Bike for Triathalon

StaggerLee

Hi All,

I'm looking at buying a new Bike for a bit of commuting and leisure.

I'm also looking into starting Triathlons. Now it would be very much at Novice level. Lately I have been doing a lot more swimming and cycling(on a cheap old Hybrid bike) as I can't put in the miles running anymore.

I'm trying to decide between a Giant Defy 3(with drop bars) and Giant Rapid 3(Flat Bars). I have never used a road bike with drop bars before and am wondering are they a must have for Triathlon?

shg101

StaggerLee wrote: »

Hi All,

I'm looking at buying a new Bike for a bit of commuting and leisure.

I'm also looking into starting Triathlons. Now it would be very much at Novice level. Lately I have been doing a lot more swimming and cycling(on a cheap old Hybrid bike) as I can't put in the miles running anymore.

I'm trying to decide between a Giant Defy 3(with drop bars) and Giant Rapid 3(Flat Bars). I have never used a road bike with drop bars before and am wondering are they a must have for Triathlon?

Most 'less serious' people in triathlons who have road bikes with drop handlebars are not using them - well over half I'd say. Those who are serious don't use them either, as they use aero bars.


EDIT: But this doesn't mean you'll be just as quick on the Rapid as the Defy, you'll probably be more upright (less aerodynamic) and heavier.

dizzyg

I was in exactly the same situation. I wanted a daily commute bike that i could use for the odd triathlon here and there.

I ended up going for the Giant Rapid 3 with the flat bars and love it! It gets a big thumbs up from me - comfortable for my 20k round trip to/from work, and i was able to hold my own for the couple of recent triathlons I've done.

As SHG101 said, you sit slightly more upright with the flat bars so I was toying with the idea of putting some aerobars on it, but right now i don't take the racing serious enough for that.

shotgunmcos

You'll get used to the drop bars. Sure you can still sit up with them but the drops give you another position option against a head wind or just for some raised hairs on descents

Polmol

Not sure if you will see this now but just with regards to triathalons, I am looking to do my first triathalon this year and am wondering whether to buy a tr specific wetsuit or just go with a rental for the day..the only thing is that I want to train doing open water swimming so think I need to have one in advance. Any advice appreciated.

green_dub_girl

Polmol, I'm in exactly the same situation. I want to do the Dublin City Sprint Tri in August but as it's my first one i'm not sure i'm ready for the big upfront investment that comes with buying a wetsuit/racer bike. I have a street bike, but am worried that I will be laughed out of it by the serious experienced triathletes!

Macanri

green_dub_girl wrote: »

Polmol, I'm in exactly the same situation. I want to do the Dublin City Sprint Tri in August but as it's my first one i'm not sure i'm ready for the big upfront investment that comes with buying a wetsuit/racer bike. I have a street bike, but am worried that I will be laughed out of it by the serious experienced triathletes!

Don't worry - you wont be laughed out of it. i did my first duathlon last year on my old mountain bike. I heard of a lad doing one of the park duathlons on a 'Dublin bike' bike. You may be faster than some on blinged out bikes.

Re the wetsuit. If you want to test the water and try out a tri, then you could hire one. But if you want one for doing training OW swims in then maybe see if you can borrow one from someone?

Also, do a search on here for a "beginner triathlon" thread - some usefull info in there.

Fazz

Triathlon isn't a pretentious sport.

I find it's very welcoming and fair play to everyone competing no matter what size, sex, shape or what equipment being used.

I'd definitely recommend going for one in whatever equipment you have/can afford. After this you can see if you want to do more and justify more investment or happy with the odd one on a budget etc.

I've defo never seen anyone laughed at or be talked about for equipment/size/age etc and in fairness at most races you will see all manner of competitors.

I'm doing triathlons almost a year now, still on my road bike but I have Tri bars and even upgraded wheels. Tri bike is planned end of this season ready for next year.

It's very healthy, very addictive and just about the only catch is the equipment can be as expensive as you want to go... And damn there are some nice bikes/wetsuits out there.

I started with a cheapo €100 wetsuit that didn't fit me right and a road bike with drop bars. Did me for 4 races before I got Tri bars and started looking at wheels and wetsuit for Xmas etc.

Probably worked out handy for me that I only started last august and season was over after 4 races. Gave time to save and train and effectively justify more investment as I was completely addicted and still am.

green_dub_girl

Macanri wrote: »

Also, do a search on here for a "beginner triathlon" thread - some usefull info in there.

Will do thanks!