Road Cycling - Question on getting started in road racing...

I'm 17, and I'd like to get into road racing eventually. I just finished building my first road bike. It's light weight (I think), with ultegra derailleurs and BB and cassette, 105 shifters, sora calipers. Aero wheels from performancebike called Performance Titan - 27 mm deep rim w/ bladed spokes. Aluminum frame w/ carbon fork from supergo.com - Scattante XRL frame/fork/headset.

1) Is a bike like that good enough to enter races with?

2) Basically...how do I get into cycling? Should I try to ride at a certain average speed in training to make sure I don't make a fool of myself first? In my most recent triathlon I averaged 19.5 mph (it was only 16 mile ride, but I could do that for more miles I think), but that's with drafting off others at some points.

3) Any tips or suggestions for good races in the southeastern wisconsin area to begin with?

4) Any other suggestions on what to do to get into the sport?

Most of racing is drafting and endurance not really your individual speed though that does have a factor in how you will perform. Your bike is a decent racing bike. It's all about the engine and a light bike. I would go to you LBS ask about any teams or clubs that race in your area. See if they have any group rides and ride along. Be considerate and watch and learn. They might not tell you what to do but you will learn from how they ride. Most of all don't kill yourself trying to ride all out all the time, just ride and over time you will get faster and stronger.

I'm 17, and I'd like to get into road racing eventually. I just finished building my first road bike. It's light weight (I think), with ultegra derailleurs and BB and cassette, 105 shifters, sora calipers. Aero wheels from performancebike called Performance Titan - 27 mm deep rim w/ bladed spokes. Aluminum frame w/ carbon fork from supergo.com - Scattante XRL frame/fork/headset.

1) Is a bike like that good enough to enter races with?

2) Basically...how do I get into cycling? Should I try to ride at a certain average speed in training to make sure I don't make a fool of myself first? In my most recent triathlon I averaged 19.5 mph (it was only 16 mile ride, but I could do that for more miles I think), but that's with drafting off others at some points.

3) Any tips or suggestions for good races in the southeastern wisconsin area to begin with?

4) Any other suggestions on what to do to get into the sport?


To borrow the Nike phrase...

"Just Do It"

Really, don't over think it, jump in with both feet...peddling.
Prepare to be humbled, watch, learn, and have fun.

Imo, its the best way to gain the experience and the skill.

Good luck kid!

Most of racing is drafting and endurance not really your individual speed though that does have a factor in how you will perform. Your bike is a decent racing bike. It's all about the engine and a light bike. I would go to you LBS ask about any teams or clubs that race in your area. See if they have any group rides and ride along. Be considerate and watch and learn. They might not tell you what to do but you will learn from how they ride. Most of all don't kill yourself trying to ride all out all the time, just ride and over time you will get faster and stronger.

You are young enough that riding a lot in group rides will make you stronger. One note about average speed in a time trial...unless it's very hilly, most riders who can hang with a peloton will average anywhere from 23-25 MPH at a minimum...JMHO.

When I was learning to race I learned very quickly that you have to be able to spin up your cadence at a moment's notice so practice getting a smooth and quick cadence during those group rides...

Z

So am I ready to race with that bike though?

the bike is fine. i know a lot of amateurs (and have been one) who race and win on lesser equipment.

as a beginner, as long as the bike is in good mechanical shape, an extra few pounds aren't going to hurt you. as others have posted, priority number one is to hook up with a club or other individuals who race and have a training schedule set out.

So am I ready to race with that bike though?

As Lance once said, "It's not about the bike."

In my humble opinion, he's qualified to make that statement. ;)

Your bike is FINE for getting started. Just get out and ride. As for getting in to cycling culture, find a local cycling club, ride with a group... make some friends who ride... they can introduce you to races. Visit your LBS and ask the guys who work there for advice on local races and events.

Try www.active.com I used them to find running events for years and they list cycling events also.

The three best things you can do to compete and make a good showing in a race are:

1. Ride
2. Ride more
3. see #1

So if that bike was given to a cyclist my age (around 17) that usually finishes in the top...say 20% of the field, would he still be able to finish that well with this bike?

Then I can be sure that when I enter my first race, I will know its all about the engine and not my bike.

Its not the bike its the person on it. You cant buy speed

So if that bike was given to a cyclist my age (around 17) that usually finishes in the top...say 20% of the field, would he still be able to finish that well with this bike?

Then I can be sure that when I enter my first race, I will know its all about the engine and not my bike.


You will know it isn't about the bike when you get spanked on a training ride by a 60 year old guy riding a mid 70's motobecane with down tube shifters and no grip tape....trust me....I know

You will know it isn't about the bike when you get spanked on a training ride by a 60 year old guy riding a mid 70's motobecane with down tube shifters and no grip tape....trust me....I know

Ditto that... a couple of years ago, I was half way into the LA Marathon when I was passed AND DROPPED by a bunch of Jamba Juice Bananamen. Yup... a pack of dudes (and dudettes) in a full body foam rubber banana suits just BLAZED by me. I didn't know if I should have laughed or cried...

"It's not about the bike."

Ditto that... a couple of years ago, I was half way into the LA Marathon when I was passed AND DROPPED by a bunch of Jamba Juice Bananamen. Yup... a pack of dudes (and dudettes) in a full body foam rubber banana suits just BLAZED by me. I didn't know if I should have laughed or cried...

"It's not about the bike."

LOL, baby

It is not the bike just like everyone is chanting.

WIS SPORT is a good place to look for races and enter next years Badger State Games. Wisconsin has lots of Citizen class races so you do not even need to think about joining the USCF. Check the LBS (local bike shop don't know how new you are to the culture) for clubs the web is also good for finding clubs/ shops that do rides.

If you are coming from doing Tri's you definitely need to get into some group rides/races as riding in the pack is a different world. Did my fist road race this year after 10yr of not racing with that many people it was still intimidating (but in a good way, what a rush) for me getting back in. Use a higher cadence then for tri/time trials and hang on to the front group as long as you can there is usually a pack or 2 of slower riders to bring up the rear. Note you will have to take your areobars of for the road races and crits, can only use them in the TT or TTT (hope you have clip-ons).

Get out and have fun. One tri all three parts close to one road race.

I'm 17, and I'd like to get into road racing eventually. I just finished building my first road bike. It's light weight (I think), with ultegra derailleurs and BB and cassette, 105 shifters, sora calipers. Aero wheels from performancebike called Performance Titan - 27 mm deep rim w/ bladed spokes. Aluminum frame w/ carbon fork from supergo.com - Scattante XRL frame/fork/headset.

1) Is a bike like that good enough to enter races with?

2) Basically...how do I get into cycling? Should I try to ride at a certain average speed in training to make sure I don't make a fool of myself first? In my most recent triathlon I averaged 19.5 mph (it was only 16 mile ride, but I could do that for more miles I think), but that's with drafting off others at some points.

3) Any tips or suggestions for good races in the southeastern wisconsin area to begin with?

4) Any other suggestions on what to do to get into the sport?

Hmmm ... I wouldn't get caught drafting in a Tri if I were you :mad: