General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First Tri In June - Questions on Biking Rss Feed  
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2010-12-16 11:25 AM


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Subject: First Tri In June - Questions on Biking
Hi everyone it's been awhile since I've logged on. Ok here is my dilema. My first tri is in June and I don't have a road bike yet and not sure if I'll be able to get one for my first tri. Is it ok to use the bike I currently have or should I really try to invest in a road bike?


2010-12-16 11:38 AM
in reply to: #3251061

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Subject: RE: First Tri In June - Questions on Biking
You didn't mention what kind of bike you have.  However, if it isn't a unicycle then you'll be fine.  Then again, a unicycle would probably be fine too.
2010-12-16 11:41 AM
in reply to: #3251061


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Subject: RE: First Tri In June - Questions on Biking
It's a mountain bike. Just not sure on the whole bike issue for someone just starting out.
2010-12-16 11:44 AM
in reply to: #3251061

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Subject: RE: First Tri In June - Questions on Biking
What kind of bike do you currently have?  Is this what you are training on?  What length tri are you doing? 

For the most part you can use what ever bike you have as long as it meets the USAT rules and you are able to ride it for the distance of your event.  Many people use MT Bikes, hybrid bikes or road bikes.  It helps if it fits well so you are comfortable.  Once you get hooked on tri's (most do after their first tri), you can upgrade to a nicer road bike and/or tri bike. 
2010-12-16 11:52 AM
in reply to: #3251061

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Subject: RE: First Tri In June - Questions on Biking
Use your mountain bike and if you fall in love with the sport get a tri or road bike later.

Many folks starting out aren't sure if they will like it so they buy a cheap road bike $500-800 often that doesn't fit then 6 months later buy a new bike often a tri bike $1800+) and get one that fits better.

Save your money and after you have been s/b/r for awhile and done a race, know if it is the sport for you then invest in a good bike.

2010-12-16 12:00 PM
in reply to: #3251061

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Subject: RE: First Tri In June - Questions on Biking
I've done 5 road triathlons so far (super sprints up to Oly length), all on my 20+ year old mountain bike with slick tires.  It's fine, and I wasn't the only one out there doing it. 

A road/tri bike is on my wishlist, but it's a long ways off.  For now, I'm solidly in the lower middle of the pack.  A $3k tri bike may push me up to the upper middle of the pack...  if that. 


2010-12-16 12:09 PM
in reply to: #3251061

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Subject: RE: First Tri In June - Questions on Biking
If you use the mountain bike, see if the triathlon has a Fat Tire division. That'll put you in a category with people on similar bikes.
2010-12-16 1:05 PM
in reply to: #3251061


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Subject: RE: First Tri In June - Questions on Biking
Thanks for all the feed back everyone. It makes me feel better knowing others use mountain bikes too. Just wasn't sure. My first tri is a 6oo meter swim, 15 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. It's one that is close to where I live. figured it would be a good starter to see if I like the sport. I hope I do!
2010-12-16 1:11 PM
in reply to: #3251061

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Subject: RE: First Tri In June - Questions on Biking
I know a lot of folks do sprint tris with mountain bikes. I would recommend putting some road friendly tires on it and enjoy the ride.
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