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Are TT bikes worth it ?

  • 21-05-2012 11:53AM
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭


    I have a nice road bike but a lot in my club seem to have both road and TT.

    Is there an advantage to them ?

    Or they a disadvantage on a hilly course ?

    What's the best option ( on cycle to work ) for about 2,300 ?????


«13

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    I have a nice road bike but a lot in my club seem to have both road and TT.

    Is there an advantage to them ?
    Yes, massive
    Or they a disadvantage on a hilly course ?
    Not always
    What's the best option ( on cycle to work ) for about 2,300 ?????

    Piece of string, mainly fit. Just be careful where you shop. Some places sell you what they have and not what you need.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    tunney wrote: »
    Yes, massive


    Not always



    Piece of string, mainly fit. Just be careful where you shop. Some places sell you what they have and not what you need.

    Cyrptic:D

    I have a Focus Kayo with 105 and am looking at a Felt B16 as a TT but i'be been told they aren't great on hills and my main race for this year is the Lost Sheep ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,075 ✭✭✭BTH


    Cyrptic:D

    I have a Focus Kayo with 105 and am looking at a Felt B16 as a TT but i'be been told they aren't great on hills and my main race for this year is the Lost Sheep ?

    I did the Lost Sheep last year on a TT bike. Now my TT bike is much lighter than my road bike so that may not be a good comparison. However, I'm pretty sure all of the top 30 (at least) on the day used TT bikes. Read into that what you want...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,454 ✭✭✭hf4z6sqo7vjngi


    Cyrptic:D

    I have a Focus Kayo with 105 and am looking at a Felt B16 as a TT but i'be been told they aren't great on hills and my main race for this year is the Lost Sheep ?

    I used a tt bike on UKIM and that had plenty of climbing at +2200mtrs so there should be no issues there.
    Have a look at some of the reviews around, get your short list and then try them on (were possible) and see what fits best.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    I did the Lost Sheep last year on a TT bike. Now my TT bike is much lighter than my road bike so that may not be a good comparison. However, I'm pretty sure all of the top 30 (at least) on the day used TT bikes. Read into that what you want...

    Well the TT would be roughy 1k heavier than my road bike...........but my own weight is a bigger issue:D


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    I used a tt bike on UKIM and that had plenty of climbing at +2200mtrs so there should be no issues there.
    Have a look at some of the reviews around, get your short list and then try them on (were possible) and see what fits best.

    I have to shop somewhere on the list from work which doesn't help and i have a budget of about 2300.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭couerdelion


    The Planet X bikes seem to score highly in reviews and are well specced at just below your budget ~2k

    Palnet X Ireland are in Athlone and I know people have been able to purchase through ride to work. For me it was just a case of getting an invoice off any bike shop in Ireland and then that was approved.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    The Planet X bikes seem to score highly in reviews and are well specced at just below your budget ~2k

    Palnet X Ireland are in Athlone and I know people have been able to purchase through ride to work. For me it was just a case of getting an invoice off any bike shop in Ireland and then that was approved.

    I know a few people in my club who bought them and wouldn't buy again. Weren't happy with the build quality, i'd have to ask them.

    I found a Focus TT but not everywhere stocks them so i'm trying to find out if one of the shops i'm looking at does as i like the feel of my road bike.

    I have 105 of the Road so i'd like Ultegra on the TT if possible.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    I used a tt bike on UKIM and that had plenty of climbing at +2200mtrs so there should be no issues there.
    Have a look at some of the reviews around, get your short list and then try them on (were possible) and see what fits best.

    Yeah but you did a fvcking terrible time on the bike in the UK.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    Cyrptic:D

    I have a Focus Kayo with 105 and am looking at a Felt B16 as a TT but i'be been told they aren't great on hills and my main race for this year is the Lost Sheep ?

    Why a Felt B16?

    A TT bike is fine on uphills, not as fine on downhills. Kenmare isn't that hilly to be honest.
    I did the Lost Sheep last year on a TT bike. Now my TT bike is much lighter than my road bike so that may not be a good comparison. However, I'm pretty sure all of the top 30 (at least) on the day used TT bikes. Read into that what you want...

    The problem IMHO in kenmare arethe descents, the switchbacks are a killer.
    I used a tt bike on UKIM and that had plenty of climbing at +2200mtrs so there should be no issues there.
    Have a look at some of the reviews around, get your short list and then try them on (were possible) and see what fits best.

    Would agree with this.
    The Planet X bikes seem to score highly in reviews and are well specced at just below your budget ~2k

    Palnet X Ireland are in Athlone and I know people have been able to purchase through ride to work. For me it was just a case of getting an invoice off any bike shop in Ireland and then that was approved.

    I'm not a huge fan of PX. Alot of dedicated followers though.
    I know a few people in my club who bought them and wouldn't buy again. Weren't happy with the build quality, i'd have to ask them.

