Bike advice

For your first...use whatever you can lay your hands on!! Welcome to the madness!!

I would check with the race rules or race director--some events don't allow MTB type handlebars (the ones that go straight out at about 90 degree angles from the tires). It's because they are hard to rack in transition. Should be okay in local sprints, but I've been in a few race series that don't allow them. I don't think IM brand events allow these--you have to ride a road or tri bike.

You could possibly change out the front cockpit to road bars if this is a problem--most bike shops could do that; some might even have secondhand components around.

I did my first triathlon (a sprint) on my mountain bike. At the Ironman 70.3 I did there was one guy on a mountain bike with flat bars.

I would not go crazy modifying the bike or getting a new one. Do your first tri, have fun, and see if you want to continue before dropping money on a bike.

Edited by HaydenHunter 2019-01-26 11:04 AM

Good tip, I'll check.

I'd ride his bike and see how you feel about the race before swapping parts.
If it's something long term you want to stick with, start looking to invest in a bike that fits you.

If you can ride comfortably on his bike then that should be fine to get started with.

It's been a quite a while but my first few triathlons were on a mountain bike. I did get some pedal cages at the hardware store that attached to the flat pedals. If you try that, make sure you practice and get used to them before the race. One advantage to that system is that you can ride the bike in your running shoes for a quick T2.

If you decide to continue, get a bike of your own. I went with a road bike, anticipating lots of hill climbing, and added aero bars instead of the time trials style dedicated triathlon bike. Either style could be a good choice. It depends on what suits your flexibility and your aspirations.

Edited by Micawber 2019-01-29 4:05 PM

I agree with everyone. Ride it and see if the bug bites you. If it does, you can look at stepping up to a nicer bike.

Yeah,

Just like everyone else has said. I'd ride if for a few triathlons and see if you really like the sport. Practicing on the bike will be super helpful and it'll give you an idea of any issues or maintenance that the bike might need before the race.

Good luck and let us know how the first race goes!!!