Recommend me a triathalon bike (please)

[Nobbylad]

I'm planning to do the Liverpool triathalon in June and thinking about what bike I should use if I manage to avoid drowning in Liverpool's docks.

I have a big old heavy MTB with nobbly (not nobby) tyres and was thinking about just putting some hybrid/road tyres on and using it as is.

That's certainly cheaper than shelling out on another bike, but then I got thinking that when I start training proper...I might benefit from a bike more suited to road than off-road.

So, do I look on fleabay for a cheapo road bike (Raleigh etc), get new rubber on my off road tank or just ride it as it is on the basis that I just need to get used to pedalling again and changing anything other than my fitness would be a waste of time/money?

It's a 20km bike ride

[yorkie_chris]

Depends how old and knackered yours is. The definite advantage to modern tech is spending less time graunching gears and swearing and more time peddling.

I'd rather have an old frame and modern kit than t'other way about.

[maviczap]

As a lot of people have said you can't go too wrong with a Boardman. The frame was designed by Terry Dolan, a well respected frame builder from your part of the world.

They are always well spec'd bikes and always seem to be plenty on the Bay, and relatively cheap.

When you fit slick tyres to your MTB you'll probrably find you are undergeared once you get fit

[Jayneflakes]

Have a look on E-Bay, some really nice bikes on there at the moment. A real road bike with give you a faster riding position, better gearing and a stiff neck!

Things I have seen in two mins of looking are these.

Cheap

Nice Classic

Amazing

[Luckypants]

I did my first triathlon (many moons ago) on my MTB with slick tyres, including the training for it. As a cheap way into triathlon it makes sense, otherwise you can spend a lot of money to get set up. It was ok for me as the bike course was very hilly (Ampleforth for any tri-athletes on here), so the shorter gearing was fine. If going this route, see if you can borrow a set of clip on tri-bars and see how you get on with them, the more aero-dynamic position will help reduce the effort needed.

Originally Posted by maviczap

When you fit slick tyres to your MTB you'll probrably find you are undergeared once you get fit

Correct! But having said that, unless you are used to cycling on the road people tend to ride at a lower cadence (pedal RPM for OP) than is 'ideal' so a lower geared bike can help build up to a good cadence. I bought a second hand race bike to do the other triathlons I had planned for that year. It made a big difference on the flatter courses and my training was better. (my son still has it for commuting to work, so not a bad investment)

If you decide to buy a road bike and will only use the bike for triathlon, look at getting a time trial (aka TT) or dedicated triathlon bike. These have a different geometry to a road race bike, with a shorter rear triangle and more aerodynamic riding position, much more suited to tri bike leg. The bike leg is you against the clock, much like a time trial so a bike dedicated to that discipline will be faster overall.

For example


Yes I know it's hard to fathom this rotund motocyclist racing triathlons, but I was young once!

You won't be allowed to use a MTB, if my memory serves me correctly.

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by krhall

You won't be allowed to use a MTB,

Why?

EDIT: I just had a look at the event and BTF/ITU rules and can find nothing that prohibits the use of an MTB. There are rules about bike sizes, height of bottom bracket, seat position, disc wheels etc etc but I think a standard MTB would meet these. The only reference to an MTB specifically was that handle bar extensions (bar ends I assume) are positioned in such a way as not be dangerous to other competitors. HTH

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

look at getting a time trial (aka TT)

Bear in mind this route, is more than likely going to be expensive and the strange riding position / aero bars etc, might end feeling very strange / unstable or twitchy, not good if you are used to an MTB.

Personally I'd go for a road bike, with some racey geometry and normal drop bars. Then when you are used to that retro fit some aero bars to get you into the tuck position.

If you are on a budget, then 2nd hand / ebay as discussed. Your other alternative is to get one of the cycling mags and then have a look in the classifieds section at the back. Normally loads of decent 2nd hand kit in there.

seriously people where are we, who are you, has the world gone mad


SUZUKI SV650 that will make it quick and easy

[Nobbylad]

Lol @ davepreston...that thought had crossed my mind!

Thanks for all the response people, especially those with links...they're really heplful to understand wtf you're referring to when advising on stuff!

I can't justify spending more than say £100 on something that might not see the light of day after June...so I'll probably try and sort the tyres on my MTB, unless I flog it and put the money towards a different bike.