Triathlon - Newbie - would like advice

Greetings:
I am brand new here (and to the sport). I am sure that this question has been covered before so, if you could redirect me to the appropriate thread, that would be great.

My question is as follows: I am currently training for a few marathons and halfs. I am interested in getting involved in triathlons next year. Along those lines, I am interested in riding (cross-training) this summer. I am considering a beginner tri-bike or purchasing a road bike and modifying it for tri riding. Currently, I have a Diamond Back hybrid that I ride with my wife, but, am looking to prepare for next year correctly (and faster).

I don't know how much difference it with recommendations but, I am 6'6" and 220lbs (trying to loose a bit). Currently, I am not doing much riding but, alot of running. I would like to suppliment the running with riding and then move the new bike to a trainer over the winter.

So, as a rank amatuer, I have read the conflicting views as to whether to get a road bike or a tri-bike. I am open to either. Many of my rider oriented friends are recommending a modified road bike so that I can ride on group rides.

Well, thanks in advance, and if this has already been beaten to death, please just point me in the right direction.

Thanks

Here's a good article that should point you in the right direction:http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml

Being 6'6", it may be hard to find bikes to test out in your size. Good luck in your search!

Being 6'6", it may be hard to find bikes to test out in your size. Good luck in your search!

To that degree, you could find an awesome older model, but new, bike in a bike shop that is just waiting for someone your size to pick it up.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

I agree that the "test ride" portion of my quest may be difficult (due to my size). I think that my first priority is to get measured for the right size. Is there a "clearing house" of bike shops in different areas that are qualified/trained/good at sizing for tri-bikes? I live in Saratoga Springs, NY and there are several bike shops around here. As well, I have heard some recommendations for places in Vt. and Mass.

I am not familiar enough with what I am looking for to be able to ask the right questions regarding someones ability to fit me correctly. I will continue to read more on the topic and very much appreciate the feedback.

Sprocketman - Thanks for the article. I had run across that one before, and really like how readible it is for my type "the newbie." The more reading that I do on the topic, the more stuff in that article that starts to make sense.

I think the answer comes down to what you want to do with the bike. If you only want to go fast on relatively flat ground, the TT/Tri bike may be the way to go. If you actually want to do a variety of riding, a road bike with clip on aero bars will give you a lot more options, and unless you are a serious triathlete trying to gain every slight advantage available, you won't lose much.

I have a 'second' road bike set up for tris with clip-ons and the seat mounted a bit forward. Would I be a little bit faster on a dedicated TT rig? Probably, but it would only get used for competition and occasional training rides leading up to races. I feel the modified road bike gets me 98% of the way to my racing potential. For reference, I'm 6'2, 205 and running three sprint tris this year.

Jim

Is there a "clearing house" of bike shops in different areas that are qualified/trained/good at sizing for tri-bikes?

yes (http://www.slowtwitch.com/dealersurvey/fistcoaches.html)

I think the answer comes down to what you want to do with the bike. If you only want to go fast on relatively flat ground, the TT/Tri bike may be the way to go. If you actually want to do a variety of riding, a road bike with clip on aero bars will give you a lot more options, and unless you are a serious triathlete trying to gain every slight advantage available, you won't lose much.

I have a 'second' road bike set up for tris with clip-ons and the seat mounted a bit forward. Would I be a little bit faster on a dedicated TT rig? Probably, but it would only get used for competition and occasional training rides leading up to races. I feel the modified road bike gets me 98% of the way to my racing potential. For reference, I'm 6'2, 205 and running three sprint tris this year.

Jim

Jim (and all)
Thanks for the info. Regarding purchasing a roadbike and modifying it. The article that was posted earlier speaks of the seat position.

"This steeper seat angle serves to open the distance between the thigh and the torso up, easing muscular tension in the legs and lower back and making breathing easier. There is a common misconception that the seat on a triathlon bike is "farther forward". It is not. The fact is the bottom bracket is relatively farther back. This puts the rider’s feet farther back, opening up the torso/femur angle. "

Does the seat mount emulate the steeper angle of the seat tube? I assume that the modification is the tube itself.

Regarding sizing: Do you get sized/measured for a tri-bike or for a road bike?

Thanks for your patience!
Dan