Learning about the bike component

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2009-08-11 11:50 AM


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Subject: Learning about the bike component

(I hope I'm not posting this in the wrong section)

I'm incredibly new to Triathlon (as in a few days). I will be joining a club in a few weeks, but in the mean time, I'm just trying to learn the basics.

Long story short, a year ago my brother purchased a fairly late model, but extensively used road bike. It’s currently sitting in his garage unused. I did a search and discovered that it’s outfitted with high performance components.

If this is a bike that could be used during a triathlon, that would amazing news for me. Are there specifications about what kind of bike can be used in a triathlon? Is there a certain setup people use? Does the type of bike you use make a big difference?

Thanks!

2009-08-11 11:55 AM
in reply to: #2341503

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Regular
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East San Francisco Bay Area
Subject: RE: Learning about the bike component
If it works for you it will work for your triathlon. Good idea to try to use it, get a sprint distance race under your belt and if you are 'bitten' by the Tri bug you will surely invest in a new one. But for the meantime, people do shorter distance races in everything from full on high end tri-bikes to mountain bikes to beach cruisers.

As long as it fits you well, and its a safe ride it should work. May want to take it to your local bike shop for a 'tune up' though.
2009-08-11 11:57 AM
in reply to: #2341503

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Extreme Veteran
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Lake Placid, NY
Subject: RE: Learning about the bike component
I was just going to say, I have a full-on, heavy duty double-suspension mountain bike I plan on using on Monday.   The only upgrade I've made is buying 1.5" slicks.

Point being, you'd be ahead of me and plenty other first-timers, equipment-wise.
2009-08-11 12:02 PM
in reply to: #2341503

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Master
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Southern Ontario
Subject: RE: Learning about the bike component
Congrats on the "find"!!  Have fun - race and train with it.  Whoooohooooo!!!

Train with it for a while - if something doesn't feel right or you're really uncomfortable - have someone in the "tri" world look at it and if it's close to the right size - sink some $$ into a fitting. 

Sure ... all of us eventually upgrade - but I rode my entry-level for 8 years before I moved to something new. 

Oh - and WELCOME!!
2009-08-11 12:08 PM
in reply to: #2341503


2

Subject: RE: Learning about the bike component

Thanks for the replies!

It's great to hear that people are using all kinds of bikes and arnt pressured to use only high performance equipment.Smile 

I will certainly get it tuned up and configured once I start basic training with the club.

2009-08-11 12:17 PM
in reply to: #2341578


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Subject: RE: Learning about the bike component
Stand over the bike, straddling the top-most tube. If you've got anywhere from 0 - 4" of clearance between the bike and your crotch... you're probably good to go. From there simply adjust the seat height so that when you pedal, your legs get almost straight when riding, but still have a bit of bent knee.

Ride easy for a few weeks... ask some people at your new club about the bike... then get a real fitting.

2009-08-11 1:15 PM
in reply to: #2341503

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Subject: RE: Learning about the bike component
In the any bike will do camp.
My wife and I are just getting into tri and finished our first one a few weeks ago. We used our 12 and 14 year old mountain bikes with bike racks and mountain bike tires to train with for our first two months of training.  Then we got 1.5" slicks and took the racks off for the last month of training and the race.  We fit in just fine between the high end tri bikes and the cruiser with the sofa for a seat complete with bell.
So...as long as it's safe, your good.
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