General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri Rss Feed  
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2010-08-06 7:16 PM

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Subject: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
Two weeks from tomorrow I'll be doing my first triathlon.  I was planning on using the bike that I have, a Giant Cypress.  Well, come to find out that the youth/family pastor at our church does triathlons, and while he won't let me borrow his Specialized triathlon bike, he was more than happy to let me borrow his old Trek 1000 road bike.  It's already set up with SPD pedals and has a bike computer on it.  It looks like I'll need to put new tires on it, and also learn how to change a tire, and buy some bike shoes, but this looks like it will be a great improvement over what I was going to use.

Now I just have to get use to the thing.  It feels so light compared to my bike, and I've never used clip-less pedals before.  Luckily I can practice safely in my spinning classes at the YMCA before trying it on the bike.


2010-08-06 7:19 PM
in reply to: #3028588

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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
Your YMCA Spin class has clip ins? Really? 

Anyways, congrats! I wish I were that lucky. Im stuck using my uncles 25 year old fully metal road bike.. thing weighs a ton, and is too small for me. But, its a bike.

Once Christmas hits...

Very cool man! Clip ins are a breeze.  
2010-08-06 7:25 PM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
iLivestrong - 2010-08-06 8:19 PM Your YMCA Spin class has clip ins? Really? 



Yeah, they have clip ins on one side and cages on the other.  They have even started replacing the older bikes as they get worn out.  Here's what we're getting now.  I haven't road on one of these yet, but they sure look nice.  .

2010-08-06 7:33 PM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
That's awesome!  FWIW, "practicing with clipless" has not so much to do with pedaling, but not crashing on your bike as you get in and out of them.  Don't forget to get some rides on the new bike outdoors, with lots of stops and starts in a parking lot (with zero to little car traffic) so you get the hang of it.

Have a great time with your race - you'll zip right along!

2010-08-06 8:37 PM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
If you are worried about learning clipless and buying shoes, just use your own pedals.
2010-08-06 8:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
Two weeks should give me enough time to get ready for it.  I'm going on Sunday to get new tires and the bike shoes.  I'm planning on taking several rides, first in the church parking lot, to get used to it.  If all else fails, I'll switch to regular pedals with cages.


2010-08-07 6:48 AM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
Unless you're an extremely fast learner I wouldn't recommend using the clipless pedals on race day.  As it is your first triathlon a couple more minutes on the bike isn't going to matter, it would be better if you are comfortable.  There is a standard rule here, nothing new on race day.  It will enough of a change just getting used to the new bike.  I have a new bike and it has taken me two weeks just to get the saddle in the right position and I'm still not sure I'm there yet.  Anyway, welcome to BT and I wish you a great first tri!
2010-08-07 7:02 AM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
blynott - 2010-08-07 4:48 AM Unless you're an extremely fast learner I wouldn't recommend using the clipless pedals on race day.  ...


I disagree.  Clipless pedals are pretty dang easy.  Yes- practice with them.  But, once you get the feeling of how to twist out of them and clip in, it's not hard.  They're made to make it easy and convenient.  And, in a race, you only need to clip them in once, and get out of them once.

I'd be more worried about using a new pair of uncomfortable cycling shoes.  Oh- cycling shoes aren't cheap. 
2010-08-08 6:03 AM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri

A Giant Cypress is a mulit-speed beach cruiser right?

That Trek 1000 will feel uber fast on race day.

2010-08-08 6:46 AM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
Bruenor - 2010-08-06 8:25 PM
iLivestrong - 2010-08-06 8:19 PM Your YMCA Spin class has clip ins? Really? 



Yeah, they have clip ins on one side and cages on the other.  They have even started replacing the older bikes as they get worn out.  Here's what we're getting now.  I haven't road on one of these yet, but they sure look nice.  .


Those are the old bikes at my gym... new ones have a lever for resistance, a little screen with all sorts of data, HRM, etc.  Just had to brag...

Absolutely go with the pedals and shoes... you will want them anyways.  If you're reasonably coordinated you should be fine.  Ride with them a few times before race day.  Good luck!!
2010-08-08 6:49 AM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
morey000 - 2010-08-07 8:02 AM

blynott - 2010-08-07 4:48 AM Unless you're an extremely fast learner I wouldn't recommend using the clipless pedals on race day.  ...


I disagree.  Clipless pedals are pretty dang easy.  Yes- practice with them.  But, once you get the feeling of how to twist out of them and clip in, it's not hard.  They're made to make it easy and convenient.  And, in a race, you only need to clip them in once, and get out of them once.

I'd be more worried about using a new pair of uncomfortable cycling shoes.  Oh- cycling shoes aren't cheap. 


x2 on the the pedals. I hope the bike fits you well. Have a great race!


2010-08-08 7:35 AM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
brown_dog_us - 2010-08-08 7:03 AM

A Giant Cypress is a mulit-speed beach cruiser right?

That Trek 1000 will feel uber fast on race day.



Here's a picture of the Giant Cypress.  I bought it about 3-4 years back, just to have a bike to ride around town with.



Here's the Trek 1000. 




From an online size chart, it looks like I should fit a 52 cm bike.  This is a 50 cm bike, so it will be off a little, but hopefully I can adjust for it.  I'm going out this afternoon to get the cycling shoes, new tires, a spare change kit, and some other extras.  I'll hopefully be taking it for a spin tonight, so I'll post here letting everyone know how it went.
2010-08-08 8:15 AM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
I did my frist tri in march of this year and i practiced a month with clipless pedals before the race, give yourself some time on the pedals and you will do great. God Bless
2010-08-08 5:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri
Well, I'm back from the bike store and my first ride.  I practiced with my new shoes my placing my bike in the doorway of my bedroom and spent the next 45 minutes clipping in and out of the pedals.  I then went down to my church parking lot (just around the block), and spent the next half hour riding around, practicing starts and stops.  I partially fell once when starting, but managed to get my right foot out in time to stop the fall. 

I'm planning on going for a ride every day this week, even if it's just for fifteen minutes.  That should help get me more used to the bike and shoes.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Good fortune -- borrowing a better bike for first tri Rss Feed