Bitten by the nice bike bug

[Fairbridge]

I've managed to get myself into the buying more bikes than I need mode. I'm resisting buying all the bikes I would like but I really want a TT bike now. I saw something called a Shiv made by Specialized. It's a pant wetingly fantastic looking bit of kit, and I could probably justify the price tag. the biggest problem is that I have never ridden a TT bike more than a mile or so, and that wasn't mine so I really wasn't caneing it, and just wondered if it is a terribly wise idea to spend that much cash on a bike I later find I really can't live with in the long term. The guy in the shop reckons they take a bit of getting used to, but once you get used to them they are pretty amazing. I know some of you guys have TT bikes and wondered what your thoughts are?

[LeftmostAardvark]

They're not too bad - biggest problem I had adapting to mine was the disk wheel in side winds. Position feels a bit front-end heavy but you're not having to do much in the way of steering on a TT route anyway, so just dropping back to the cow horns gives a level of control. Get it bought, then spend more on getting it set up right.

[Disco You]

With TT bikes, position is everything. So get a good bike fit and then buy a TT bike with an appropriate geometry.

[TwistingMyMelon]

Do you ride TTs? or Tris?

[anonymous-user]

To be honest, it all depends on the model of Shiv you are looking at, I'd say the £2k model with shallow rims will be just as effective as a good aero alu tt frame (Dalkiia, Ridley Cheetah, Argon 18 etc) with simliar geo and some 80mm deep rims all for the same cost. The £5k model of course, will be huge fun at max effort and really fly... but have you got the legs to do it justice?! (someone had to say it!)

[Fairbridge]

pablo said:

To be honest, it all depends on the model of Shiv you are looking at, I'd say the £2k model with shallow rims will be just as effective as a good aero alu tt frame (Dalkiia, Ridley Cheetah, Argon 18 etc) with simliar geo and some 80mm deep rims all for the same cost. The £5k model of course, will be huge fun at max effort and really fly... but have you got the legs to do it justice?! (someone had to say it!)

It was this one I was looking at .
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/media/catalog/pro...

Ohhhh dear I think I've had a moment .
I do have some serious leg muscles and I am used to riding long distances. I would probably be using it more like triathlon than TT.

Edited by Fairbridge on Tuesday 25th February 15:21

[Fairbridge]

LeftmostAardvark said:

They're not too bad - biggest problem I had adapting to mine was the disk wheel in side winds. Position feels a bit front-end heavy but you're not having to do much in the way of steering on a TT route anyway, so just dropping back to the cow horns gives a level of control. Get it bought, then spend more on getting it set up right.

The lack of steering wouldn't be a massive problem. I guess you have to make sure you plan ahead and get suitable road position nice and early.

[Batfink]

I've just built my own TT bike and started riding it yesterday. Its a lot more nervous on steering compared to my old bike. I'm putting that down to the aero blade forks being so light and with lower handlebars moving my weight forward. On the road side wind gusts catch the bike but i've managed to make mine useable everyday with lights and mudguards using cable ties, electrical tape and foam pads.
Compared to my old bike its seriously quick though despite my poor fitness.
One thing I have done is cut the steerer higher than the stem. I am running spacers above the handlebar stem currently, but for long rides I will raise the stem up and put the spacers underneath to give some more comfort.

[Benmac]

Unless you're actually competing in TTs or Triathlons you'll look like an utter bell end riding one just out on a Sunday. I have ridden my TT bike a couple of times recently to tweak my position slightly and re-acclimatise to the position before I start racing on it this year. I always feel like a complete tool on it in those circumstances.

If you're not competing then there is bugger all point in the aero gains. If you fancy something more aero for normal riding buy a venge, foil, aeroad, propel or one of the other aero "normal" frames.

Edited by Benmac on Tuesday 25th February 18:35

[anonymous-user]

Batfink said:

I've just built my own TT bike

i've managed to make mine useable everyday with lights and mudguards using cable ties, electrical tape and foam pads.

I am running spacers above the handlebar stem

Pics of this TT bike please

[ChrisMCoupe]

Batfink said:

I've just built my own TT bike and started riding it yesterday. Its a lot more nervous on steering compared to my old bike. I'm putting that down to the aero blade forks being so light and with lower handlebars moving my weight forward. On the road side wind gusts catch the bike but i've managed to make mine useable everyday with lights and mudguards using cable ties, electrical tape and foam pads.
Compared to my old bike its seriously quick though despite my poor fitness.
One thing I have done is cut the steerer higher than the stem. I am running spacers above the handlebar stem currently, but for long rides I will raise the stem up and put the spacers underneath to give some more comfort.

I've got to ask.... Why???

[Disco You]

Fairbridge said:

It was this one I was looking at .
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/media/catalog/pro...

Ohhhh dear I think I've had a moment .
I do have some serious leg muscles and I am used to riding long distances. I would probably be using it more like triathlon than TT.

Edited by Fairbridge on Tuesday 25th February 15:21

What do you mean "like" triathlon?

Also, that picture is of a bike which should only be used for triathlons, and not TTs (because of the drinking system).

[Batfink]

ChrisMCoupe said:

I've got to ask.... Why???

