will take you far.

good luck
jodie

[Keith Watson]

I know it sounds simple....it is.....make a decision then train on it.  If you to and fro and worry you will not get the best out of either choice.

Have faith in your coach, your goal, yourself and your bike and you cant really let yourself down.  Too much advice /too many opinions can confuse your own mind.  which- if it is a good one- will take you far.

WOW! Like like like!!