Does the Ironman 70.3 allow mountain bikes??

If you ride a 1.2 ironman with a mountain bike I would think you were the bomb baby!

Your insane, you should so do it, it will be epic!!

The rules typically read something like "No tandems, recumbents, fairings or any add-on device designed exclusively to reduce resistance are allowed. Any new, unusual or prototype equipment will be subject to a determination of legality by Ironman and/or the Head Referee." So yes, you can ride a mountain bike but I know I would not want to do that. 

Edited by jonmetz 2009-07-07 8:54 PM

I cannot imagine riding 56 miles on an MTB.  You can pick up a used roadie for less than $500 bucks.  Have you done any tris before? 

i was browsing some pictures from steelhead 70.3 from last year just for kicks and one of the older gentlemen was riding a mountain bike with hybrid tires on it.

If that is what you're used to riding and it's comfortable for you why not?  It didn't look like this guy was penalized either.

edit:  if you want to talk crazy looking, i was on a 50 mile loop this past friday and there was a guy I passed twice (he was doing the same loop just opposite direction) on a mountain bike with aero bar clip ons.  It's not for everyone but he seemed to be loving it.

Edited by jtaddei 2009-07-07 9:34 PM

I'd give you a huge thumbs up for attempting it.

It depends on the race. Below is from the Hawaii 70.3 Athletes Guide:


"All athletes are required to ride road/triathlon bikes. Mountain bikes, beach cruisers and bikes
with coaster-type brakes are prohibited."

Boise 70.3 Athlete Guide does not prohibit mountain bikes.

I did an MS 150 on a MB brutal but can be done!

Go for it!!!

Chris R

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I believe there was a similar rule at Eagleman this year. So, check the rules on the race website, or contact the RD and ask.

Do you have ANY money to spend on a bike? You might actually be able to find something pretty decent used, either on Craigslist/Ebay or through local bike shops for relatively little money....

Depends on the race--as others have said, check the rules of the specific race.

CA 70.3 I did on an old heavy steel bike with cruiser bars ... it can be done. Just make sure you train well and are comfy on the bike and can make the bike cutoff.

Good luck!

Another option is to check with the local bike shops and see if any do a weekend rental.  I know you're not supposed to do anything new on race day, but you may still find that advantageous.

I also did an MS150 on a cheap 1993 mountain bike with slicks being my only modification.  I had no problem finishing (although I didn't have to run a half marathon afterwards).  I acutally did pretty darn well and rode lines with the roadies all day(s).  Just make sure your endurance is up because your cadence is a lot higher on a mountain bike!  
 
YOU CAN DO IT!

According to the official rules posted on the Ironman 70.3 Florida Web site: "All athletes are required to ride road/triathlon bikes. Mountain bikes, beach cruisers and bikes with coaster-type brakes are prohibited."

So, no.

Uh... you're joking - yes?

I'd find $200 bucks and get a used roadie on Craigslist, new tires and clip-on aerobars, and maybe a tune-up.  Would be worth it's weight in speed.

Edited by BikerGrrrl 2009-07-08 8:36 AM

You'd be a monster doing a HIM on a mtn bike! Go for it if you can do it... (Then start saving up for a road bike!)

I remember the first year of longhorn going by a guy on a mtn bike....   I think his smile was bigger than the bike... he was having a blast..  

Did you mean to reply to me? The OP asked if it allowed MTBs...rules say no. (I have no idea why on earth you'd WANT to do it on one anyway, but whatever)

im much more comfortable on my mountain bike.  I can ride 40 to 50 miles no problem on the trails.  whats the big deal doing it on the road?  my longest road ride to date is only 35, and that was frigging mind numbingly boring.  I say go for it, especially if you have a hardtail 29r.  slicks and you're ready to rock!

let the revolution begin!

A buddy of mine did a 60mile mountain bike ride and maintained a 12mph average.  So I don't see where 56miles on flatter paved surfaces would be harder than that but it will be hard.

I wonder what would happen if you showed up on a unicycle?  Or what about doing it on a Penny-Farthing.  You'd be an epic legend no matter what place you finish.

At Boise 70.3 there was one guy I saw on a mountain bike.  I assume he completed the event as he was at around mile 30 when I passed him.  You are going to give up a lot of speed though.  You may want to rent a bike for the day or borrow one, although buying a cheeper used road bike would probably not be a bad investment as you will need to ride thousands of miles to get in shape for your HIM.  I cringe at the thought of doing that many hours on a mountain bike.

I think 70.3 rules state that if you rig up a nickleodeon and juggle the entire time, you automatically win.

My brother finished cozumel last year in 6 hours on a 1999 trek mtb with slicks...but he is a beast