Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?

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2006-07-10 11:08 AM

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Subject: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
Well, I have been swimming now for 4 weeks hitting the pool 3 times week and just started my 2nd full week of 3 runs, 3 swims and 3 bike rides today. So far so good.

My first Tri is 9/24/06 and the bike portion is 18 miles with a 5K run and 800 meter swim. Is it reasonable to complete my first Tri with my Hybrid Giant Cypress DX? I replaced the plastic pedals with cages which made a big difference and on 60% to 70% effort rides I average about 14 or so mph.

I just want to invest a ton of money prior to knowing if Tri's will "stick". I started out running prior to trying this Tri gig so have a good base from a fitness perspective. My approach with bike training is a slow build up to the 18 miles. Right now I am biking for 40 minutes and will increase that by 5 minutes a week with some hills, time trials and endurance work.

Any input on my initial question or approaches to training would be great. Thanks all!

2006-07-10 11:11 AM
in reply to: #477683

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Giver
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Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
Of course it is! Ride what you've got...
2006-07-10 11:13 AM
in reply to: #477683

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Champion
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Menomonee Falls, WI
Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
Aero--

You should be fine. Believe me, you'll likely see plenty of mountain bikes and other hybrids out on the course so you shouldn't even feel out of place. True, you won't set any land speed records, but you'll have no problem finishing. Just make sure to do your bricks and get used to running off the bike. That's the biggest thing.
2006-07-10 11:16 AM
in reply to: #477683

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?

It's perfectly reasonable to ride your hybrid bike - you'll probably see a fair number of others riding mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, as well.

I did my first tri 3 weeks ago on my 12 year old mtn bike, and the bike segment was 17.2 mi.  I certainly wasn't the only one not riding a road or tri bike.

Good luck!

2006-07-10 12:00 PM
in reply to: #477683

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
You'll see other bikes on the course that are not the most fastest things on the planet.  Ride what you got - you'll do great!
2006-07-10 12:04 PM
in reply to: #477769

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Veteran
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Worcester, MA
Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
one of my good friends did her first half iron on a hybrid. it wasn't fast, but she finished it.

2006-07-10 12:33 PM
in reply to: #477683

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Master
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Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
I did my whole first two years on a Giant Cypress SX, so I think you'll be fine! I have a new tri bike for this year, but the hybrid served me well, especially on hilly courses as it is better for climbing. Good luck!
2006-07-10 12:43 PM
in reply to: #477683

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Extreme Veteran
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Sturtevant, WI
Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
I've done my last two tris on a hybrid, and I plan on doing my next one with the same hybrid. Although I'd take a tri bike or a road bike in a heartbeat, the hybrid has served me well. Go for it!
2006-07-10 12:47 PM
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2006-07-10 1:14 PM
in reply to: #477683

Veteran
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Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
I have ridden my mountain bike in Tri's just to change things up and there are plenty of other people on hybrids and mountain bikes out there.
2006-07-10 1:27 PM
in reply to: #477683

Extreme Veteran
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New Haven, CT
Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
I think you should ride what you've got until you start to feel limited by it. You can invest in a road bike for your first tri, but it's not a necessity. If you can do the bike and still have gas in the tank, it's all good.

2006-07-10 2:00 PM
in reply to: #477683

Pro
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Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
I did my two races last year on a hybrid, quite happily. In fact I'd probably STILL be riding the dear thing if my BT friends hadn't all peer pressured me into a road bike for my first Oly. By the SECOND Oly the road bike was paying off... Enjoy your race, no matter what you ride!
2006-07-10 2:31 PM
in reply to: #477683

Extreme Veteran
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Illinois
Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
That is what I will be using as well. I don't plan on getting a road bike until it is necessary.
2006-07-10 2:33 PM
in reply to: #477683

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Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
Awesome feedback folks! Thanks! I thought I was going with the right approach and everyone that posted confirmed it for me.

Another question...prior to the race should I take off the extra weight off the bike like the kick stand, reflectors, etc. that are not neccessary for the bike leg. Just curious. Thanks again!
2006-07-10 4:06 PM
in reply to: #477683

Expert
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Columbia, MO
Subject: RE: Hybrid Bike for 1st Tri?
I actually saw a Trek hyrbid at a tri last year outfitted with clip on Aerobars....go figure
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