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2013-02-22 5:50 PM


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Subject: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)

I'll be doing my first 70.3 in New Orleans this April.  This will also be my first "out-of-town" (non driveable distance)  tri of any kind which means it's my first bike shipping experience! 

Ick. 

  My bike is a nice but not super nice (sub $1000 when it was new) Trek .  I've googled and called around new Orleans and one place had steel bikes they'd rent.  Now, I don't need a super fancy Carbon composite frame handcrafted by bike enthusiast forest elves, but I think I need to go with at least aluminum for a 56 miler.  More importantly the shop sounded more like something that catered to tourists than to the athletic community, so I'm not 100% sure of the quality I'll be getting.  Still approx $300 seems to be about as good as shipping gets, which is awful pricey.

Is anybody aware of a good NOLA place to rent?  Or, more generally, does anyone have good ideas for a cheapskate-who-only-need-a-mildy-fancy-bike?  Or do you just grit your teeth and pay for shipping?

 

Thanks in advance!



2013-02-22 5:54 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)
How much would it cost you to take on the plane?  Ask around and see if you can borrow a bike box. 
2013-02-22 6:04 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)

I honestly had not even thought of that.  (You can probably tell I'm not that bright.

 

Much appreciated.  I will check into that.

2013-02-22 6:18 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)

It is prolly 300-400 to ship. I think you could also try to find a different bike shop as well.

I really think your best bet is to ride your bike rather than a different bike you are not used to riding. The saying goes don't try something new on race day.

2013-02-22 6:42 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)
Southwest charges $50 each way. If you want to go cheap you can get a cardboard bike box from the LBS.
2013-02-22 6:46 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)

No way would I risk using a rental bike for a 70.3, the race is going to be tough enough without throwing in that huge wildcard.



2013-02-22 6:50 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)

hbush - 2013-02-22 5:50 PMOr, more generally, does anyone have good ideas for a cheapskate-who-only-need-a-mildy-fancy-bike?  Or do you just grit your teeth and pay for shipping?

To me, the big thing is not the fancy or not fancy bike, it's how it fits relative to what you have trained with.

3 or 4 hours, in race conditions, on a bike that isn't properly fitted is not a fun experience. If you do rent, make sure you mimic your position to what you have trained with.

If you do chose the rent route, there are some coordinates you can use to get as close as possible to your current fit.

2013-02-22 6:59 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)

There are a handful of shops on the Northshore [esp. in Mandeville/Covington] that you could try. But my guess is that most rental bikes are going to be cruiser bikes for tourists. If you go to the Ironman New Orleans website and click "Athletes" there is a "Bike Shipping" tab that comes up. You can ship your bike to a shop in the city that will receive it, rebuild it, and leave it in T1. Then they'll break it down and ship it home for you. TriBikeTransport is also offering its services, but it doesn't look like they are picking up anywhere in the West. Not sure where you're at.

You might also try to rent a hard case to carry on the plane, but you may get hit with bike charges. And don't expect the TSA or airline employees to handle your bike with kid gloves. At least if you ship it you can insure it. 

2013-02-22 7:24 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)
marcag - 2013-02-22 1:50 PM

hbush - 2013-02-22 5:50 PMOr, more generally, does anyone have good ideas for a cheapskate-who-only-need-a-mildy-fancy-bike?  Or do you just grit your teeth and pay for shipping?

To me, the big thing is not the fancy or not fancy bike, it's how it fits relative to what you have trained with.

3 or 4 hours, in race conditions, on a bike that isn't properly fitted is not a fun experience. If you do rent, make sure you mimic your position to what you have trained with.

If you do chose the rent route, there are some coordinates you can use to get as close as possible to your current fit.

ditto...

2013-02-22 7:26 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)
If you call around to some local bike shops, you should be able to find one that will rent you a hard bike case.  They will also disassemble the bike and pack it you for.  The first time I traveled with my bike, I was able to rent a case for $50.  My bike shop also let me watch while they disassembled and packed the bike.  When I got to my destination, I had no problem reassembling the bike.
2013-02-22 7:38 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)

Should you decide to skip renting, look at TriBike Transport.

 

Yes, it is a fat chunk of money ($350-400), but by the time you factor in the cost of renting a bike box ($50) and then the oversized baggage fees to fly with it (as much as $100 each way) - and the fact that you have to do disassembly/reassembly and drag the thing around from the airport.... TBT ends up being a bargain.  You drop your bike at a local bike shop and it gets shipped to the race for you.  When you get there, your bike is waiting for you right by transition and after the race you drop it back off to them and it'll be waiting for you when you get home.



2013-02-22 10:32 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)
This is gonna be my first HIM as well but im driving from south texas; and I still haven't picked a hotel -.- have you found one to stay at?
2013-02-22 10:34 PM
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Subject: RE: 70.3 bike ideas (for a newbie)
Also so I contribute to the question:

Definitely recommend against the rental for above reasons. I tried "renting" a similar bike from a friend for a 15mi sprint and even though the fit was similar my knees didn't react well. Lower back, too. Can't imagine doing that for 56
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