Buying a Bike
582
Member
348 days
jhudalla posted 21 weeks ago.
Since you are completely new I'd recommend borrowing a bike if you can just to see if you like it. Or if you have a mtn bike, train and race a sprint or two on that. Triathlon is an heavy investemnt sport, so you'll want to make sure you are completely and undeniably addicted before plopping money down.
Just my .02
Weary is the path that does not challenge.
24
Member
162 days
Tri-grit posted 21 weeks ago.
I agree with jhudalla. Use whatever you have available to you for your first couple races. If you don't own something now, then i say go rent a bike, borrow a bike, or buy a $100 bike at a garage-sale. Try it out first to see if this is going to be the sport for you. You will see lots of other riders on road bikes, mountain bikes and even urban cruisers. Its all good for your first few.
Unless you intend to win your first race, of course, then a tri-bike is for you.
78
Member
239 days
thesonicson posted 21 weeks ago.
Aw hell, who are we kidding here people!! I'd really like to know the percentage of "athletes" (not couch potatoes who want to "try something new") who try a triathlon and don't get addicted? I would say less than 10-15%. With that I say, "BE PREPARED!!!" So along with the possibility of a new bike purchase (which I would go ahead a recommend a tri bike) be prepared to spend your extra dollars on aerodynamic water bottles, triathlete mag subscriptions, carbon this & thats, and whatever else you can use to try to better your times!! LOL!!
Disclaimer: This is just one's mans interpretation of this sport, although it may be cooraborated by countless others as you will probably find. It is in no way intended to persuade you into buying a tri-bike or any bike for that matter.
Good luck and have fun!
24
Member
162 days
Tri-grit posted 21 weeks ago.
thesonicson wrote:
Aw hell, who are we kidding here people!! I'd really like to know the percentage of "athletes" (not couch potatoes who want to "try something new") who try a triathlon and don't get addicted? I would say less than 10-15%.
You are so right about this. And, when I think about it, I've known only one person in the last three years - my brother. Bought a great Trek and then took a very nice promotion at work that blew away his training because of the travel. Now, the bike has road bars. But I digress ...
You're right - people who try a Tri tend to like it. So, assuming that the OP wants to start out right, I'll point you to the source that everyone else ends up quoting anyway and tell you to read Tom Demerly's article http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml. It will help with your question about the differences, advantages and limitations (and its better than anything I could write). Have fun.
I am entertaining the idea of a triathlon and am almost completely dedicated. I will be participating in my second full marathon and swim regularly.
As for a bike, I am not sure if it would be a good idea to jump straight into a triathlon style bike or if i should just get a road bike.
The difference in cost doesn't seem to be that much (less than 1000), is the difference in performance for my purpose worth the extra investment? And how?
Thanks.
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