Triathlon - what gears? when to do em?

i got into triathalons about 3 months ago. i have only done one and it was a sprint. i did it on my mountain bike. i recently got a fuji team sl road bike. are there any tips/techniques for riding as far as the different gear ratios. Is it better to be spinning the tire more while in a lower gear, or getting more push/pull from the higher gears but not spinning as fast? how about hills? spin it more or just tough it out, stand up, and pump thorugh it on a higher gear?

i usually keep it somewhat moderate, downhill i put it on higher gears to increase speed, i do that on inclines also depending how steep. i feel like im an okay rider, but an tips/or techniques that could give me an edge would be greatly appreciated. im doing another sprint this march in tallahassee. red hills triathlon. im pumped to finally have a bike to actually see what i can do when i have the proper equipment.

dorep

There are two kinds of riders and you'll need to figure out which kind you are. Some people ride in slightly smaller gears with a high cadence (90-100 rpm); I'm one and these. Most of the triathlon training guides will tell you that this is THE way to ride; it's not. Some people ride better in a slightly larger gears and with a lower cadence (65-75 rpm); this is a valid way to ride. You'll need to figure out which way you prefer to ride and then figure out how that impacts running once you're off the bike. I spin up hills myself. Both riding styles have benefits and impacts. The best thing you can do right now is to get a cyclecomputer that has a cadence function so that you can keep track of what's working and what isn't.

try to maintain a cadence around 90rpm. Use the gears to allow you to maintain that cadence. (i.e. too easy go to a higher gear, too hard, go to a lower gear) Spinning a high rpm (90 or above) breaks the work down into smaller pieces and puts less stress on your muscles and youri joints. The problem with a low cadence (like 65 rpm) is its going to take its toll on your legs. At first spinning at 90 rpm is going to feel wierd if you're not used to it, but you'll adapt with practice.

I think you'll find the vast majority of elite cyclists and triathletes ride at cadences of at least 90rpm. Lance Armstrong is famous for taking spinning to an extreme and routinely road in 100-110 range.

thanks for the replies, any reccomendations on a good computer to put on the bike that will perform rpm/speed/distance

Cateye Astrale 8

On sale for $25 at Nashbar currently. Can't beat that.

Steve

unless you want wireless...and have more money to spend...

I have two (or maybe three) of the Cateye Double Wireless and it's great. You can get them on e-bay for less than $100.