How much speed can money buy?

[towanda]

I'm a recreational (read: SLOW) triathlete--generally finishing near the bottom of my age group. My question: I have/ride in these races a vintage (1982) hand-built custom Bianchi with circa 1982 top-of-the-line components--no upgrades whatever to the bike since it was built except clipless pedals and semi-antique aerobars. I'm an average, not great cyclist --bike speed generally in the 16.5-17.5 mph range depending on the course and length. Have been known to ride 21 mph over 10 miles but never faster than that. But after my last couple of triathlons I am starting to think I could be faster on a newer bike. Any thoughts on this? How many mph would I gain JUST from getting new road bike--say, a Felt F55 or something in that range? If its just 1 mph its not worth the money. If its 3-4 mph, maybe it is. Care to speculate?

Towanda!

[KleinCrazy]

I have no idea of speed or such as your question asked, but I do know the bike you currently have would be of major interest to GeneO down at One-on-One Bike shop.

So if you do go for a new bike, and don't plan on riding your classic, I would give Gene a call.

It might even be worth enough to help pay for some of the new bike.

L8er
James

[robc]

I have done a few tris and dumped my old road bike for a new tri bike a couple years ago. My old bike was a heavy trek road bike with clip on aerobars. Since my new bike is a tri-specific geometry, what I noticed most is simply that I got a lot more power when in the aero position. With the clip ons I was hunched too far forward in the bars, but on the new bike I have a better aero position. So I probably gained a little speed when in the aero position, although mostly what I gained was the ability to ride in that position longer, which makes for a faster overall ride. Also the new bike is a lot lighter than the old one which probably makes a difference too.

You might be able to set up the bike better with a forward seat post that would get you in a better position for aero riding on your current bike.

If you are looking into a tri-specific and want to stay in a decent budget, try Cervelo's "Dual". A great entry level tri bike for a good price. GearWest has them as well as some of the entry level Felts too. I had a great experience shopping there.

[towanda]

Thanks for the tip, though I'd probably never sell this bike--I love it and it is a great ride not to mention something of a conversation piece!

[KleinCrazy]

Thanks for the tip, though I'd probably never sell this bike--I love it and it is a great ride not to mention something of a conversation piece!

I wouldn't sell it either, but If you get a chance I am sure those Bianchi freaks down at One-on-One would love to drool over it and pick your brain about it.

Just be warned they are a little odd. (thats a compliment Gene and Reed)

James

[TomT]

It would be hard to bet on an "actual" speed gain, but 3-4 mph should be possible do to the changes in technology.

First you'll have index shifting so you will more than likely shift more, and pick the proper gear, instead of pushing larger gears. Second, the bike will be lighter and more responsive depending on the frame material and wheel set. Most likely the bike will also fit you better since bike fit has become more common than it was in '82.

I upgraded from an '89 to an '04 and haven't looked back.

[nigel]

It also depends on your event style. Are you a better runner or a better rider? The geometries in the "tri" specific bikes work your running muscles where a "normal" bike works your biking muslces. It also may depend on the length of the event, i know some racers that use a tri bike on shorter races and a normal bike on longer races, this is to give their running muscles a break so they are ready for that leg.

The most important time cutter in a tri is the transition, so there proper setup and equipment make a lot of difference too. The shoes/pedals you use as well as the outfit you wear, how your helmet is ready, it all cuts seconds.

I have sold many bikes to tri folks and wrenched at a few of the local events, I have seen a lot of different reasons for doing things but it all comes down to body conditioning, physically and mentally, and a lot of rides into the wind to get you ready for that no-draft policy!

Going from what your riding to anything new would make a difference in the quality feel of the ride no matter what, speed, well it may be faster due to newer, lighter parts, or your body, or just the fact you'd be excited to be on a new bike :crazy2:.

If you want I can sit with you and go over the whats and why's for it all .

Douglas

[homebrewbiker]

Off topic a bit, but I was throwing around the idea of trying a triathalon one of these days since I have started swimming lately. I was curious if I could do OK on my regular road bike, which is an 03 LeMond Arrivee (Titanium). I don't like the idea of buying a new tri bike, and I don't like the idea of messing around with aero bars and all of that either. Maybe I would consider doing an Extera, then I can use my MTB and not have to worry about a tri bike!

[ppgc]

Off topic a bit, but I was throwing around the idea of trying a triathalon one of these days since I have started swimming lately. I was curious if I could do OK on my regular road bike, which is an 03 LeMond Arrivee (Titanium). I don't like the idea of buying a new tri bike, and I don't like the idea of messing around with aero bars and all of that either. Maybe I would consider doing an Extera, then I can use my MTB and not have to worry about a tri bike!

I volunteered at the Life Time Tri this weekend on the bike course. There were quite a few Tri bikes, a ton of roadies and a few crusiers and about 10 MTBs with knobbies came rolling through. From what I saw unless you want to be super competitive use the roadie and you will do fine, they were keeping up with the tri bikes at every stage. Or take the mtb out with the knobbies and get funny looks. :)

-pete

[towanda]

Ok--I know I don't want a tri-specific bike. Road biking is my main sport, swimming next. I do tris cause they are fun, not because I'm good at them. When I first started in 1998, they were smaller and less competitive and I often placed in my age group. Now I am faster at swimming and biking yet now I finish at the very back of the pack. I am a terrible runner generally and second I do not like it and may give it up soon due to a knee injury (depends on whether I have surgery to fix it or not). The issue for me really is whether to spend $1000 or more on a new road bike to ride in triathlons (and maybe other times as well) which I might do if I knew that it would give me a signficant amount of extra speed on the bike leg. I don't do time trials or ride with other people very often, so speed isn't otherwise important. The bike leg is probably my strongest leg in triathlon (which tells you just how slow I am!) Sure, I can ride more and get faster, but I am really putting in about as much time as I want to (6-9 hours/week total training time in the summer months, less in the off season). I just get a little bummed doing 90 rpms in my highest gear, on the flats with a tailwind, and getting passed by pretty much everyone (especially those folks with the bikes that ROAR due to the funky wheels). There's no way my little twenty three year old Bianchi can go any faster, as far as I can tell.

As I said, I am not a great or natural athlete and never did any sports as a youth. I've put in a lot of bike miles over the years (RAGBRAI twice, lots of long weekend rides in the summer) though not that many in the last two-three years. It's interesting, because you see people on these super expensive, high tech bikes, but I can't find anything anywhere promising that, everything else being equal, having new expensive bike makes you faster. If it is all about the training, then maybe I should just train a little harder. If it is all about the weight, I could certainly stand to lose five pounds :cheesy:

Thanks for all the great insights. Doug, if I do decide to buy a new bike I'll email you.

[SpecHR55]

Lance's bike i'm guessing has to give him advantage, he wouldn't be winning riding a 15 year Puegot. If the bike suits you, fine. If you want to get a new bike and have been looking at the plus's they can give you I'd go for a lower end Specialized Tarmac, great bikes.