first tri, bike ?

change the (k)nobby's to slicks and go!

I hope it is ok, that is what I plan to ride in my first attempt!!!!

Edited by briand70669 2005-01-06 9:06 PM

Not attempt, TRI!

I trained for my first sprint on my mountain bike expecting to ride it in my first race. Then at the last minute, I found a cross-bike to borrow. Boy did I fly! The only problem was, I couldn't shift gears because I couldn't figure them out. For some reason, my name was left off the start time list so I was in the last heat - I can tell you that I passed plenty of people on mountain bikes and comfort bikes who were all having a great time. You are better to do it on a mountain bike than to not do it at all. You won't win, but you will be so proud of yourself afterwards - especially if this is your first tri. By all means change to slicks, but I don't know how much faster that will make you.

No, you are not crazy.  Ride whatever bike you have for your first triathlons.  If you decide that doing triathlons is is not for you then you haven't wasted a whole lot of money on a bike that will never serve you again.  On the other hand, if you do develop a taste for more triathlons, but the time you are ready to buy a road bike or a tri bike you will have learned enough from this forum and from other triathletes at various events to make an informed purchase.  In the meantime ride your mtb with pride and if you have the money and the inclination get slick tires; they will reduce drag and permit you to ride a bit faster.

If you don't want to splash on slick tires, jack up the tire pressure to 65psi or so. You'll greatly reduce rolling resistance.

Nope, not crazy at all.  I'm going to ride my mountain bike for my first tri in March.  I'm probably going to throw on some slicks but go without clips and shoes.  At least I'll have a fast transition at t2, just jump off and run