General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Cheap Denali Bike + 1st Half Ironman = ? Rss Feed  
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2014-03-22 7:31 PM


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Subject: Cheap Denali Bike + 1st Half Ironman = ?
CHEAP BIKE ALERT. CAUTION: SLOW RIDER! My name is Anneke, and I have a slow bike. I realize my best bet is to buy a proper road bike, but I bought this one last year to do some sprints and would prefer to deal with it or tweak it, save up some money, and get a "real" road bike later ($1000+). I'm training for the 70.3 Muncie and have been riding my fly wheel indoor bike through the winter. My coach and my training partner both say I need to spend the $400-500 to get a used real bike. So...........

1) I'm doing the Muncie
2) I'm not trying to clock a certain time, though faster is of course better - my goal is to finish with a smile since it's my first
3) Is there anything you'd recommend I do to my Denali to improve its efficiency, even a little? Pedals, etc?
4) I do NOT have more than $500 so please don't suggest I spend more than that. Ain't gonna happen.
5) Bonus round: pedal and shoe suggestions welcomed as well!

Thanks so much for all your feedback. I'm loving the sport and am excited to continue!

Anneke


2014-03-23 4:30 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Cheap Denali Bike + 1st Half Ironman = ?
Hello, and welcome. I am about the last person qualified to give advice, but I may be able to sum up some of the wisdom I have read on this forumFirst, do not worry about your current bike, as far as quality goes... Most important question is "how does it fit?" If it is TOO big or TOO small, you face a large challenge. If you can ride it comfortably in a position that is efficient as far as aerodynamics and optimizes your training so far, then you will finish with a smile. If you can post a picture or better is a video, the truly wise here can offer advice as to your fit.I would not put a penny into it, BUT you may find some items worth buying. I assume you are using stock pedals... if so, a set of clipless will help with the smile. These can be swapped to your next steed. Also, a decent set of tires may smooth out the ride and add speed. These are consumables, and if not worn out, can be swapped to the next bike you buy, too. Continental gp 4000 s are often suggested... As long as your Denali is in good working condition, no NEED to change (a 'nicer' bike may get you out trainkng more, tho' A set of clip-on aero bars can also help with position and comfort??? for a long ride. Again, can be swapped to the upgrade bike if purchased.I hope this helps ............... using a tablet, and cannot format paragraphs.... grrrr

Edited by triosaurus 2014-03-23 4:31 PM
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Cheap Denali Bike + 1st Half Ironman = ? Rss Feed  
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