mountain bike for tri

[jaune]

hi all,

i am interested in doing my first triathlon (starting with a sprint) and would like to know if using a mountain bike is alright? i'm not comfortable nor steady on a road bike yet and want to do a few races on a mountain bike to see how it goes
anyone using a Terry Cite X Gel Saddle, how is it? went cycling on a mountain bike with a carbon saddle once, even the extra 'padding' on my butt didnt spare me the 'torture' from the hard saddle

thank you for your advice


j

[alpinerabbit]

Loads of first timers around with MTBs. Put on some slicks.

There are people who ride Ironman on full carbon saddles . You don't have to be that tough though.

[Tri Girl]

Welcome! I'm happy to hear that your considering doing your first tri! Alpinerabbit is right- LOTS of people do tris on mtn bikes for their first few ones to get the feel and to see if they like it enough to invest in a road bike. I agree to put some slick tires on, it'll definitely help lower your rolling resistance and leave you fresher for the run.
What race are you considering?

[jaune]

either a mini sprint or sprint. since it's my first race, i want to do something i can cope before moving up the distance. 750m for a swim may not seem far or hard but for a newbie like myself, it is a great challenge
i may even stick with a mountain bike if it suits me well when doing a tri heh
have you done many races tri girl?

[alpinerabbit]

750 is a lot ....

I thought my first 500 would never end. I noted with not a small bit of relief, that my race sunday is only 470 instead of 500, but I AM going to sign up for that Oly in August, unless I am scared to death.

[Tri Girl]

750 IS a lot for a sprint IMO. I'm doing a sprint in a couple weeks that has an 800m swim. Yikes! I like sprints because they're short, but when that swim is long, it seems to drain me just a little more than I'd like.
Just go do your first tri with the happy attitude of finishing with a smile on your face. When you cross the finish line, then you can start having time goals in mind, and trying to beat your best time. Just go have fun!!!