    I found a Focus TT but not everywhere stocks them so i'm trying to find out if one of the shops i'm looking at does as i like the feel of my road bike.

    I have 105 of the Road so i'd like Ultegra on the TT if possible.

    Right lets look at this Felt B16 and Ultegra.
    Remember that the expensive bits of a groupset are the cranks and shifters.

    Firstly its TT bike so the shifters are not going to be the expensive Ultegra Flightdeck.

    Oh look the chainset isn't ultegra, its an entry level FSA one.

    But at least the brakes are ultegra right???? Oh wait no. own brand ones.

    But the hubs at least they are ultegra?? Oh wait......

    But at least the chain and cassette are ultrega??? Oh wait..........

    The only ultegra on the Felts are the derailleurs, oldest trick in the book


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,437 ✭✭✭Izoard


    Well the TT would be roughy 1k heavier than my road bike...........but my own weight is a bigger issue:D

    Plenty of reasons to get a TT rig, but I'd have weight at the bottom of my selection criteria - unless you are at the sharp end, losing a few KG off the jockey is a lot cheaper with more all round benefit.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    tunney wrote: »
    Why a Felt B16?

    A TT bike is fine on uphills, not as fine on downhills. Kenmare isn't that hilly to be honest.



    The problem IMHO in kenmare arethe descents, the switchbacks are a killer.



    Would agree with this.



    I'm not a huge fan of PX. Alot of dedicated followers though.



    Right lets look at this Felt B16 and Ultegra.
    Remember that the expensive bits of a groupset are the cranks and shifters.

    Firstly its TT bike so the shifters are not going to be the expensive Ultegra Flightdeck.

    Oh look the chainset isn't ultegra, its an entry level FSA one.

    But at least the brakes are ultegra right???? Oh wait no. own brand ones.

    But the hubs at least they are ultegra?? Oh wait......

    But at least the chain and cassette are ultrega??? Oh wait..........

    The only ultegra on the Felts are the derailleurs, oldest trick in the book

    Cheers,

    What would look at for around 2k ?

    I see what you mean re decents !

    Carbon or aliminium ?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    Izoard wrote: »
    Plenty of reasons to get a TT rig, but I'd have weight at the bottom of my selection criteria - unless you are at the sharp end, losing a few KG off the jockey is a lot cheaper with more all round benefit.

    I'm doing it !

    Am i correct that the legs can be fresher coming off a TT compared to a road ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    Cheers,

    What would look at for around 2k ?

    I see what you mean re decents !

    Carbon or aliminium ?

    For a road bike there is an argument to be made. However for TT rigs - you can mould the carbon lay-up to be what you want. Alu - well you gotta start with a tube and then deform it. Carbon for TT. But that does depend on budget.

    Second hand for TTs is a good market. TT bikes are usually always in much better condition than second hand road bikes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,079 ✭✭✭griffin100


    What do you want the TT bike for, to help you go faster or to look good :D

    Seriously, try and get a ride on a some clubmate's bikes and see how different they feel. Don't rush into it, €2k+ is a lot of dough to be sinking into a bike. Don't base your selection on one race. Will you keep the TT bike for racing or will you do all of your training on it? Your road bike is already a nice machine. As Tunney suggest look at the bike specs closely. FWIW my TT bike is mostly 105 with a bit of ultegra and I've ridden full ultegra and dura ace and tbh I can't tell the difference.


    Oh and make sure you get hubs that 'click' when you freewheel :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    tunney wrote: »
    For a road bike there is an argument to be made. However for TT rigs - you can mould the carbon lay-up to be what you want. Alu - well you gotta start with a tube and then deform it. Carbon for TT. But that does depend on budget.

    Second hand for TTs is a good market. TT bikes are usually always in much better condition than second hand road bikes.

    Second hand isn't an option with the cycle to work:(

    The B16 i'm looking at actually has 105 on it but its carbon............


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,075 ✭✭✭BTH


    tunney wrote: »

    The problem IMHO in kenmare arethe descents, the switchbacks are a killer.

    I'd agree with this. Damn near came a cropper.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    griffin100 wrote: »
    What do you want the TT bike for, to help you go faster or to look good :D

    Seriously, try and get a ride on a some clubmate's bikes and see how different they feel. Don't rush into it, €2k+ is a lot of dough to be sinking into a bike. Don't base your selection on one race. Will you keep the TT bike for racing or will you do all of your training on it? Your road bike is already a nice machine. As Tunney suggest look at the bike specs closely. FWIW my TT bike is mostly 105 with a bit of ultegra and I've ridden full ultegra and dura ace and tbh I can't tell the difference.


    Oh and make sure you get hubs that 'click' when you freewheel :D

    As i said, speed and legs coming off the bike ( is that a myrth ?? )


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,304 ✭✭✭Chartsengrafs


    Second hand isn't an option with the cycle to work:(

    The B16 i'm looking at actually has 105 on it but its carbon............

