First Tri - Equipment and Clubs???

eposhea

Hey FOlks,
Ok, I am sure that this question has been asked countless times, but hell with it! I see some really dedicated people are on this forum, so i apologise if i am being repetitive with the questions! :D

Right so - I have been speaking about doing a triathlon for a few years now, but it is time to step up to the plate, so to speak! I enjoy running and completed a couple of races last year! I used to swim competitively, altho so many years ago now i forget how! And I used to cycle a lot, until my bike got stolen, nearly a year ago now!!

I have set myself a goal and i have entered the TryAthy event on June 5th! I def need a goal for the motivation! i am also looking at doing some duathlons, to get used to the transitions - Waterford in March i hope!

My question really relates to equipment! I have a two good pairs of running shoes and i have a wetsuit (for surfing, but it will do for now!!!). But no bike since it was robbed from the "secure underground parking"!! I can get a bike through the bike to work scheme , but what to get is the real question! Road bikes start bout 600, shoiuld i really be going for a bike like this? Most bike shops offer tri starter packs for approx 1000! is it worth spending this much?

Another note - i have been thralling the internet for clubs, and since i live in Dublin City Centre, i think 3D tri would be the best for me? anyone on here a member of 3D? when would be best time to come along and sign up? I would be of average fittness doing all 3 disciplines seperately, but never attempted all three, or two even, ha! ;)

any advice is greatly appreciated, again, sorry for asking repetitive questions!

Cheers,
EP:):)

Jupiter36

Hi there! At the moment, 3d runs two swim sessions on a Thursday in Belvedere swimming pool; running on Saturday mornings in the park and cycling on Sunday mornings in the park. There will be open water swimming, cycling and running during the week as the summer approaches. All sessions cater for people of all levels of experience and ability. It is a big club with a lot of friendly, down to earth people only too willing to help you out and always someone to train with. There are plenty of other members on this forum so I'm sure they can offer their opinions too. Check out the club website www.3dtri.com. People are always welcome to come along and try out a session, just email the club. New training blocks are starting in a few weeks so now would be a good time to try out a few sessions.
I'm no expert on bikes but if my own experience is anything to go by, you will get different advice from almost everyone you speak to. However, the one constant is this: the most important thing to consider when purchasing a bike is the fit - if you get it wrong, it can be a pretty expensive mistake. For what its worth, if I were you, I would spend a bit of time reading up on bike fit, don't be blinded by carbon, groupsets and wheels, just make sure you get a bike that fits and then spend plenty of time on it building up your fitness.:)
Enjoy and best of luck!

Git101

eposhea wrote: »

But no bike since it was robbed from the "secure underground parking"!! I can get a bike through the bike to work scheme , but what to get is the real question! Road bikes start bout 600, shoiuld i really be going for a bike like this? Most bike shops offer tri starter packs for approx 1000! is it worth spending this much?

Well worth a search on the cycling forum.
Loads of info about entry level bikes.
A friendly bunch of guys there will give you all the bike advice you need.

eposhea

thanks for the replies guys!

Jupiter - i'll definitely try and get to Belevedere this thursday, i would love to start the block training in a few weeks! I was out at Wheelworx at the weekend, they were the only retailers that actually mentioned bike fit, and they said they would fit me correctly on the bike, so that was good to hear!

I'll check out the cycling forum Git, thanks for that! dont know why didnt look there already!:)

just got the info today about the bike to work - so gonna get it sorted soon i hope! cheers again!

EP

zico10

I'm a member of 3D and just to avise you that both swim sessions, that the club runs on a Thursday night are full. This just comes down to the number of people the pool will hold and it is the case for fully paid up club members as well.
Non-members are welcome to attend any training session, but if you are looking to participate, which I'm sure you are, then you'd be much better off attending either the cycling or running.