Do I need a TT frame?

TheHatter, November 25, 2012

I'm thinking of building up a bike for TT'ing next year as this year I was using my road bike and I fancy stepping it up a bit and give myself a project over the winter.

I don't want to spend a pile and as i have plenty of bits around including bar end shifters. My question is what frame should I get - do I need a TT specific frame to get in a good position or can i get away with a road bike frame ?
Your views as ever are appreciated:)

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Road.cc bike forum

If you're building a bike purely for racing in time trials then it really ought to be a TT-specific frame. Anything else would be rather similar to what you have now.

posted by Simon E [1355 posts] 25th November 2012 - 18:40

Yeah a TT specific frame would be better, but if you are after a frame and bars at a decent price, can't go far wrong with this........Make me an offer on this Trek

http://road.cc/content/forum/70246-fs-couple-bikes-sale

I'll take the wheel's off because that are for single speed.

posted by Gkam84 [6737 posts] 25th November 2012 - 20:37

Cheers Gkam - but I think I'll keep looking for a TT specific frame for a bit. Depending on if you're looking to split I may come back to you as while I have bars and shifters I'll need some cheap brakes and levers if you end up splitting it.

posted by TheHatter [754 posts] 25th November 2012 - 21:05

You could do worse than the Planet X offerings...

Sir Velo

posted by Raleigh [1573 posts] 25th November 2012 - 22:45

Raleigh wrote:

You could do worse than the Planet X offerings...

Indeed, you could do worse and get one of the Cervelo P range .......But Planet X is a good shout on a budget

posted by Gkam84 [6737 posts] 25th November 2012 - 22:51

Funnily enough:

I have a Raleigh Special products Alloy aero TT frame in the shed that I would be willing to part with for £60....Paint is all good and it really is very aero 54cm top tube.

My knee hurts!

posted by aende [37 posts] 26th November 2012 - 11:16

Hi Aende
I'm really interested in your frame though it may be a little small - I ride a 57 road bike and I'm 6' tall - do you think it would fit?

posted by TheHatter [754 posts] 26th November 2012 - 13:31

I seem to recall Chris Boardman used to favour TT bikes that were a bit small for him, he sometimes used MTB seatposts because they extended higher before reaching the limit.

Dodging the saccadic masking

posted by notfastenough [2052 posts] 26th November 2012 - 13:45

@TheHatter

TT frame top tubes are generally shorter - so that your elbows are on the bars....leading to a more forward position, i.e. broken back. I am 5 ft 11" tall and 54 to 55 is good for me in a TT position, I just adjust out with layback seatpost and stem length, but keeps the wheelbase really short.

No forks with the frame, but has a cane creek headset!

My knee hurts!

posted by aende [37 posts] 26th November 2012 - 13:46

thanks Aende -

In that case can you send me a pic when you get a chance - be good to see one of the frame built up if you have one too. From what you say though I'm really interested as it sounds ideal.

just a couple of other Q's I presume its for 700 wheels? Also is it a 1" fork?

posted by TheHatter [754 posts] 26th November 2012 - 13:56

@The Hatter;

yes - 700c 130mm oln spacing, 68 British thread BB. It is a 1 and 1/8th fork/headset. It was fitted with Campag Record originally.

I will PM a pic tomorrow.

My knee hurts!

posted by aende [37 posts] 26th November 2012 - 13:57

@Aende, cheers will look forward to the pic

posted by TheHatter [754 posts] 26th November 2012 - 20:53

Bugger - forgot to do this last night. Written on hand!

My knee hurts!

posted by aende [37 posts] 27th November 2012 - 15:14