    This may be of no use, but the Bike Hub in Howth have/had a B16 recently reduced to €1,500. Have seen it there a couple of times. Pretty, pretty bike IMO.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31 MyWebPersona


    Sounds like you might have already talked yourself into this one so if you feel you really need a TT bike go right ahead my question would be how much time you think you are going to get back.

    I would map a 40km course stick in a couple of climbs and do it on your existing bike timed then if possible borrow a TT bike from clubmate that you can roughly adjust for yourself and see how much quicker if at all you are on the TT bike.

    Then you can at least make a moderately scientific decision. Now I know if the environmental factors are different it is not exactly like for like but close enough.

    Other questions.

    How much do you weight and if over 12 stone would lipo be cheaper?

    Have you ever had your bike properly setup for you?

    Do you really think a groupset will make that much difference to you?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,454 ✭✭✭hf4z6sqo7vjngi


    How much do you weight and if over 12 stone would lipo be cheaper?

    Don't be such a d1ck to the guy ffs.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    Sounds like you might have already talked yourself into this one so if you feel you really need a TT bike go right ahead my question would be how much time you think you are going to get back.

    I would map a 40km course stick in a couple of climbs and do it on your existing bike timed then if possible borrow a TT bike from clubmate that you can roughly adjust for yourself and see how much quicker if at all you are on the TT bike.

    Then you can at least make a moderately scientific decision. Now I know if the environmental factors are different it is not exactly like for like but close enough.

    Other questions.

    How much do you weight and if over 12 stone would lipo be cheaper?

    Have you ever had your bike properly setup for you?

    Do you really think a groupset will make that much difference to you?

    Lipo, no as the weight goes straight back on.........

    Yes i've had my bike set up properly

    No idea about the groupset, thats why i'm asking.

    I'm not 100% sold on getting one, thus the questions on reasons to have one over the road bike.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    Don't be such a d1ck to the guy ffs.

    No skin off my fat nose:D

    I feel i need lipo like he needs personality transplant............alas only one is available;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,454 ✭✭✭hf4z6sqo7vjngi


    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-b16-2012/

    B16 appears to come with front and rear ultegra derailleur but the the fsa cranks are pretty sh1t on it along with chainrings. Box wheels are also sh1t. Not sure on shifters.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-b16-2012/

    B16 appears to come with front and rear ultegra derailleur but the the fsa cranks are pretty sh1t on it along with chainrings. Box wheels are also sh1t. Not sure on shifters.

    Thanks, see i know little or nothing about this so good to hear advice like that.

    The guy in the shop is going to have a search for me with a budget of 2300 so i'll see what he says when i pop in on wen.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31 MyWebPersona


    For start I have no idea what size Elvis comes in but the point I am trying make probably not to much finesse is that I wouldnt think there is any point in spending 2.5k on a TT bike for a time advantage if you could just get that some other place else easier.

    Try the road test and if you come in much quicker over the forty k then you can make your decision based on that.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    For start I have no idea what size Elvis comes in but the point I am trying make probably not to much finesse is that I wouldnt think there is any point in spending 2.5k on a TT bike for a time advantage if you could just get that some other place else easier.

    Try the road test and if you come in much quicker over the forty k then you can make your decision based on that.


    Cheers !

    Still looking for someone to advise me if legs feel fresher when you get off the bike If its TT ?

    Oh and I was 18 stone, now just below 16 and intend to be close to 14 for Lost Sheep.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31 MyWebPersona


    The reason for the legs supposedly being fresher is that triathlon TT bikes are designed with different frame geometry to road bikes essentially they should allow a rider use the leg muscles differently in order to have more in them for the run.

    Now whether that works for everyone depends very much on your setup

    http://cycnut.com/forums/topic/2302-frame-geometry-road-vs-triathlon-vs-time-trial/


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,197 ✭✭✭elvis jones


    The reason for the legs supposedly being fresher is that triathlon TT bikes are designed with different frame geometry to road bikes essentially they should allow a rider use the leg muscles differently in order to have more in them for the run.

    Now whether that works for everyone depends very much on your setup

    http://cycnut.com/forums/topic/2302-frame-geometry-road-vs-triathlon-vs-time-trial/

    Thanks,

    It's something I've been told by a few club members who bought them and did see a difference in the legs after the bike.

    Re weight, I've been blessed with build of a rugby player and not a runner/triathlete so any advantage I can get I'll take and of the 3 the cycle is my strongest.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    The reason for the legs supposedly being fresher is that TT bikes are designed with different frame geometry to road bikes essentially they should allow a rider use the leg muscles differently in order to have more in them for the run.

    Now whether that works for everyone depends very much on your setup

    http://cycnut.com/forums/topic/2302-frame-geometry-road-vs-triathlon-vs-time-trial/

    Not quite........

    The UCI dictate what a TT position can be. Thats the reason for the difference. Nothing to do with having the legs ready for the run.


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