brand new, no clue

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2009-07-21 6:06 PM

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Subject: brand new, no clue

for the last 20 years i have played baseball.  now that's over and i'm looking for something new.  i have an old mountain bike and no idea what i'm doing.  can i use my bike or no?  i'm looking to start very very cheap until i get my feet wet but dont know how to begin?  any advice?  thanks.

2009-07-21 6:24 PM
in reply to: #2300007

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
I have seen it done. It's really up to you. Keep in mind that if you are doing this to race then you would be at a disadvantage to those using road or ti-bikes. If you start getting inot longer distance races like HIM and IM's then a road or tri-bike is more important. Go out there and have fun.
2009-07-21 7:03 PM
in reply to: #2300007

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
I did my first 3 tris on a mountain bike. I think if you want to get a sense of tris without dropping a load of cash on a bike it is a good idea to just race on the mountain bike.

Caveat: If you do decide to race with the mountain bike, you will be passed by lots of people, moreso than if you were on a road/tri bike. As long as you are ok with that, I'd say that's a good option. Go out there, enjoy the pain, don't worry about the speed demons around you, and let the feeling at the end of the race tell you whether or not you want to buy a better bike
2009-07-21 7:05 PM
in reply to: #2300007

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
thanks for the reply.  right now i'm doing it for the challange and the exercise.  i'm not too concerned about race results, but is it better to train for a long time before starting to race?  or should a beginner find a balance to maximize gains?  
2009-07-21 7:37 PM
in reply to: #2300007

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
welcome

I trained for 5 months on a GT Outpost(similar to a mtn bike), I pushed, pushed and pushed and was at an avg around 20mph with a TON of energy put forth. About a week before my first Olympic Triathlon, I bought a Trek 2.3 road bike and threw some aerobars on it. I didn't get a good chance to break in the shoes, or bike, however I did get a race fit to it. being my first race performance on it, working out on the GT outpost paid off somewhat, I put up 67 minutes for the 40K, about a week ago this past sunday. This past sunday I did my first Century on it, I can not believe I was pedaling on that GT Outpost. in about two weeks I have about 390 miles on my trek 2.3, I think I am doing pretty good.

You don't need a road bike for a sprint or olympic, but it sure saves you some energy for the run. I would look around Craigs list, you can find a used road bike for under $400 pretty easy.

Good luck

Edited by lodac 2009-07-21 7:38 PM
2009-07-21 8:17 PM
in reply to: #2300007

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
thanks for the reply!  i think i'll stick to the mountain bike for a while.  the idea of needing to use extra energy sounds like i can gain some strength early on.  how much weight lifting do triathletes do and what type?  i'm sure bulk is not helpful but what do you all do?

2009-07-21 8:38 PM
in reply to: #2300007

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue

I am using a mountain bike (4 years old) as well for my first sprint tri.  I had some road tires (26" made for mb's) put on and bought some cheap shoes and pedals, along with a tune up.  I gained about 5-6 km/hr in my first ride.  I am only 3 weeks into my training, so that gain might be part of quick gains at first.  The bike part of my race is 18 k, and I have been averaging around 30-32 km/hr ( about 19.2 miles/hr).  Just do it for the love.  You won't beleive how addictive it is!

As far as working out,  I have been a gym rat for about 3 years, attending 4-5 per week, lifting some decent weight.  Bulk is not helpful, so its been suggested to me to build up my endurance with light weights that I can do 3 sets of 20-25 reps.  Now only have time to visit gym 1 time per week.  Just to note, I have gone from 181 lbs to 174 in three weeks and feel the best I ever have in my life.

Just a guess, but if you are a ball player, I would make sure your arm and back strength are equal on both sides.

