Fixed-gear in a triathlon?
#1
Thread Starter
troglodyte

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 1
From: the tunnels
Bikes: Crust Romanceur, VO Polyvalent, Surly Steamroller, others?
Fixed-gear in a triathlon?
Would there be any problems with riding a fixed-gear road bike in a tri, as long as it had two working brakes?
Flames not appreciated, I don't want advice on buying a $3000 TT or tri bike.
Flames not appreciated, I don't want advice on buying a $3000 TT or tri bike.
#4
cycles per second

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 195
From: Minnesota
Bikes: Early 1980's Ishiwata 022 steel sport/touring, 1986 Vitus 979, 1988 DiamondBack Apex, 1997 Softride PowerWing 700, 2001 Trek OCLV 110
Originally Posted by ryan_c
Would there be any problems with riding a fixed-gear road bike in a tri, as long as it had two working brakes?

A friend of mine tried to talk me into riding fixed-gear for Ironman Wisconsin. This bike course has a lot of short steep hills. I thought about it for about 5 seconds and realized I could probably get through the 112 mile ride but that my legs would be so toasted from grunting up the hills and spinning like a madman down the hills that I would suffer even more than normal for the run. I could probably be talked into riding fixed for a flat triathlon, though.
#5
Thread Starter
troglodyte

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 1
From: the tunnels
Bikes: Crust Romanceur, VO Polyvalent, Surly Steamroller, others?
I was going to do it in a team triathlon - I'm not a very skilled swimmer and not really built for running (whenever I tried it in the past, my knees did not agree). I have a friend who is comfortable with half-marathons and the occasional marathon, we just have to find a swimmer by next summer. I have yet to find out which triathlons allow teams to enter, but I don't plan on doing more than 1/2 Ironman at most (56mi). From the research I've done so far, "Olympic Distance" seems in my range, but by next summer who knows!
Anyway, thanks to you all for the input, it is much appreciated. I really only ride fixed gear these days, and didn't want to have to buy beg steal or borrow a road bike! I'm planning on reinstalling a rear brake and putting on aero bars, and that will probably be it.
Anyway, thanks to you all for the input, it is much appreciated. I really only ride fixed gear these days, and didn't want to have to buy beg steal or borrow a road bike! I'm planning on reinstalling a rear brake and putting on aero bars, and that will probably be it.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,677
Likes: 0
I've heard of people riding freehubs on track bikes(you still only have one gear but don't have to constantly pedal), you might want to look into this type of rear wheel, but if you're comfortable on a track bike all i can say is go for it.
#7
DC fixie-commuter

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria VA
Bikes: Outback fixed gear (commuter), Giant TCR (tri's and road), Cannondale f700 (XC)
I asked a fellow club member (and sanctioned USAT official) this question. There is a bike legality issue with the fixed gear involving brakes. If you have BOTH a front and rear brake (and the bike is in otherwise reasonable condition) then you would be allowed to race with it. My bike has only a front brake, and I tried to argue with him that my legs are the rear brake, but to no avail, and he believes other officials would feel as he does. As far as would you want to ride the fixie for the race? Only if it's a flat course, is what I would say.




