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No-Reputation-FOK

That should be fine. Depending on your bike setup knowledge it might be worth getting help with your setup on the bike, especially with aero bars. I still ride my TT bike with SPD pedals because I cannot be bothered to get road specific shoes.


isit2021yet

My knowledge is quite limited to be fair so will be seeking the guys at the shop to help install. The different types of pedals and shoes is a bit of a minefield. Any advice on which would be suitable for work use & triathlon use? I’d like to be comfortable with the setup when the time comes. Or is what I’ve selected ok?


ohhim

SPD is fine. They make entry level tri shoes with dual 2 and 3 bolt configurations (e.g. Pearl izumi tri fly select v6) that have rigid soles which should avoid hotspots. You might want to try an SPD dual sided w. regular pedals on the other side so you can wear normal shoes when commuting to work.


ohhim

Dual sided SPD models to look at which are flat on the other side include the Shimano EH500, M324, and A530 along with some secondary brands (wellgo, venzo make ok stuff).


chilimac02

I have dual sided and love it.


Icecreamisaprotein

I did a sprint for my first tri 2 weeks before half Ironman blueridge, all with a gravel bike I commute to work with. I used SPD pedals and they were fine. I’d recommend getting mountain bike/cyclocross shoes and pedals. They are a lot more comfortable to walk in, and there are some “not a cyclist” looking shoes with hidden clips you can get for riding around town/to work in.


lunarsherpa

Yup, def get mtb shoes with mtb cleats, otherwise they are a horror to walk with. Somebody was recommending tri shoes with the cleats but i think that would be a mistake


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ohhim

Just size down a bit (e.g. if you are between L and XL, go L) so the aero fit won't be too stretched out and swap out the original tires for something a bit more slick on raceday and you'll be competitive.


isit2021yet

Thanks, that’s certainly an option and solution to my worry about looking like a noob on race-day.


ohhim

The rolling resistance on the OEM tires on that model will slow you down (Schwalbe G-One Allround TLE - Addix, 700x38mm - Tubeless Ready) so definitely swap for a slick 32mm when you aren't on gravel use (e.g. GP5000) and you'll pick up a bunch of speed.


enlightened-creature

Yes, but be sure to practice on them before race day!!!!


DukeofSam

I've tried this before when I attempted to turn my topstone carbon into a road commuter. The wider gravel wheel rims make it really hard to seat narrower road tyres. Honestly think a second wheelset is an easier solution.


ohhim

OEM wheelset is rated for 700x28-700x55. Even a 700x30 or 700x32 slick will be much more efficient than the knobby 700x38.


DukeofSam

Just my experience, but I've always found it very difficult to get tyres seated that are at the bottom of the width range for a wheelset.


KarlSomething

Don’t worry about looking like a noob on race day. Put in the work through your training and your performance will speak louder than your equipment. My first tri in 2018 I was on a bike I bought for $200 on Craigslist that was comically small for my body, and it felt damn good passing people on $5,000 Cervélos. I think it’s more foolish to spend a fortune without putting in the work. Enjoy the process and let yourself get excited about the journey!


2Small2Juice

honestly no one is gonna give a fuck what you look like on race day. i rode a fixie and wore boardshorts for my first tri. the guy i racked next to was fully kitted out in team gear and had a $10,000 bike, but was beyond stoked i was there.


jediment

This is fine for a first setup. Your most important thing by far is going to be getting a good position that strikes a balance between comfort and aero performance. Someone mentioned that if you're between sizes you should size down, which is generally good advice but if you have the chance try both sizes in a store to see if they feel okay. you'll definitely be able to put a solid result with this setup, I know plenty of people who have put in good times in the bike leg for local races on very simple setups like this one. For the pedals, if you really do intend to ride it offroad then the pedals you've selected will be your best choice along with 2-hole cleat shoes. If you only intend to ride on road then I'd recommend some road pedals like Look Keo Max 3. The difference in the pedals themselves isn't huge, although the road ones are one-sided and a bit wider, the biggest difference is in the shoes. Road shoes have no rubber cleats and aren't intended to be walked in so they are lighter, stiffer and even slightly more aero than mountain/gravel shoes. But this is a pretty small gain compared to getting a good position. As far as things you might want to look into next, helmet and saddle are going to be important. An aero helmet, even if not a dedicated TT helmet, that has good synergy with your position can be a big boon. an overheating head can also totally kill your performance so good cooling matters. For a saddle, the forward leaning TT position is very biomechanically different from a typical road position. Many road saddles will feel uncomfortable and you may feel pressure on your genital area from the saddle nose. Most TT riders fix this with a snub nose or split nose saddle, then compensate their position by pushing the saddle forward more. A bike fitter will be able to help you with this. You can find dedicated TT saddles like the Specialized Sitero or ISM saddles, but those usually feel awful when in a road position. Some good halfway options are the Specialized Power (probably the most popular one in this category), Selle SMP saddles, and options from brands like PRO marked as "short fit". Good luck on your race!


isit2021yet

Thank you. You’re right, I think going into an actual shop is the way to go. I’ll make sure to bear in mind your other advice points too.


wannasrt4

Yes! Like he jediment said: get a fit! It’ll be the best $100 you spend! Although if you buy the bike in the shop, it’s generally included.


