When it comes to a racing bike there are 2 major categories – road bike and TT (Time Trial) and reasons why one would suit over the other. Over the weekend, I had a conversation with a fellow newbie triathlete. He was talking about upgrading his bike, but wasn’t decided on a road bike or TT
To get a sense of his sporting goals, I asked what his main sport for the bike would be and when he said Triathlon – I suggested TT would be a good option.
Thinking back, If you had asked me 2 years ago – I would have suggested a road bike. Experience has changed my opinion…..
Then when I first started triathlon training, I decided to try a TT bike. Firstly, if you have never ridden a TT bike you won’t understand how different they are from a road bike. They take a lot of getting used to. I never really gelled with the first TT bike, so I said I’d give it 1 more try and try a different TT. I buy my bikes second hand, so you don’t lose as much if you decide to change the bike. The second bike, a 2016 Orbea Ordu is practically made for me. I gelled so quickly with the bike. This resulted in an instant 4 to 5 kph average on my longer cycles. So to me, it’s a no brainer, TT all day.
Some people including myself shy away from a TT as they think they’re not great for climbing because they’re usually heavier and have the wrong gearing for climbing. I changed the back cassette to 11/30 and it made a huge difference. Yes, a bit slower climbing, but overall this makes it worthwhile. The difference in my bike legs of races now is like night and day. You do however still have to put in the work, and I put a lot of work into having a 6 hour Hardman cycle (175 km around the Ring of Kerry).
I will miss the TT when I race in the adventure races, as they are not allowed in races where drafting is allowed.
