Road Cycling - I need advice for my first tri

Hi! I'm new to the forum and in need of some advice. I'm looking for a road bike for my first triathlon. THis will also be my first bike, so I'm a bit in the dark about exactly what I need. I've been doing my research, but I'd like to get some advice here too! I'm not sure to trust the salesmen trying to sell me the bikes, because it is their job, of course, to get me to buy one! I just want to make sure I'm getting what I need. Please offer your advice! Thanks!

Oh, you were talking about a triathlon, I thought you were talking about getting a new tricycle or something! HEHEHE :D Just kidding, hope you don't mind.

Anyway, wishing you all the best for your 1st triathlon. Though I'm not a triathlete, I still do ride the bike!

I've been doing duathlons for a few years and just did my first triathlon on Sunday. To race a triathlon or duathlon, all you really need is a bike and it doesn't matter what type of bike. I have seen people placing in the top ten with mountain bikes and knobby tires!

IMO, if you go with a road bike and are serious about getting into racing, you should get one that is one step up from the entry level road bike. Something like Trek's 1200, Cannondale's R500, or Giant's OCR2 are all in the $600-$1200 price range.

If you are just wanting to see what it a triathlon is like and are unsure about being serious about racing, you should get an entry level road bike. They are typically in the $400-$600 price range.

No matter what kind of bike you choose, you should get clipless pedals. They make a HUGE difference. Aero bars such as Profile's Airstrike are also helpful and will fit on any bike. You should have at least 2 water bottle cages. I typically carry gatorade in one and plain water in the other.

One last thing: HELMETS ARE REQUIRED.

I think that is all you really need for a decent triathlon bike.

I'm not tri-geek, but my wife is, and I work at a shop that specialized in Tri- Stuff.

You don't need a tri- specifc bike. Any bike will work as mentioned, but a regular road bike is more than good enough.

Clipless is a good idea for longer tri's, but if you're doing a sprint distance, (12-15 mile bike), you may be better off getting the toe-strap inserts so you can ride with your running shoes. In any triathlon, you transition times are where you win or lose. If you have a quick transition you'll save a lot of effort. With these inserts, you would only have to change shoes once. If you use regular cycling shoes, you then have to change out of those into your running shoes.

Other advice, Practice Transitions!!! a lot. Practice going from the swim, to the bike. Then on another day practice from the bike to the run.

WHat else? Get there early and set up your transition area. Know where it is, and lay out your stuff in the order you'll be putting it on!

Good Luck
L8R

Companies like Felt, Specialized, and Motobecane have fairly descent road bikes between $600 and $1200.

If you do invest in a shiny new tri bike, you wont want to wear it out with daily training. It makes sense to buy a training road bike first. Low end models or 2nd hand ones are good. If you are going to train on wet winter roads, consider one with fender eyelets . Contact a local bike or tri club to see if anyone has a spare you can buy.