Because I wanted to. I cycle my route to work as a personal challenge. The aero position is noticeably easier to ride into a headwind and helps negate the elements affecting my time. It was going to be a fixed gear, removing all the bits from my old bike but I've gone geared to go faster on the straights. I was averaging over 17mph on my route on a steel framed fixie last year. My aim is to beat that.

End of the day. I built a bike to do exactly what I wanted... To sprint 5 miles to and from work

Edited by Batfink on Tuesday 25th February 20:16

[Batfink]

Not for everyone.

[anonymous-user]

Disco You said:

Fairbridge said:

It was this one I was looking at .
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/media/catalog/pro...

Ohhhh dear I think I've had a moment .
I do have some serious leg muscles and I am used to riding long distances. I would probably be using it more like triathlon than TT.

Edited by Fairbridge on Tuesday 25th February 15:21

What do you mean "like" triathlon?

Also, that picture is of a bike which should only be used for triathlons, and not TTs (because of the drinking system).

Its a tri-only bike because it fails the UCI 3:1 profile rule pretty much everywhere throughout the bike! Still very nice looking but I'd need to be very committed to triathlons to spend that much on bike with such limited use (though I'd definatley find some flat sportives to enter too!)

[Fairbridge]

pablo said:

Its a tri-only bike because it fails the UCI 3:1 profile rule pretty much everywhere throughout the bike! Still very nice looking but I'd need to be very committed to triathlons to spend that much on bike with such limited use (though I'd definatley find some flat sportives to enter too!)

I was thinking of making it my 40th birthday present to me from me. I guess I could find some sort of triathlon events in which to use it. But I don't think I'd be terribly competitive. It's a whole lot of money but look at it. I'll sleep on the idea. If I'm still keen this weekend I'll get it ordered before I change my mind. That's interesting information Re the regulations.

[Batfink]

The TT bike is only good if you really like to ride in the aero position. A normal road bike is more comfortable as your body is not required to be as flexible. Its taken about 4 days to tweak mine into something I'm happy riding.

They do look cool however. I managed to build mine for under a grand. I'm guessing the bike above is £3k or more? Maybe look at borrowing or hiring a tt bike to put in some miles to see if its for you?

Mines a bit of a bd child as I specced it for my needs. I ride solo 99% of the time, a 5 mile fast ride on reasonably clear roads. I use MTB pedals as I work on a farm and have to walk on some rough ground at the end. I retro fitted lights as I run lights day and night. It would be neater if I didnt run a battery pack for both lights!

If you want to run a front light but its designed for a normal handlebar, buy a TT cycle computer bracket and attach the light to that! Mine sits below my hands so I dont block it when riding on the aero bars.

[TwistingMyMelon]

Personally I wouldn't bother unless you enter Tris or time trials

You could get a lot more suitable bike for that price and probably be quicker on it

[Fotic]

Fairbridge said:

I've managed to get myself into the buying more bikes than I need mode. I'm resisting buying all the bikes I would like but I really want a TT bike now. I saw something called a Shiv made by Specialized. It's a pant wetingly fantastic looking bit of kit, and I could probably justify the price tag. the biggest problem is that I have never ridden a TT bike more than a mile or so, and that wasn't mine so I really wasn't caneing it, and just wondered if it is a terribly wise idea to spend that much cash on a bike I later find I really can't live with in the long term. The guy in the shop reckons they take a bit of getting used to, but once you get used to them they are pretty amazing. I know some of you guys have TT bikes and wondered what your thoughts are?

Aren't you the big liar who was trolling on here about v expensive bikes just lately?
Trying again huh? What a strange way to live.

[Fairbridge]

Batfink said:

The TT bike is only good if you really like to ride in the aero position. A normal road bike is more comfortable as your body is not required to be as flexible. Its taken about 4 days to tweak mine into something I'm happy riding.

They do look cool however. I managed to build mine for under a grand. I'm guessing the bike above is £3k or more? Maybe look at borrowing or hiring a tt bike to put in some miles to see if its for you?

Mines a bit of a bd child as I specced it for my needs. I ride solo 99% of the time, a 5 mile fast ride on reasonably clear roads. I use MTB pedals as I work on a farm and have to walk on some rough ground at the end. I retro fitted lights as I run lights day and night. It would be neater if I didnt run a battery pack for both lights!

If you want to run a front light but its designed for a normal handlebar, buy a TT cycle computer bracket and attach the light to that! Mine sits below my hands so I dont block it when riding on the aero bars.

This is really all about the appearance and engineering / development behind the bike. I can live with not taking it out much for it's intended purpose, just to have something like that is fine by me . I reckon it would be absolutely fantastic as a training bike on a turbo trainer. I would probably only use it on the highest of high days and holidays on the road TBH. As far as lights are concerned I've found the little LED numbers from Decathlon with the rubbery strap fixings are actually superb, and you don't need to mess around with brackets and fixings. Chances are it wouldn't get any intentional night use anyway. You only live once and I would rather spend the money on this than going on some high falooting rooting tooting excursion to Vegas or something for my 40th . Coke and hookers are fleeting, a decent bike is for life .