Triathlon - Beginner Questions

My wife wants to try some sprint triathalons. I, was curious if somebody could fill me in on bicycles? Does she need a womens bike, or is a mans bike o.k.? Also, what is are some inexspensive, quality bicycles? Thanks for the input.

Try here...

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?f=191

I'll move it.

For a beginning sprint triathlon, a tri or time trial specific bike isn't exactly necessary, so if money is an issue, check out the "under 750$ road bike" thread for some input. I won't claim to know the least about the diff's between a man's or woman's bike but I would expect she'd want to go woman specific.

Womens' specific really depends on her build. I just helped my mother buy her first road bike since before I was born, and at 5'10" with longish legs, not only did the WSD (womens' specific design) bikes not fit her, they didn't even make them in her size.

I wouldn't buy a new bike if she's just getting started in tris and doesn't know whether or not she'll like it. For the first time out, put some slick tires on whatever bike she has now and use that to race. If she falls in love, then you can start thinking about tri specific bikes.

If she doesn't have a bike then I'd start out with a road bike. Different brands fit differently, so she should go in to a bunch of different shops and try out all sorts of brands.

My wife wants to try some sprint triathalons. I, was curious if somebody could fill me in on bicycles? Does she need a womens bike, or is a mans bike o.k.? Also, what is are some inexspensive, quality bicycles? Thanks for the input.try here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=395306) where there was a lot of discussion about a woman doing her first tri.

/k

I did my first sprint-distance triathlon last year on a used 1990 Bianchi Volpe. It has "male dimensions" for the frame and I am female. Though, I have a long torso. Many woman do not.

I opted for a used bike 'cause I didn't want to invest too much in an event I've never tried before. Luckily, I loved the triathlon and I hope to upgrade soon to a faster used bike or a modestly-priced new bike for future triathlons.

You may wish to get used bikes, in case triathlon isn't you or your wife's cup of tea. I suggest checking on Ebay sales in your area or your local Craig's List. As you probably know, dealing locally often allows you to pick up the bike and avoid any shipping costs. Good luck. :D

I have two road bikes: a Trek 1000 and a Trek 1500. I rode the 1000 in my first tri last December ( a sprint). It does not have aero bars or wheels. She can definitely use a more "entry-level" for a while.

For my club rides and other training rides I ride the 1500.