Subject: RE: Advice on using a hybrid bike for first triathlon There is no problem using a hybrid for a Tri. I did my first 2 sprints using one and it works fine. This will allow you time to see if the addiction is really there or its just a passing fad. As one poster said, the one upgrade that might be worthwhile is switching to narrower tires. My hybrid had 37mm tires and I switched to 25mm tires for the second sprint. The reduction is rolling resistance is about 10-20% (my guess ). It was worthwhile. BTW: you can get away with cheap tires. Go to your LBS and see if they have any that were "pull offs" as some new bike purchaser may have upgraded to wider, more comfy tires. I would pass on the tri-bars - net necessary for a hybrid bike. After my second sprint, I bought a used road bike with 105 groupo. That's all you need. Don't get caught up in the glitz of having to have the best equipment. You can easily spend you kids college fund if you really wanted to. Focus on the engine first, not the bike. Get fit, have fun, enjoy the race. You won't be alone on a hybrid - I wasn't. Cheers. |