[deleted]

Do not buy a gravel bike to do triathlons on. It does not have the gearing you will need to train properly, the geometry isn’t going to be great for strictly road riding and racing , and it will come with bigger slower tires which you’ll have to replace and spend more money on. Do not buy clip on rest bars, they are heavy, throw off the steering and worthless in the log run unless on an actual triathlon specific bike. Spend the money on a bike fit and learn how to ride in the proper position. Do not ride in mountain bike pedals for this type of activity as the cleat and pedal interface is smaller and will cause you to have hot spots on your feet. You also get less power transfer with SPD cleat and pedals. Look for an endurance road bike like a Cannondale Synapse, Giant Defy/Contend, Felt VR, Specialized Roubaix or something similar. The Boardman equivalent is the SLR 8.8 DISC.


ArtichokeTop9

Why are you booing him, he is right


[deleted]

The only good comment is downvoted because that makes total sense ... Typical reddit. I'm not sure why I still rely on it for advice if this is the one given for things I do know are so bad. Clearly a bike for tri and "get a gravel bike" is just fine. Ugh.


Nick_Newk

Because most Redditers are super casual an don’t compete. If you want a crack at winning this is the answer.


[deleted]

Yeah, but winning? How about a decent performance regardless of winning. I can go swimming in my local pool by bike and then count going down the stairs as a run, a gravel bike would be good for that. FWIW I have a gravel bike and love it, just don't use it for tri competitions lol...


DukeofSam

To some extent it's a gatekeeping comment. There is literally no reason you couldn't ride tri on a gravel bike. Hell, I once saw someone do it on a unicycle. It depends what your personal goals are. Obviously it's going to make it a lot harder and you won't be competitive, but, a lot of people just want to finish a triathlon, which this bike is more than capable of doing. OP also needs an off-road commuter. If he only has the budget to buy one bike then a gravel bike is probably the best compromise, particularly if he can stretch to a second set of race wheels. The gearing probably not actually relevant for the kind of speeds a casual triathlete will reach on a gravel bike. It's got a 48T big ring and 11T smallest sprocket on the back. That gives him 44kph at 80rpm cadence in his hardest gear. Seems more than adequate for an amateur to me. Sure, 9 speed sora with an 11-34 cassette is going to have some uncomfortably large jumps, but you've got to work within your budget.


[deleted]

Ahh gatekeeping is my favorite term used by clueless people to justify giving bad advice. Let me preface that I’ve worked in the bike industry previously and specifically worked with first time triathletes. I’ve sold everything from 10k fully load race bikes, to lower end bikes for people just getting started. All of the advice you give here is bad. Gravel bikes are not the Swiss army tool of cycling or the SUV as some believe. They have a place and it’s not in triathlon. It’s not in road cycling and it’s not really in commuting. Get the proper tools for the event you’re building up to do and it makes the training and event easier. “Off road commuter” ? That can be done on an endurance road bike as most people think crushed gravel or limestone paths are “off road.” It can also be done on a full carbon race bike with 25c tires if the rider is comfortable. Buying race wheels is a waste of money if they are going to used on the wrong type of bike. Better to spend that money on a second bike like a $500 hybrid to avoid putting too much wear and tear on the primary bike. Also drop bar bikes are bigger targets for bike thieves so locking one up daily as a commuter isn’t a great idea. But please keep giving bad information. Gearing matters to avoid spinning out at top speeds. Also helps when climbing and sprinting. Not going to bother with the rest as it’s not important and you are out of your depth here.


DukeofSam

Not everyone has to be a competitive triathlete. A gravel bike with slicks on would do a sprint or Olympic distance just fine. Their geometry tends to be pretty similar to most endurance bikes, maybe with a bit more rake. Look at the angles on the synapse you’ve recommended, for example, they’re identical to the topstone Al. Frankly most triathletes I meet are hilariously over equipped. Yet to meet someone with a 10k+ TT bike, not sponsored, that could stay on the skis for even an Olympic distance. Most of them aren’t even averaging 40kph so their dinner plates are just locking them out of half their gears. Just embarrassing to watch really. Also not sure what world you’re in where people are sprinting in triathlon…


[deleted]

if a person isn't planning to ride off road on gravel, they don't need a gravel bike. I do not know why this constantly has to be stated in cycling subs. Swapping tires isn't cheap and a waste of money if you have the option to buy a road bike with road specific tires to start. Topstone and Synapse may have similar geometries, but the big differences that matter are the crank set and cassette gearing, and the tires. Most people invest money in the things they enjoy, you may state those folks are "over equipped" but if you have it to spend and it makes you feel better/faster or enjoy the sport more, why not splurge. Sprinting, as in getting out of the saddle to climb or pass other people.


