buying my first bike for a tri

[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

[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/