buying my first bike for a tri

[myfirsttri]

Would love recommendations for the purchase of my first bike. I am 67 and have just entered by first Tri. I need to purchase a bike and am sooo confused by it all. I am fairly athletic (work out every day) but the spinning bikes don't require balance!! I am looking at a Trek Hybrid 7000WSD and 7100 WSD. Should I look at a Road Bike or comfort bike or cyclobike. So confusing!!

[KnottedYet]

I did my first tri on a Kona Dew hybrid; bedecked with fenders, rack, and saddle with springs.

I loved that bike, it was perfectly fine for my tri. I got a kick out of passing folks in full road gear on carbon road bikes while riding my sturdy steed!

A hybrid is a lovely bike to start with. Sweet-tempered, easy-going, and forgiving bikes. Their prices are generally on the lower end (around $400) and if you buy a different bike later for other activities, the hybrid makes a GREAT utility bike and back up bike.

[myfirsttri]

Thank you for the info, it is greatly appreciated. Am going tomorrow to ride a few and see how they feel. So excited about my first Tri!!

[maillotpois]

Hey myfirsttri - Doing your first event at 67 is pretty darned insirational. Be sure to post back and let us know how your training is going!

[myfirsttri]

Thanks will do. I can do the 1/2 mile swim in a little under 30 minutes, the run is at about 40 min (would be happy with a 30 min. run)and the bike is my worst one yet!! I'm ashamed to say it takes me almost in hour for the 12 miles. But the Tri isn't til May so I have lots of room to improve. I'm looking at getting a trainer. Is that something I should seriously do?

[HillSlugger]

Congrats on signing up for your first triathlon!

A trainer is a great thing to have but riding outside is even better. Do you live somewhere where you'll be able to get outside soon?

[myfirsttri]

I live in central Florida which is by our standards cold right now (52). But as soon as I get my bike plan to ride a lot outside. Any recs on how to increase my speed on the bike would be appreciated!! Thanks

[HillSlugger]

I live in central Florida which is by our standards cold right now (52). But as soon as I get my bike plan to ride a lot outside. Any recs on how to increase my speed on the bike would be appreciated!! Thanks

Ride. Lots! ;)

52 and no snow? That would be like heaven right now :rolleyes:

[KnottedYet]

Ride. Lots! ;)


YES!!!!!

Ride lots. Ride everywhere. Ride to the grocery store, the post office, your haircut appointment.

You'll be amazed how much faster than usual you'll ride during the tri. The excitement and the adrenalin just push you along at a wild pace, and you feel fabulous!

Ride! Ride! Ride!

[myfirsttri]

Thanks for the advice. Getting my bike today, yeah!! Will start riding in neighborhood first (BIG neighborhood) then as I get my courage up will ride on roads. My big fear is to be hit by a car. Had a friend that was a bicycle lover and rode everywhere. She was hit and killed by a truck that ran up over a crub while making a turn,she was waiting to cross the intersection.

[redrhodie]

Thanks for the advice. Getting my bike today, yeah!! Will start riding in neighborhood first (BIG neighborhood) then as I get my courage up will ride on roads. My big fear is to be hit by a car. Had a friend that was a bicycle lover and rode everywhere. She was hit and killed by a truck that ran up over a crub while making a turn,she was waiting to cross the intersection.

Oh, that's so sad.

You need more than courage to ride on the roads. You might want to take a bike safety class. I'm sure others on the forum will be able to steer you in the right direction. I think the League of American Bicyclists offers them.

http://www.bikeleague.org/

[myfirsttri]

Thanks that sounds like a great idea. Will look into it.

[redrhodie]

Did you get your bike? I'd love to see a pic!

[TsPoet]

Do you have a local club(s)? Even in my relatively small town there are 2 bike clubs - 1 is purely a "social riding" club. If you can find a club like that, they will help you get out on the road. You won't be alone, and I bet there will be people in the club happy to mentor you as to the best way to ride through your specific intersections etc.
Good luck and keep us posted!

[myfirsttri]

Hi, my bike should be ready either Saturday or Monday. They did the measurement thing and are doing the alignment. I have a group of girls that want to go biking this Sunday so hope I do have it. I think I should go with a group that have experience with the roads. I hesitate to do it by myself. Traffic:) is soooo bad here. I will look into a bike club. I think we have a Tri club here and I know we have a running club. Thanks for all your input, it is greatly appreciated!!