Building a TT frameset for Road Racing?

Oddshapedhead95

Hi all,

As per title really- I recently bought a Rixon TT frame and had decided that I would build up a specific TT bike for next season. However, I've realised I need to get my priorities right and build a race bike first. So, this then leaves me with a good TT frameset with no use whilst I search the classifieds for a good race frame.

This got me wondering- is a TT frame, built with suitable components (Ultegra/DA), good enough for road and crit racing?
Here's the basic geometry;

Seat Tube- 50cm
Top tube-50cm

Same frame (and size) as mine but different colour;
http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt318/porkypete58/Rixon5.jpg

What do you think?
Thanks in advance

simon_masterson

If you built it up with roughly befitting components I can't see any reason why not. I'd worry much more about whether or not you are than about the componentry.

Monty Dog

50cm TT is quite short, so make sure you can get a decent position with road bars and you're not having to run a really long stem.

racingcondor

Likely that the seat and head tube angles are a bit steep as well isn't it (as well as a short head tube)?

Not sure what the impact of the geometry will be on handling but I would start by getting the saddle in the right position (fore-aft) so that your knee is over the pedal axle with the cranks horisontal. If you can do that I'd imagine you can make it work out. I suspect you won't be able to get the saddle far enough back (but that will depend on your body shape).

Ron Stuart

From what I have heard most TT frames do not handle anything like a road race frame and you could therefore become a public liability in a bunch, especially descents, corners and wet :x