Quote Originally Posted by TM383
First off, hello to everyone! I was searching the web for a site just like this one, where I can talk to other women!

Secondly, I need info! I have been riding my mountain bike (my only bike) on the road (because I am scared of actually doing a mountain!) for the last couple of weeks for fitness (I am thinking of doing a triathlon). Its really not that comfortable but I figured I would get used to it. Someone recently mentioned that I would be more comfortable and be faster in a tri if I purchased a road bike. How true is this? Is it a big difference?

And, if getting a road bike is a good idea, which one is good and wont cost me alot of money (alot being a thousand dollars).

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Tamara
Hi!

You could get a hybrid (which are heaps cheaper) and fit them on with "skinny" road bike like wheels. You could even do that for your mountain bike. The new wheels themselves would probably give you noticeable improvements. Keep your off road wheelset, and you have a great multipurpose bike!

As for comfort, mountain bikes and hybrids allow you to adopt an upright position, so this is more comfortable. Road bikes allow you to get into a more horizontal body position which is more aerodynamic, but when I first started out, i had all sorts of back, neck wrist, triceps...etc pains, although your body will soon get used to that position after a while. So a road bike isn't necessarily more comfortable per se.

But most importantly, get a great fitting bike... just like you would for your lingerie.

~E~