first tri-bike.

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2005-07-03 8:45 PM

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Master
1867
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The real USC, in the ghetto of LA
Subject: first tri-bike.
Hello everyone,

i just bought my first tri bike today, and got the tour de france special at my local LBS. I got a Trek Equinox 9 for 1399.99, which I havent seen it for that price anywere. Since it is my first "Real" (not kmart special) I was having trouble with the pedals (they are the "lollipop" type). When i was being fitted the Lady asked me to start riding, and after a few "tries" she looked at me and said "welcome to tri, since you have never used pedals." anyway, is there a trick to help one get in and out. should i do it with the crank and the bottom, or align and push trough the stroke and have it clip in?

My last question is an ettiqutte question. if there are local bike groups who have "rides" would it be unsavory for me to show up with a tri bike, or would they just welcome me along?

2005-07-03 9:11 PM
in reply to: #189495

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Elite
2527
200050025
Armpit of Ontario
Subject: RE: first tri-bike.

- can't answer any of your questions - but congrats on your new ride! It sounds sweet!

As for the lollipop pedals, I would think they must be speedplays - I have a set on order - if they're anything like my generic SPDs, it just takes practice to clip in and out. I still have a hell of a time getting into my right pedal for some reason, but I do have much better luck when my leg is extended to the 6:00 position to clip in.

2005-07-03 9:14 PM
in reply to: #189495

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Champion
6931
5000100050010010010010025
Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: first tri-bike.

Wow, what a price.  Just get out and ride on a quiet street, practice putting feet in and out of pedals.   Even the Masters (Lance) has clipping in problems (the mechanic said nothing mechanical wrong, just POWER).

Congrats on new bike.

2005-07-03 9:17 PM
in reply to: #189495

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Expert
948
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Mount Vernon, Iowa
Subject: RE: first tri-bike.
tyrant - 2005-07-03 7:45 PM
My last question is an ettiqutte question. if there are local bike groups who have "rides" would it be unsavory for me to show up with a tri bike, or would they just welcome me along?


For my local ride I always take my road bike and train on my tri bike on my own. I wouldn't trust my ability to control my bike completely from aero position while riding a pace line, and I wouldn't expect anyone else to take that risk along with me. If I can't be on the aero bars, I might as well be on my road bike.
2005-07-03 9:31 PM
in reply to: #189495

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Edited by JeepFleeb 2005-07-03 9:33 PM
2005-07-04 1:41 AM
in reply to: #189495

Master
1867
10005001001001002525
The real USC, in the ghetto of LA
Subject: RE: first tri-bike.
i have heard people talk about the "aero bar" poistion, and i havent really riden; but when i was getting fitted i naturally gravitated to the areo bars, and i was counfurtable. which i have heared that they are less controll, which is why road racers (because of drafting are not allowed) not to run areo. I guess my deal is that i would love to train with road racers, but i understand that what i may do (areo) may endagner tham, (hence the reason i think they would not want me around). After i got fitted (and the lady who fitteted me one of the owners) she said "ride low traffic streets so you can get used to the in and out of the petals. I guess i dont want to (same with me) see another person show up that would endanger me.

At my LBS they were great, they explaind the "oquardness" of the shoe, and clothes. They were great; and (as i now understand) offered me a year of free tune-ups. (and since I just stared late in the season, i will be set for next seasons races). I enjoyed the whole experiance, and cant wait to crank it down, or is it hammer down....

it seemed at my LBS every person i talked to was a tri... which was refreshing. I cant wait to go for a 4th of july ride. ( of course i went to buy a bike on a sunday and of the 3 LBS in my area, the shop i bought my tri bike from was the only one open.)

Edited by tyrant 2005-07-04 1:49 AM

2005-07-04 2:30 AM
in reply to: #189495

Elite
3020
20001000
Bay Area, CA
Subject: RE: first tri-bike.

There are a couple of problems with riding in a group on your tri-bike.  One is that tri-bikes have a bit twitchier handling than straight road bike.  The other is that if you're riding in a group you should NEVER be riding in your aerobars (handling again, and your hands are too far away from your brakes.) 

Both issues have the same result - if something happens (someone swerves, a car suddenly pulls out) then you must react quickly in order to keep yourself and/or others in the group from being hurt.  A tri-bike may not react as well as you would like it to in an emergency situation.

As far as the groups around your area, I think you would need to ask in advance, and probably you would need to promise to stay out of the aerobars while riding with the group.

2005-07-04 7:06 AM
in reply to: #189495

Champion
7704
50002000500100100
Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: first tri-bike.
COngratulations on your new baby....of course we need pictures.  Sounds like you got a fantastic deal too   good for you.  I tried speedplays and didn't like them....I tried speedplay zeros and I wasn't heavy enough to clip into them :   this made me happy.  I think it may take some practice...practice on a trainer or if you don't have one maybe try riding on a trail that has grass on the side so you can bail if you fall?  Just keep workoing at it and if they seem impossible try another brand.

Edited by sue7013 2005-07-04 7:06 AM
2005-07-04 7:45 AM
in reply to: #189495

Champion
4902
20002000500100100100100
Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: first tri-bike.

The best way to get into your clipless pedals is to just take off and plant your foot on the pedal without looking at it.  This should be done pretty much like getting onto an old-fashioned platform pedal.

For getting out of your pedal, push you heel outward and you will automatically unclip.

Showing up for a local tour ride with aerobars is okay as long as you let everyone know that you NOT be riding them while you are in the peloton.  It is far too dangerous to ride in aero bars in a group.

2005-07-04 9:58 AM
in reply to: #189495

Extreme Veteran
353
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Randleman, NC
Subject: RE: first tri-bike.
What a price! Enjoy that bike. You got it at least 25% less than anywhere I know of in NC (LBS anyway). Try the Speedplay pedals. I love mine but had no biking background to escape. I was not used to any particular type of pedal. They are very different from the SHimano pedals that came on my bike. Enjoy!

Fred
2005-07-04 10:58 AM
in reply to: #189495

Champion
6931
5000100050010010010010025
Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: first tri-bike.

tyrant - 2005-07-03 5:45 PM Hello everyone, i just bought my first tri bike today, and got the tour de france special at my local LBS. I got a Trek Equinox 9 for 1399.99, which I havent seen it for that price anywere.

Where is this LBS.  I don't think my LBS has an Equinox 9,  mostly TREK road bikes.

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