Road bike question for newbie

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Road bike question for newbie Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2008-08-07 12:51 PM

New user
15

Subject: Road bike question for newbie

Hello,

I have decided that I will try doing my 1st sprint triathlon in the next 4-6 weeks.  I have never done a triathlon and I may find that at the end of it all, its not for me.  I am reading up and training in the meantime.  I think this will be fun...!

My question is regarding bicycle choice. 

I have an interest in getting a road bike anyhow to complement my DS mtn bike, which is a boat anchor with low gearing.

My original intention was to buy a cheap 80's Japanese road bike, but I am finding a low supply in my area on CL, and when I do find them, they are $200.

My next natural thought is to look at new entry level road bike from which I could upgrade later.

My idea is to get a fixed gear bike, install an internally geared hub (maybe 3 speed), and use that for the tri instead of the mtn bike.  Obviously this is not a tri configuration, but I am not a committed triathlete (yet!) 

Two bikes I am interested in are the IRO Jamie Roy and the Raleigh Rush Hour.  I need to see if the latter can support a geared hub (horizontal dropouts).

My main questions are:

1 - Would the idea of doing a sprint tri on a 3 speed <20 lb. road bike be outlandish?

2 - Could I not simply upgrade the frame, fork & bars later to a tri spec from the road bike frame?

Any suggestions are appreciated...thanks!

 Andrew



Edited by ancosta 2008-08-07 12:52 PM

2008-08-07 1:38 PM
in reply to: #1588068

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Road bike question for newbie

1 - Would the idea of doing a sprint tri on a 3 speed <20 lb. road bike be outlandish?

Not at all. You'll see plenty of participants on lesser bicycles. Anything to get you from T1 to T2.

2 - Could I not simply upgrade the frame, fork & bars later to a tri spec from the road bike frame?

Not completely. A tri bike has a different frame geometry than a road bike, so, while you can approximate it with a forward seatpost, aerobars, etc., you're still going to fall alittle short.

2008-08-07 3:34 PM
in reply to: #1588068

User image

Veteran
300
100100100
Redlands, CA
Subject: RE: Road bike question for newbie
Why not just use the mtn bike for this first tri to see if you like it first. Your not out to set any records just to get a feel for the sport. I did my first event this year using my mtn bike with slicks (about $40 with tubes) and even managed to get 3rd in my ag so I say go for it.
2008-08-07 6:09 PM
in reply to: #1588068

User image

Champion
7558
500020005002525
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Subject: RE: Road bike question for newbie

Ride your mountain bike.  If you like triathlon (and you probably will), you'll have plenty of time to get faster (and faster, and faster) bikes.  (I've got my third road/tri bike since I started. ) 

Unless you're a competent bike mechanic, that $200 vintage bike will probably cost you an additional $200 for tires, tubes, cables, wheel truing, tuneup, etc.  (Not a bargain, IMO. ) 

Upgrading a bike is an expensive proposition.  If you think you want a better bike, plan to buy it up front.  (Just as an example:  A set of Ultegra brake lever/shifters is about $340 at Nashbar. )  You could take some components off a road/single speed and put them on a triathlon frame, but not everything converts. 

2008-08-08 8:24 AM
in reply to: #1588068

New user
15

Subject: RE: Road bike question for newbie

Thanks for the tips.  I did pick up a beautiful Schwinn Traveler yesterday for 175, needs nothing, although after logging about 5 miles on it, its back on CL because its a hair too small. 

I have a somewhat 'alternative' idea on how to squeak by....

Next weekend is a sprint here in GA.  I know I am conditioned enough to "finish", which isn't saying that I will finish well... so my goal for #1 is to learn vs. finish as quickly as I possibly can. 

I will try to sign up and use my mtn bike, which has road tires on it.  I can lock the fork in climb mode and tighten the rear up to make it more efficient.  Next month I plan on going home to MA for some vacation.  There are several sprints there I could do.  Up there I have a nice 80's Fuji road bike.  I am comfortable on that bike, I just did 20mi. on it a few weeks ago.  I can use that for a 2nd sprint if I am so inclined.

From there I can decide what I want to do for a bike.  Does this make sense?



Edited by ancosta 2008-08-08 8:28 AM
2008-08-08 8:28 PM
in reply to: #1588068

User image

Expert
938
50010010010010025
Orange County, California
Subject: RE: Road bike question for newbie
Yes that makes sense.

A fixed gear doesnt make sense. Fixed gears usually don't have visible brakes on them, and triathlon rules state you must have front and rear working brakes.

So even though you can stop just fine on a fixie, if a race official see you have no hand operated brakes you may not be allowed to compete or be disqualified since you violate the rules.

Your bike up north sounds perfect for a second tri, and what you have done to your mtn bike should be fine for your first tri.

You will see lots of people on mountain bikes at the shorter tri's.

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Road bike question for newbie Rss Feed