Good luck



Edited by sryall 2009-07-21 8:39 PM
2009-07-21 8:48 PM
in reply to: #2300007

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
Thanks for the reply!  It's nice to hear someone racing on a mountain bike. Some road wheels aren't a bad idea either.   Great tip increasing reps with lower weight, I will give it a try.  Looking forward to the challange.
2009-07-22 6:44 AM
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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
Welcome!  I don't know if you saw my thread in this topic, but I'm in the same boat - thinking about tri, only have a mountain back.  (Not only is it not a clipless system, I don't even have BASKETS on the pedals...LOL)  We have a local sprint tri series (very unofficial, kinda the tri equivalent of a Fun Run), and I'll probably try one of those with my mountain bike and see how I like it before committing to major purchase like a tri/road bike.
2009-07-22 7:22 AM
in reply to: #2300007


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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
I am in the same boat.  (Former ball player as well)  My first Tri is in 2 weeks in G'ville AL.  I will be using my very old, yard sale purchased mountain bike.  I considered buying a bike but went and drove the course last weekend and saw how flat it was, so no real need to make a big purchase.  If you live close to the event, I recommend you look at the lay of the land.  Good Luck!
2009-07-23 3:16 PM
in reply to: #2300007

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
Welcome !! 
I'm new to tris but have been cycling for a number of years ( I too rode a '95 GT Outpost before getting a road bike !!).

I did my 1st tri 2 month ago. One athelete was a nice lady on her 'Hello Kitty' beach cruiser with basket. No problem.... Go for it but don't expect to be real competative.

If you going to use your MTB for a tri (or road riding for that matter), an inexpensive set of road tires (slicks) will definately be an improvement over the knobbies.  Just my opinion.

Anyhow, welcome and happy training!!


Edited by Bone Head 2009-07-23 3:17 PM

2009-07-23 9:07 PM
in reply to: #2300007

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
I will definitely get some road tires.  I bought my bike from a buddy for $50 and am looking to start cheap.  Triathlon gear seems very expensive and I want to get some experience before making any big purchases.  I've looked on craigslist but mostly found junk.  Is there anywhere else to find deals?
2009-07-23 10:29 PM
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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
Welcome!  I too am starting out cheap.  Took my bike off the wall after 10 years.  It looks to be in pretty good shape considering it's 20 years old.  Mine's a regular 10 speed.  It's a Giant, Quasaur.  Got the chain working then it busted.  I'm surprised the tires didn't blow when I inflated them.  Anyway, I'm going to use it for my first couple of tri's and then I'll go from there.  Considering I still need the rest of the gear.  Shoes, shorts, tops.  The only thing I have now is the swim suit, goggles and cap since I've been swimming.  (sorry for being long winded,  I tend to over explain).
2009-07-24 6:27 AM
in reply to: #2304963

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
mattylukes - 2009-07-23 10:07 PM I will definitely get some road tires.  I bought my bike from a buddy for $50 and am looking to start cheap.  Triathlon gear seems very expensive and I want to get some experience before making any big purchases.  I've looked on craigslist but mostly found junk.  Is there anywhere else to find deals?


A good article on 'Must haves' and 'Nice to haves'
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1486

I used ebay to picked up NEW tri shorts and a NEW wetsuit (during the off season).  My wetsuit was less than $100 shipped.  Online retailers generally have clearance areas, free shipping offers and coupons codes.  Rarely do I pay full retail.
Also, If you have a local tri club, the members may have a "Garage Sale" early in the season. Folks looking to upgrade often will sell their unneeded, used  equipment at reasonable prices.

Happy Training

Edited by Bone Head 2009-07-24 6:34 AM
2009-07-24 6:59 AM
in reply to: #2305215

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
"I don't gasp for air, I POWER BREATHE !!" - Bone Head

hahaha that's awesome



Edited by cam224 2009-07-24 6:59 AM
2009-07-24 3:55 PM
in reply to: #2300007

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue

First bike ride today.  Only 4 miles but it took forever.  Very frustrating workout. My knees kept hitting the handle bars.  Is it bad form on can I adjust the bike.  Maybe I should look into a road bike. 

2009-07-27 9:20 AM
in reply to: #2300007

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Subject: RE: brand new, no clue
Take your bike into a specialty store.  Let them analyze the situation.  Ask questions.  Questions are free.  Just remember, they ultimately will be wanting to sell you a bike.
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