IM Bike Advice

I find riding on my aerobars much more comfortable than not. In the winter I put them on my road bike for my 3-4 hour rides. I probably could do an IM bike on my road bike as it fits well but I wouldn't want to. My left hand falls asleep due to carpal tunnel and no bike fit adjustments have helped.

I suggest you go to a bigger city or combine it when you are going and go to a tri oriented store and get clip on aerobars and have them fit to you. I like the Profile Design kind that flip up as they are highly adjustable to width and length so they can fit you better.

You'll have to carry more fluid and stuff when training longer or do loops or stop. Bento box I prefer the large Fuel Belt version as it has a zipper and plastic peice so it doesn't flop around.

IMs tend to be pricey in lots of ways that perhaps you hadn't considered. Before you discount getting a new tri bike figure out if it is better to go that route than putting money into your current bike.

Enjoy your IM journey!

Ditto x2 to what JeepFleeb and others have said.  Particularly for IMWI, a road bike will be fine, especially on this course due to the hills.  That being said, an aero position is nice IF you're comfortable.  Forcing yourself into an uncomfortable position for aero benefits is not smart.  If you had a qualified bike shop nearby that could properly fit you then this may be an option, but it doesn't sound like that's possible.

I have three females in my cycling club.  All three of them ride road bikes with drop bars and use them when we do long rides and during triathlon.  They find this position more comfortable, but they've been properly fitted and their bikes have been amended to allow the correct geometry.

I too would recommend a 'behind-the-seat' bottle holder for training, but not for the race.  A bento box is a must.

If you have specific comfort issues with your current set up and no one local to help then be sure and post your questions so we can try and help.

andirunnr - 2008-09-13 4:27 PM Ok, nevermind...I guess you're not in WI!

I am in WI... I went to school in MN but I am back in the state now... what are you talking about? 

Hi Pamela.  You can definitely use a road bike to go the distance and some might even argue that it's preferable (although i wouldn't be one of them) because of the hills.

As someone else already said, aerobars will shift some of your pains around.  It might be easier on your arms because you can use your skeletal system to support your upper body weight rather than your muscles.  It may take more getting used to having to hold your head up if your body position is lower (dunno if that's true on a rode bike, but it is for me on a tri bike).  Also, if you add aero bars and want to have a more steep seat angle, you'll definitely want someone who is familiar with tri setups fitting you.  lastly, of course, it is more aero so you'll get benefits there.

At the end of the day, it's not as much about the bike as it is the engine.  Very few of us (me included!) live up to the potential of our bikes...

At least you're asking all these questions with plenty of time to get it sorted out!