Walmart mountain bike.......new tires..little help please

Don't bother with those no flat tires.

I would not bother changing tires at all at this point.  Maybe you can do it later but June is a long way off and smooth or knobby tires won't make any differenct in your training.

You don't need a special seat.  

dont get new tires.  I used a mtn bike all last summer.  It is much slower, but why spend that money as if you like it you will surely bye a road bike in 2010. 

 who cares what people think.  I was never first on my mtn bike, but I was never last, either. 

Thanks so much for the responses !  We new folks are sure lucky that you who have done this will share info with us. 

Really, thanks so much !

How long has it been "in the garage"?  Make sure the bike is in good working order before spending much time riding (or racing).  As long as everything works, then ride it the way it is.  Some triathlons have a bike safety check and the two things they look for are functional brakes and bar-end plugs. 

As for the saddle, spend some time riding.  It'll really help. 

I've been riding on a friend's bike she doesn't use that she got at Meijer's a few years ago.  I used it in my first 2 tris this summer and am out with it now in the 20 degree weather getting in my training.  (Still don't have a trainer.)

X2 on what people said about not getting new tires and saving the money up for a road or tri bike.  If you end up liking tris, you will definitely want to upgrade.  While I'm grateful to have this bike, it's killing me that there's extra weight I'm carrying around, and that the handlebars are helping to destroy any speed I manage to get.

But, again, as a newbie, just be glad you've got a bike and enjoy your training journey.  Upgrading is an inevitable part of triathlon life, so just embrace that fact from the beginning.  We all know how excited you must be about tris, and congratulations on your decision to do so!

Just to make you feel better, here's a pic of me and my bike at my second tri in September.  Enjoy!

(Toyota Challege - 9-14-08 023 Edited.JPG)

To put some perspective on the "will I look like an idiot" question:

This site was started in 2003 because Ron did his first triathlon on a Walmart mountain bike.

Also, keep in mind that you're asking this of people who run around in public in spandex shorts.

thanks for your picture !  You really look good, oh how it makes me want June to get here !  

Also loving the "spandex in public" comment too !!! You are all great, thank you for sharing your information, ideas and pictures with me !!!