First sprint distance tri

[nscrbug]

Hi all,

I'm doing my very first sprint distance triathlon in June. I recently bought my first road bike - a Trek 2100 WSD. I think I might want to swap out the stock pedals (Shimano M505 SPD) for something a bit easier to unclip out of. Of course, I realize that I would need to get road shoes. I'm currently looking at a pair of women's Shimano R099W (carbon composite sole, SPD-SL/Look, $109). Which of the compatible 3-bolt pedal systems should I consider? Any pro's or con's with any of them? I'm sort of on a budget, so it would be ideal if I could find something decent that's not too spendy (under $100).

I'm also wondering if I should invest in a set of clip-on aerobars? Seeing as it's my first tri and the bike distance is very short...I don't think I need them...but figured I would ask anyway. I suppose I could always add them on next year, if I stick with it. TIA

Linda

[Psydotek]

Don't worry about the aerobars for your first event.

In fact, unless the pedals are just terrible, i'd just use those too. Learning to unclip does take practice and i'm pretty sure you can adjust the release tension.

The shoes would be a good investment. There are plenty of road shoes around $100 that can accept both 2 and 3 hole cleats (2 hole for the current SPD pedals, 3 hole for future SPD-SL/Look style pedals).

Just make sure you get used to the shoes/pedals well in advance of the event. :D

[andygates]

Just to be contrary, I'll say leave the pedals and whatever SPD shoes you've got, and spring for some clip-on aerobars. I'm still using Time ATACs and my regular Specialized Taho MTB / commuting shoes because, basically, I'm not sitting on top of a huge pile of cash. Works just fine.

Aerobars, on the other hand, can buy you some nice time.