New Clyde Here...First Ride and Tri Training Questions
 

Hello All,

Thanks for a very informative forum, I've learned a ton so far just lurking. I'm currently 6-2, 330lbs down from 350 since March, goal would be like 250. Former D1 college athlete so I understand my biofeedback pretty well by now. I run b/w 3-5 miles 3 times a week, do spin class once a week and have started mixing in a real ride on Saturdays. I have a Diamondback Insight 2 with all stock components.

I took it out for a 10 mile ride this weekend and noticed two things almost immediately. First, riding in tennis shoes is really inefficient but I doubt I'll have that sorted anytime soon. Second, I rode on a paved trail and I believe I've already knocked my rear wheel out of true. It makes a rubbing/whining noise every rotation. I'm hoping this can be fixed by loosening the rear brake cable to eliminate the rubbing? I'm hoping that's all it is, really don't want to have to replace a bent rim so early in this process. Any ideas on how to lessen the strain on my rear wheel?

Also, I'm signed up for a sprint triathlon in August, 400M swim, 15 mile bike, 5k run. Realizing I'll be riding a hybrid style bike not a fancy road style, any tips on building speed? Or does speed just come from time on the bike. The run and swim will be no problem, I do those distances already. I am worried about the bike but am hoping more time riding will solve that.

Anyways, thanks for all of the good information and good luck to everyone out there.

2 things.

Maybe time to consider cycling shoes and clip less pedals? They will help with your pedaling efficiency. You can also use the shoes for indoor spinning classes.

And more importantly, you need to true the wheel, ASAP. Take it to a bike shop. Loosening the brake cable isn't the answer. Riding around on a wobbly wheel at your weight is a recipe for disaster. Also check for broken spokes. You may have broken one or more already. At 330 lbs, you are putting a lot of strain on the stock wheel. I went through this a number of years ago with my old hybrid, and I was just 250 lbs at the time, and not a former college athlete either, so likely not pedaling with the same force you did. They eventually had to rebuild the back wheel with new spokes.

Yes, speed comes with time on the bike. Lots of it.

Once you get your wheel issue sorted out, I would say put in some miles on the bike.

Being a total cycling newbie I didn't realize having the wheel out of true was such a big deal. I'll get it over to REI this week, should be a warranty repair since the bike is only 2 weeks old. Hopefully will be back on this Saturday.

In terms of getting pedals and shoes, does anyone have recommendations for entry level gear w entry level prices? I've probably exhausted my wife's patience with the new bike and shorts haha, don't want to push things just yet!

A decent shop should stand behind the wheel.

as for clip less, I used Shimano SPD clip less. M520, 530, or 540 all work well, as does M324. I use a set of m540, and used to use m324 before gifting it to my wife. I also have a set of Wellgo clip less pedals that have worked well over the years. They were my first set of clip less and I now have them on my mountain bike.

as for shoes, those are all about fit. I would recommend going with shoes where the cleats are recessed. That said, there are deals out there on shoes. You should be able to find cycling shoes for about the price of a decent pair of running shoes.

You've made great progress!
You may be surprised how much she appreciates your efforts.

Like the guy I asked to coach me told me one day...
Come back when you have 3,000 miles on your legs this year. He expected to see me in 3 months. Yeech!

How many spokes does your rear-wheel have?

Have the shop get that rear wheel straigtened. If you run into the same problem again, or if you start breaking spokes, start looking for a deal on a wheel with 32 - 36 spokes. That will be the end of that. Worked for me.

3 months?? That is my goal for the year! I admit I"m only doing charity rides, not racing, but that's alot. 200-250 miles a week! Egads.

At REI they may true the wheel for free, but in any case have the guy show you how to do it with a spoke wrench, it is very easy and required knowledge if you are going to spend any time biking. Buy a spoke wrench,

Frankly, I wouldn't worry about the clipless riding that bike, spend the money on a few basic bike tools and underseat pouch.. Just put on some firm soled shoes and ride. If you are pushing a 18 mph pace, then worry about your shoe gear,

The rear wheel is 32 spokes, it was stock on the bike by something called Equation. I visually inspected all of the spokes and assuming they'd be visually evident none are broken. I'm hoping this is a one time issue taking a brand new bike out. I'm heading to REI tonight to get it sorted.

In terms of shoes I think I'll probably just ride and get better at biking for a while, possibly see about clips and shoes late July before the race. Having that extra umph may help get the time I want.

Thanks everyone for your help, I literally know jack squat about bikes other than not shifting uphill. True newbie!

It's not really that much if(!) you have time. 13 or so hours a week can get you there.

Just get them with enough time to get used to them and to break in the shoes before the big race.

IMHO you will need a base of 1500 miles before it is time to start thinking about speed. Shoes may make a difference, clipless pedals maybe or maybe not. If you need to justify the purchase to your wife you might try the cost of the correct gear to reduce the possibility of injury line plus the added benefits of better health costing less in the long run than dr. and hospital bills. At your size flexibility will determine how aero you can get on a bike.

Enjoy the ride and welcome to Bike Forums!