Bike info needed!

Originally posted by Donto

Typically there is a different division for such bikes, Fat tire.  Heck my first 4 races (3 sprints & 1 Oly) were on a 37lb mtb. When I wore out the original tires I installed a more of a trail and road tire, it had a center strip for the road and knobs of the side.

Other than that visit a bike shop and see if you can rent a bike.  You can get an idea of what size bike you need and go from there later.

Originally posted by interspace8

Thanks everyone! Excellent advice. I'll start looking around to find a bike co-op or somewhere that I can rent from. Renting seems like a wise idea considering I don't want to drop a lot of $ and then find out that triathlon's aren't for me. A friend's sister offered to lend me her $4,000 bike, but I don't want to risk it and possibly damage it in any way, especially considering I don't even know her!

Now, on to wetsuit.... ; )

Originally posted by interspace8

Thanks everyone! Excellent advice. I'll start looking around to find a bike co-op or somewhere that I can rent from. Renting seems like a wise idea considering I don't want to drop a lot of $ and then find out that triathlon's aren't for me. A friend's sister offered to lend me her $4,000 bike, but I don't want to risk it and possibly damage it in any way, especially considering I don't even know her!

Now, on to wetsuit.... ; )

Originally posted by Nick B

What kind of mountain bike do you have?

Originally posted by 3mar

I think it's a right of passage to do your first triathlon on non-racing bike. We all did it. Mine was on a hybrid though, so it wasn't too bad I guess. Also, the other people in the race will know you're a first timer and will likely give you a lot of support. That's what I've seen anyway.

Originally posted by jennifer_runs

I did my first tri on a mountain bike (my son's) and it was fine. There was no separate division for mountain bikes (I've never heard of that in any of the tris around here) and I wasn't fast but I wasn't super slow either.

If you really only want to spend $160 on a bike, then I don't think you can get anything much better than the bike you have (unless you get really lucky and find someone who is essentially giving away their bike). Just go ahead and use the bike you have. It will definitely give you an idea of whether you like triathlon and want to continue. BTW- I was kind of naive when I first thought about bike shopping and thought I could get something used for under $400, but couldn't find anything decent. I ended up buying a bike new cross bike that I can use for triathlons but also for commuting and general riding. It's great, but I spent about $1000.

As for a wetsuit-- I haven't bought one yet (all of my tris have been in pools so far) but might be able to get a used one this season. New ones cost more than what you want to spend on a bike. I borrowed one from a friend last year and had a really tough time with it, so the wetsuit thing scares me more than the bike.

Originally posted by interspace8



What was it that caused you problems with the wetsuit? I've heard that sometimes the neck can be too tight and people feel like they're choking. I think i might rent one, however i'm going to need it well prior to the race day so i can do some OWS practices.

Originally posted by jennifer_runs



It really didn't fit me that well-- belonged to a friend who was shorter but about the same size through the middle. It constricted my calves and my neck. I just kind of thought it would feel better once I started swimming.

I know I can probably find one that fits and will try a rental first, but it's just this barrier I have now. I have done four pool tris and no open water so far... this year I need to get over that.

Originally posted by interspace8



its a 20 year old Specialized Hard Rock!

Originally posted by happyscientist


I also have that bike from 1999. I keep it in my parents garage and ride it when I go to visit them. It is actually really lightweight. You aren't going to get a better bike for under $160. What you can do is put slick tires on it and lower the handlebars. You even have an advantage over most mountain bikes because the handlebars were really narrow in the 90s.

I second the co-op suggestion if you want a "new" bike. There is one here where people donate old bikes or parts, and others come in and get things dirt cheap along with help fixing them up.

The rental option is also good.

There will be a ton of mountain bikes at a sprint. There will be every kind of bike imaginable there. You will also see people on bikes that cost more than your car, but some of those people will be riding slower than you. The important thing isn't what bike you are on. The important thing is that you get out there and give it a shot, and hopefully have fun.

Originally posted by 3mar I think it's a right of passage to do your first triathlon on non-racing bike. We all did it. Mine was on a hybrid though, so it wasn't too bad I guess. Also, the other people in the race will know you're a first timer and will likely give you a lot of support. That's what I've seen anyway.

Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano

I did my first race on a girls hybrid I borrowed maybe a week or two before.  I love when people show up with random bikes.  Especially if they have a basket or bell.  They almost always look like they are having the most fun out there!