General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike? Rss Feed  
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2015-07-05 9:45 PM

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Subject: How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike?
So I finally got my first tri bike. I have an Oly coming up in 9 weeks. Is that enough time to get comfortable enough on it to race given that I can only get out on it twice a week.

BTW - it's a new 2014 Orbea Ordu M30.

Thanks in advance for the input.



2015-07-05 9:50 PM
in reply to: Stuartap

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Subject: RE: How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike?
I think you will be fine in that time frame. Even better if you can ride it on the trainer as well since that will give you more time to get used to the position. If you can ride it twice a week for 9 weeks, that's a max of 18 rides. I got my tri bike last December but owing to travel and then reluctance to take it out on the wild roads of Vietnam, didn't start riding it outside until early March (only possible once a week there) and raced a HIM on it in mid-May with no issues after no more than 10-12 outdoor rides.
2015-07-06 12:09 AM
in reply to: Stuartap

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Subject: RE: How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike?
Yes, assuming you have a really good bike fit.
2015-07-06 1:02 AM
in reply to: Stuartap

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Subject: RE: How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike?
It honestly never takes me long to get comfortable on my tri bike, main difference will be the difference in handling/shifting/braking as opposed to a road bike.

Ride it lots, get comfortable, and you'll know as you get closer whether you feel ready
2015-07-06 7:59 AM
in reply to: Stuartap

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Subject: RE: How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike?
Definitely. Really you could take a spin or 2 & be ready to go. If you feel you need to be more comfortable with your new ride, use it for all of your training from now until race day.
2015-07-06 9:31 AM
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Subject: RE: How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike?

I can only share my experience which is that my tri-bike arrived 2 or 3 of weeks prior to my first sprint race of the season. I rode it a few times a week and was ready to roll without an issue.  It was simply a matter of getting mentally comfortable with something different, which was pretty easy for me.  Not sure if you are on a trainer or outside, but I would try to work some outdoor handling practice (stopping, starting, cornering at speed, mounting, dismounting, etc) into your training routine if possible. 

ETA: This thread needs pics



Edited by cdban66 2015-07-06 9:32 AM


2015-07-06 9:45 AM
in reply to: Stuartap

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Subject: RE: How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike?
Plenty of time. One thing I did was space my arm pads out on the aerobars at first to get used to the bike handling. Then after a few weeks I brought them in closer together once I was more comfortable.
2015-07-07 10:54 AM
in reply to: reecealan

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Subject: RE: How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike?
Thanks for all the input. Feeling better about using it in Sept.

The bike should show up tomorrow and I will post a pic.

Thanks again,


2015-07-07 10:56 AM
in reply to: Stuartap

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Subject: RE: How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike?

Yeah, a couple months should be plenty of time for many to be ready. Do you have any tri position experience? Like clip-ons with a road bike? My adjustment was fairly quick by having that to go from.

2015-07-07 11:09 AM
in reply to: brigby1

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Subject: RE: How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike?
Originally posted by brigby1

Yeah, a couple months should be plenty of time for many to be ready. Do you have any tri position experience? Like clip-ons with a road bike? My adjustment was fairly quick by having that to go from.



I used a pair of clip-ons for a while but took them off when I joined a cycling club. They frown on tri bike and like even less road bikes with aero bars. I will just go for it and see what happens.

2015-07-07 4:08 PM
in reply to: Stuartap

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Subject: RE: How long before I can compete with 1st tri bike?

Plenty of time.  Hey- you just got a new tri bike... how could you NOT use it in your upcoming race!  Granted, it might take 6 months or 2 years to dial in your fit and train enough in the new position to really get the most out of the bike, but as long as you feel reasonably comfortable with it (which should be no problem in the next 9 weeks), you'll have a good time using your new steed.

 

rock on!



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