Tri bikes

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Tri bikes

Postby simonfrench » Wed Aug 27, 2003 4:29 pm

Hi,

I'm doing some research for girlfriend who is thinking of entering a few triathlons. Plenty of companies seem to be producing dedicated triathlon bikes now (I read of 'dedicated tri geometry', etc. etc.).
Unless you are very serious, is it worth getting one designed for tri, or will a suitable sized second hand road bike with, after soem practice, some aero bars, do?

I guess suitable sized = a little smaller than normal so you can get over the aero bars.

Cheers for any pointers.
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dedicated tri bikes

Postby tridevil » Wed Aug 27, 2003 10:18 pm

yes an 'ordinary' racer will do just fine. most triathletes use road bikes with a few mods like aero bars. :twisted:
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Postby tridevil » Wed Aug 27, 2003 10:20 pm

you have to remember that the bike in proper tris (not the drafting nonsense) is essentially a time trial. So what would you use for that? :twisted:
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Postby Dan B » Thu Aug 28, 2003 12:59 pm

I agree with the sentiment that you start with a good women's specific road bike, with clip-on aero bars, first.

Having a road bike fit to you helps you get out on the road comfortably, and that's what needs to be done first of all.

Next, when it comes to triathlon/time trial positioning, ask the experts. Geoffrey Butler's have done a world of good helping me out prior to this year's big race (this Sunday in Dorset) and I would suggest them first.

Finally, when you get good (and you will, if you're consistent!) then you can go out and buy your tri-specific rocket. They cost, so work towards it and keep it as your reward for being super fit!

DB
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Postby Maria David » Thu Aug 28, 2003 2:35 pm

I'd say the bike you go for depends really on what level you're racing at/what you're wanting to achieve.

The first few triathlons I ever did were just small local ones where my aim was just to get round. So I just used the bike I had, which was a hybrid bike with thin tyres. At these kind of races you generally see a few people on these kind of bikes, or on mountain bikes as well.

If you're going to buy a bike and are just starting out, you'd be better off on a bog standard road bike, preferably with aero bars. Later on if triathlon's really your thing you can get something more specific. Alot of triathletes have a more general high spec road bike with aero bars, since more and more triathletes are getting involved in competitive cycling too.

If your girlfriend proves to be a strong age group/potential elite triathlete then you could better justify getting the full on tri specific bike with disk wheel etc. Afterall, if you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk !
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Thanks

Postby simonfrench » Thu Aug 28, 2003 3:16 pm

Much clearer now. Thank you all.

I'll keep my eye out for a WSD bike in the second hand ads.

Cheers!
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