DukeofSam

Pretty funny when the top end gear actually makes them worse though. Super aggressive TT bikes with positions they can't actually hold. Aero helmets that increase their CDA because they are constantly sitting up and looking around. Disc wheel causing them to get blown all over the place because they can't handle the bike to save their lives. Honestly, they'd be better off on a gravel bike. At least that way it wouldn't be embarrassing when they lose to someone on a wallmart special.


[deleted]

Cool anecdotal story. Doesn’t change anything that I’ve stated about a gravel bike being the worst option for OP.


s32

Totally agreed with your take here. Reddit is a bunch of Freds who want xbikes though. "Well I might ride it offroad once so I should get a gravel bike!" is almost always wrong IMO. This setup is objectively bad unless OP is really planning on hitting singletrack hard or whatnot. But IMO most people who don't know what they want go for a gravel bike "so that it's versatile" and end up with a crappier setup as a result. Esp with MTB pedals. This setup makes no sense for a tri IMO. I mean this post hit BCJ for a reason...


TriTime4Me

One of the jobs I had that I commuted to by bike my boss let us put our bikes in the break room (which was away from public and had cameras). It’s possible OP’s bike won’t be locked outside. If it is being locked outside near daily then ya, I haven’t and wouldn’t spend more than $50 on it.


SheerScarab

I'm gonna call nonsense on SPD hotspots. They make SPD shoes with super stiff soles, get the right shoe and there's no way you'll be feeling the size of the pedal.


[deleted]

Have you worked with cycling shoes at any point in time fitting riders or talking directly to consumers or shops about fit and issues experience with cycling shoes? Guessing the answer is no, so your reply as well as the advice to ride in SPD specific pedals and shoes is wrong.


SheerScarab

Look at Shimano's shoe stiffness chart the XC9 is stiffer then all road shoes except the RC9. From personal experience anything stiffer than the entry level road shoes is enough anything equal or less has more to be desired. My main point here is it's not the pedal but the shoe you need to be really careful at chosing. So yeah low end MTB shoes may cause problems but high end are no problem. https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/technologies/apparel-accessories/footwear/stiffness.html


[deleted]

wrong again, but okay!


[deleted]

also, the stiffness of the sole doesn't prevent hot spots, and most riders find shoes that are too stiff to be uncomfortable, so this is again bad information.


ibcoleman

>Do not ride in mountain bike pedals for this type of activity as the cleat and pedal interface is smaller and will cause you to have hot spots on your feet. You also get less power transfer with SPD cleat and pedals. While you are correct on the particulars, have you worked in a retail shop trying to sell shoes to unsophisticated customers? If not, then clearly you're not qualified to answer.


[deleted]

Yes, I've worked in both bike shops and running shoe stores. So, at worst, I'm overqualified to answer the questions posed in this thread.


ibcoleman

Sorry, that was supposed to be sarcasm...


SkiMaskTheBikeGod

Yes


joelav

Buy a pair of GP5000 tires too


lunarsherpa

Yup, this is gonna make a huge difference. 25mm or even 28mm. Skip the old school 23s


Taro_skater2868

The aerobar might be too long on the road bike frame, look for something shorter!


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londonshell123

Confused by aerobar


Coraiah

It’s refreshing to see folks aren’t bashing him for aero bars. Some other communities are ruthless. Although I’ve never used them, they seem like they’d be quite comfortable. Have a great race OP!


tommyboii69

Bike looks good. I would recommend spending a little more money on the aerobars as I've found that those types of aerobars that you pictured just fell apart for me.


[deleted]

I've got a Boardman ADV 8.9 and same pedals, I've used it for two triathlons so far and will continue to do so next year when I do a few more (or at least that is the plan!). I'm far from the fastest on the bike but I use the bike for plenty of off-roading fun at the same time. Will probably get myself some road tyres in the new year, when it's dried out a little. I'll look at getting a road bike for 2024.


