Multi-Sport RacingTriathalons and Adventure Racing have been sweeping the nation at a phenomenal rate. Multi-Sport Racing is one of the few sports where just completing a race is often considered a victory. Learn all about this sport, post photos, meet potential teammates or brag about your performance in a race.
I'm interested in triathlons but never seem to move past the interest phase. I know nothing about bicycling. I haven't bicycled regularly since I was a teenager. My wife bought me an inexpensive Wal-Mart mountain bike for Father's Day, and bought herself one too, with the intent of casual family bike rides. I'm assuming that an el cheapo may be okay for getting used to riding a bicycle again, but it probably wouldn't be good for heavy duty training and actual racing. What's the minimum requirements for a decent bike??
What about the expenses associated with doing these races?? It seems like it could get pretty pricey with all of the gear.
Well Dave, luckily you are in the south where you can do most tri's spring to fall without the need for a wetsuit (money saved). For a sprint race where the cycling is under 15 miles you could get away with your bike but you won't be competitive. I ride a 1989 Cannondale SR800 that I bought on ebay for about $350. Luckily I knew what I was looking for. You could get a new bike that would be good for tri's from Felt or Giant for $500 - $600 range or check with your local bike shop on consignment bikes. Either way, make sure the shop fits you properly.
Good Luck (My minions grow....)
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Thanks, ODB. I haven't ridden my budget bike too much yet. I grew up in flat places and have been shocked by how difficult it is to ride uphill. Maybe I don't have the gears down yet for proper hill riding.
Dave, I'm not a swimmer either (by any stretch of the imagination) but I've wanted to attempt a Tri...check out some calendars and you may find a couple of Duathlons which might be an easier start for you or some Tris are now doing a paddle (kayak or canoe) in place of the swim. GO non-swimmers!
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Thanks for the links, y'all! I've seen some duathlons on calendars around here. Those do sound like possibilities... if I ever start bicycling! I think I would do okay with the swimming if I can figure out where/when to practice. Practice a lot!!
Dave - go see if there is a Masters swim club in your area. They are great at letting beginners come to the class, and are really great at teaching you the basics. They're great teachers! Also, see if there is a triathlon club somewhere. They may do open water swims, and usually can hook you up with a Masters class.
E
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Now is a GREAT time to be buying a bike. End of season sales will be in full swing soon. Also, people will be selling their "old bikes" and you might be able to get a deal on one of these, either now or early next season.
PLEASE--GET A PROPER FITTING FROM A PROFESSIONAL FIRST! If you buy a bike that doesn't fit, you're going to be in pain, so you won't ride. Or, you'll get hurt, so you won't ride. Most places will give you the price of the fitting off the cost of the bike.
Swimming is all about technique. Get into a master's swim class, or, at the very least, get a video on Total Immersion (TI). You're athletic, so you'll pick it up quickly, I suspect.
I've never taken a Masters course, I suspect it would be a good idea so I will echo that.
Swimming really is all about technique, even just practicing technique on my own I managed to bring my time down a lot.
Not like Eric fast, but not to shabby either.
Og.
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Thanks for all of the tips! Since my wife just bought me the budget bike for Father's Day, buying another one right now probably wouldn't go over so well. Now I'm getting paranoid over whether the bike I have is even close to a proper fit. Probably not!
Your fit is probably way off but unless you are experiencing knee or back pain I would say it will be enough to see if you really like the whole triathlon thing. If you put some serious miles on the bike and want to continue at least then you will have a leg to stand on with the wife when it comes to getting a new bike. There are plenty of great bikes under $1000 but also keep in mind that these are not true tri bikes. Chances are the more you get involved the more you will start to alter any bike to fit more towards tris. But it is a good stepping stone. You can also start looking down the road. Check out tri bikes now, shop like you are looking to buy. Find a bike and fit you really like and then next season start searching ebay and roadbikereview.com, etc. for the exact bike and size that's been used for a year and you might be able to get a great true tri bike at a much cheaper price.
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There's no love in fear. Staring down the hole again. Hands upon my back again. Survival is my only friend. Terrified of what may come. Just remember I will always love you, even as I tear your fucking throat away. But it will end no other way.
What kind of bike do you need?
I've seen some duathlons on calendars around here. Those do sound like possibilities... if I ever start bicycling! I think I would do okay with the swimming if I can figure out where/when to practice. Practice a lot!!
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