I just ran my first 10k race. What a blast! I had never considered myself a runner before but what started as my wife betting that I couldn't beat her best time turned into a new fitness regime for me.
Well, while in the starting corral, I was speaking to this girl who was telling me about some local triathlons and this really peaked my interest. I have always loved swimming and consider myself a strong swimmer. I also love mountain biking, however I have never ridden a road bike before in my life. Out of curiosity, I went to a LBS that I trust and they showed me around and gave me some good suggestions to help me get into the sport without breaking the bank.
Now, do other beginners like me ride mountain bikes with slicks? Or should I really be getting myself a road bike? I have heard some people suggest that I shouldn't do anyting drastic when it comes to equipment in case tri's are not for me but I really feel like this is something I want to do. I guess it wouldn't hurt if I tried a short sprint with the equipment that I have and then go from there.
Any insight or suggestions?
it sounds like you are a
it sounds like you are a prime candidate for full blown tri addiction. I wouldn't be very apprehensive about getting into an entry level road bike because you have a mtn background and it seems like you are liking the lifestyle (based on your 10k race report and the fact that you did all of this with just the motivation of basically having fun). If I were you and if you have the money to drop I'd buy a road bike with an aluminum frame and some 105 components that you can add some clip on aero bars later. It might be wise to wait until after your first race to just make sure... Slicks on a mtn bike are a great option, but if you are going to do more than one race and enjoy being competitive with yourself I'd say a road bike is the way to go.
Oh, and welcome to trifuel.
Oh, and welcome to trifuel.
i would def compete in your
i would def compete in your first triathlon with little money invested. I bought a used trek 1200 for 450$ off of craigslist. Came with saddle bag, toe baskets, pump, and computer. All i needed for my first tri. I used some cheap tri shorts and my typical running shoes. Since my first tri I have continued to do them. I have put over 1500 miles on that used trek, and bought a neosport wet suit off of ebay for under 90$ including shippin. Added some Shimano PDR 540 pedals ( which u can get on ebay w/ cleats for less than 50$ including shippin) to the bike with some new LBS shoes and am fully hooked.
So in short, go cheap, use the slicks, have a blast. When ur done, go buy the best fitting cheapest bike you can with 105's on it. And carbon for and seat post :)
good luck!!!
Thanks for the comments and
Thanks for the comments and suggestions guys!
Since yesterday, I told my wife that I would be running in the 1/2 marathon next year this time. Her words were "slow down there tiger!" haha
I took a look at the local classifieds and was surprised to see how many mid-high end road bikes were for sale. :) There were even a few used Tri bikes for sale for a few grand. Flea-bay also has some good deals. Now the trouble is finding the right one for me. When I was at the LBS, the sales person was pushing the carbon fibre frame and telling me that "you will never have to buy another bike". Well, that doesn't sound like much fun. Isn't the fun part of doing tri's upgrading your equipment little by little over the years as you improve physically and become more competitive? Since I have never ridden a road bike I have no idea what I am looking for but am in no rush.
The shop I was in sells only Specialized (which I have no problem with) and he was suggesting an 09 Tarmac Comp or a Roubaix Comp. I took the time to pick his brain and learn about road bike componentry as I am learning very quickly it is all different than MTB components. Many of you are suggesting getting at least a 105 set and I think that is good advice.
trekrider, sounds like you got into the sport (and pretty well equipped) for less than $1000. I think I still may get some slicks for my Specialized Rockhopper Comp for the first couple races so that I can take the time and pick the right bike for me, used or new.
I found a brand new 2005 Tarmac Comp Double (yes, 2005) still in the box that is my size locally. I am going to keep my eye on it.
Bike: 450$ Tires:
Bike: 450$
Tires: 60$
Pedals: 50$
Wet Suit: 90$
New Balance Tri Top 5$ (from L Tri Shop)
Tri Shorts: Free (Hand me downs...and yes i washed them a million times)
total was 655$. Since then i have collected clothing and apparel from the discount racks and local end of the year sales.
I do have a comment about the LBS saying "you will never have to buy another bike". Well sometimes that is true. I ride in a club with a guy who has his 1978 De Rosa steel frame which he has im sure put over 100,000 miles on. But like many electronics, automotives, and bikes... technology is advancing at fast rates. A 10yr old set of Shimano Dura Ace components is probably not nearly as good as new ultegra's...or even 105's for that point. Plus, like you said, some people just get the bug and want to continue working on their equiptment. Changing tires, wheels, pedals, aerobars etc. Therefore buy used first to find out what you like. Buying used and not abused will save you 40-50% wasy.
good luck!
Totally go for it with what
Totally go for it with what you have. I just did my first (a sprint) and folks there were riding their wal-mart bikes. I had a borrowed road bike myself, and although I'm going to keep doing tri's I don't see myself spending $4k for a carbon space-ship bike. Better off to work on the swim and run times. Plus I just don't care about winning trophies, I do it for the enjoyment.
If you do get the bug you can always upgrade later, but I'd say go for it with your gear.
-RH
Carbon spaceship bike. :LOL:
Carbon spaceship bike. :LOL: Knowing that others will also be riding similar equipment makes me feel more at ease. I'll admit it...I didn't want to be the guy everyone was pointing and laughing at.
You guys make some very good points. I am going to get some slicks for my current MTB for my first couple races but and going to keep my eyes open for a nice used road bike.
Thanks for the great feedback.