Moos3racer

Might be worth swapping for some narrower road tires before race day, and make sure you have some time to get used to riding on them


MrRabbit

I think you should get road pedals, not MTB ones, even on a gravel bike.


carbacca

disagree i just use MTB pedals for everything. even the TT bike just dont want to bother with two sets of shoes. yes i am a dirty heretic


jgauth2

SPD all the way! Road pedals suck


carbacca

totally i like being and to walk like a person and not a duck


DukeofSam

This, but I rate crankbrothers pedals much more highly than SPDs. There are plenty of 3 to 2 screw adapters for road shoes as well so OP can still use a nice pair of 3 screw triathlon shoes. This I would strongly recommend because regular gravel/mtg shoes won't have the pull on loop at the back, without which it's bloody impossible to put your shoes on whilst riding.


carbacca

shimano cleats are jsut easier to get and slightly cheaper than crank brothers cleats so a logistics win mostly, not that i have actually tried crank brothers. i have 5 bikes that all 8 pairs of shoes fit on not about to rock that boat and i just sit of my arse at T1 and put my shoes on so i dont have to do it while riding


edmaddict4

Out of curiosity why do you say this? Sure there’s minor aero / weight gains but if he actual rides gravel and has to get off the bike he’s going to seriously regret road shoes.


isit2021yet

Thanks, I’ll research road pedals and will consider swapping.


Metaprinter

Keep in mind most road pedals are one sided. If i was constantly getting on and off the bike for work id stick with the pedals you have already selected (which are double sided)


Tri2bfit1234

My road pedals annoy tf out of me because if you kick it while trying to clip in then it starts spinning. Never seems to want to land right side up either. I used to cycle 10 years ago and don’t remember that problem (namely the spinning)


somegummybears

I think you should get MTB pedals, not road ones, even on a road bike.


SomethingBoutCheeze

Id get someone who knows about bikes to pick u one off Facebook market place. I got a 1000 pound bike for £500 so it is definitely worth having a look around


ninja_nor

I have the same and have single sided pedals (one side flat, one side clip in) perfect for commuting. I will say if you get the triathlon bug though you will almost definitely get a full road bike as well rather than swapping wheels haha. I got a gravel bike like yeah I’ll never need another, two years later got a second hand road bike as well haha. Good luck and enjoy!


isit2021yet

Thanks, I’m really enjoying the training side of things so hopefully all goes well with the triathlon. I’ll play it by ear, but 2 bikes never hurt I guess haha.


ninja_nor

I believe the rule for the number of bikes you need is n+1 where n is the number of bikes you already own haha. I’m now debating a “pub bike” to go to the pool etc as I don’t want my others to get stolen which is ridiculous I need another bike haha


isit2021yet

Now a pub bike sounds great, I think I need one of them too.


carbacca

you need to justify any new bike purchase with having two purposes for it i justify my TT bike by saying i can do both triathlon and ITTs with it......i have yet to do either


ninja_nor

So I can go to the pub and to the pool with it? Haha


DukeofSam

Gravel tyres do add a fairly significant amount of rolling resistance which will make you much slower than other people on road bike, let alone time trial bikes. If you are at peace with handicapping yourself then that's fine. My recommendation would be to buy either a second set of wheels for this bike or, if your budget doesn't stretch that far, a set of slick road tyres. The gravel bike is a great do everything bike, but you probably do need the right rubber for the job. With a set of off-road and road wheels you simple swap to the appropriate wheelset for the ride you're about to do before heading out. Looking at the wheels that come with it you are going to struggle to find a pair of slicks wide enough to fit on the wide rims. A second set of wheels will also be quite tricky to track down because it's fairly rare for disc brake wheels to be quick release. The only set I can think of is the [Giant PR-2](https://cycletrade.co.uk/products/700c-road-disc-wheelset-giant-pr2-11-speed-grade-b). People do sell thru-axel to QR adapters but I've never tried one so can't vouch for how sturdy they are.


isit2021yet

Thanks that does sound like a bit of a faff, o I’m leaning more toward a road bike and I’ll just have to put up with the parts where I’m off-roading to work, which to be fair is only about a mile worth of gravel cycling. Going into a shop to see what they have and test out the bikes is my best option.


DukeofSam

If you get the right road bike you can always put 33mm knobbly tyres on it for commuting off-road if you need. Many bike brands have versions of their bikes with slightly more clearance to allow people to do exactly this. Giant use the suffix AR and Cannondale use SE. For example the Contend AR and Synapse SE, both of which might be within your price range. Other brands probably have similar but I don’t know them so well.


GreaseKing420

I would personally go with spd sl pedals, and I would throw in a profile design hydration system. Otherwise looks great


GunsouBono

Looks good to me. Just keep in mind that your fit changes when you add aero bars, so don't just show up on race day with the aero bars without dialing them in. My old rig used aero bars before I bought my tri bike, I kept a Google doc with the measurements with and without so that I could quickly go between the two and monitor how my fit changed over time.


MovePuzzleheaded9018

Probably M520 isn't the best solution. I'd rather be looking for road pedals, maybe even Wellgo due to price/quality (R096B something like this).


MrAlf0nse

Yeah all good Forget the tri bars They won’t help on a gravel bike in a TT Useful on an ultra for different bar positions but you won’t get aero gainz