Triathlon - riding vintage

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pgavin
04-04-06, 10:18 PM
Hey everyone. This is my first post here.

I am planning to do my first sprint tri this summer and am curious about whether or not I should use my vintage trek road bike (I've been having problems nailing down the exact model as the serial number doesn't match the frame - late 70s though). I can either make some upgrades to it, or use my mtb (2001 schwinn moab 3). I'd rather not use my mtb as I don't want to watch people flying by me all race. So, do any of you ride vintage bikes in races? Have you seen others? I find it difficult to rationalize spending a great deal of money on a new road bike, if I don't yet how often I'll use it. I apologize in advance if my question screams newbie.

Patrick

^*^BATMAN^*^
04-05-06, 06:19 AM
The only people I know who ride "vintage", are some ex pro triathletes that had kids, and cant afford to upgrade. They are from the 80's, though they are still so fast on the bik no one sais anything.

Road vs MTB- I would say if the roady is in safe riding condition...go for it. It is hard to make a decision for you with out knowing the details of the bikes. Road bikes are ment to got faster, you can get into a more aero position, and the handling is better suited for the speeds.
Jaybird
04-05-06, 01:08 PM
I agree w/Batman. To add a point, I believe the "engine" on the bike has a lot to do with it.

I road a vintage Maruishi (sp?) borrowed from a friend for my first tri. It was a late 80's w/105 components. I was determining if I liked the sport, so I borrowed the only road bike available. My experience on it was bad because it was too tall for me and I only rode it twice before the tri. It was a learning experience! Because you regularly use this bike, I think you will be fine.

I wrote a story for my tri club about the experience, if you're interested...or anybody else. http://www.teamnebraska.org/RaceStoriesWebPage/JayFerreira1stTriathlonStory.html

I did a duathlon last year and the guy who won the overall was on a vintage (early 90's) bike. It helped he was running sub 6 miles, but still, he killed it on the bike too.

caloso
04-05-06, 01:17 PM
I say go for it. Slap a set of aerobars on it and go.