Give it a TRI

[shaper]

Still holding thumbs for Weymouth in September, but the possibility is slowly dwindling. 

 

We should hear about Durban alternatives today.

[Dadbod Racing]

I don't even feel bad for doing nothing since IM PE got postponed. I doubt it will happen in Nov 

but I set up my IDT so will start tomorrow and will also start running. 

 

I'll see what happens about the sea swims. 

[shaper]

So Ironman 70.3 World Champs in NZ has been cancelled and Kona now moved to February 2021.

 

Don't think there will be any racing this year!

 

Good time to really build base, increase FTP and running pace!! 

[GrantMcD1]

Hi guys, I'm looking for a bit of advice.

 

Sorry if the question has been asked before but I didn't want to sift through 115 pages and I couldn't narrow down my search enough.

 

So here it goes - I want to get into Triathlons at some stage, my ultimate goal would be a full Ironman as it is on my list of things to do. I currently mountain bike and run a bit, however, I don't even own a road bike and have never been too interested in riding on the road if I'm totally honest.

 

So in terms of doing a full ironman should I just look at purchasing a normal road bike to do training and the IM on? or does a full Tri bike make such a difference that its worth just buying the tri-bike and training and racing on it? I will probably look at getting a bike second hand off the hub as like I said, I am not too interested in road riding so I don't want to invest too heavily in it. 

 

I would also like to come in with a good finish if that makes a difference to my situation, somewhere around 12:30 would be my goal.

 

Many thanks

Edited May 27, 2020 by GrantMcD1

[IceCreamMan]

You will get differing opinions.

 

My opinion and after reading yr goals would be to get a TT bike from the start. If it’s only tri you interested in then get the right tool.

 

I have completed many triathlons including full Ironman but have never owned a TT bike but my goals are not necessarily a good time or just Ironman focussed.

 

Triathlon is a wonderful world and way to keep healthy an fit. Chicks dig M dot tats.

Edited May 27, 2020 by IceCreamMan

[Chris_]

My initial reaction was for sure get a tri bike if IM is your goal. But if you're not certain and maybe only do 70.3 and a few sprints then a road bike will easily do, (I know you mentioned this) but you could also enter road race events too. I came up against that hurdle, I'm by no means a roadie but would have liked to have done the odd 94.7 or CTCT but seeing as I only have a tri bike its not an option.

 

Me aside, you seem to know what you're after though... I say go tri bike. It'll be shockingly different to your current ride and you'll need some time to get used to the set-up, the different muscles used, and then you have the benefit of being fresher for the run. Plus they look better. Double plus its way faster.

[IceCreamMan]

Still holding thumbs for Weymouth in September, but the possibility is slowly dwindling. 

 

We should hear about Durban alternatives today.

 

From what i am reading regarding Weymouth a final call will only be made around August 1st. All earlier IM events have been canned for the year and a number of ppl have elected to transfer their entries to Weymouth so possibly going to be a huge field as IM may relax field limits to ensure they reduce carry overs to 2021. I have been doing a load of cycling and today started running for the first time in months in prep for Weymouth so i hope it is a go go go.

 

Might be a problem with flights too at the time. Think we will have a clearer picture in august. All my tri events this year have been cancelled with entries carried over to 2021. Only one half marathon was i able to do and i proudly look at hte medal as i type this. It may end up being my only one or 2020 so to be cherished. 

 

Good luck, either way, i will be in Weymouth in 2020 if its on or if its not i will still go , cycle around and swim in the ocean and  i will enter Weymouth every year from now til i cant enter anymore. Just love the vibe. So if we dont toast in 2020 we do it in 2021.

[shaper]

Hi guys, I'm looking for a bit of advice.

 

Sorry if the question has been asked before but I didn't want to sift through 115 pages and I couldn't narrow down my search enough.

 

So here it goes - I want to get into Triathlons at some stage, my ultimate goal would be a full Ironman as it is on my list of things to do. I currently mountain bike and run a bit, however, I don't even own a road bike and have never been too interested in riding on the road if I'm totally honest.

 

So in terms of doing a full ironman should I just look at purchasing a normal road bike to do training and the IM on? or does a full Tri bike make such a difference that its worth just buying the tri-bike and training and racing on it? I will probably look at getting a bike second hand off the hub as like I said, I am not too interested in road riding so I don't want to invest too heavily in it. 

 

I would also like to come in with a good finish if that makes a difference to my situation, somewhere around 12:30 would be my goal.

 

Many thanks

As others have said, as your focus and goal is triathlons and working up to a full Ironman, the best chance for a sub 12:30 with the right training is on a tri bike.

 

Welcome, enjoy the journey and all the best!

[shaper]

From what i am reading regarding Weymouth a final call will only be made around August 1st. All earlier IM events have been canned for the year and a number of ppl have elected to transfer their entries to Weymouth so possibly going to be a huge field as IM may relax field limits to ensure they reduce carry overs to 2021. I have been doing a load of cycling and today started running for the first time in months in prep for Weymouth so i hope it is a go go go.

 

Might be a problem with flights too at the time. Think we will have a clearer picture in august. All my tri events this year have been cancelled with entries carried over to 2021. Only one half marathon was i able to do and i proudly look at hte medal as i type this. It may end up being my only one or 2020 so to be cherished. 

 

Good luck, either way, i will be in Weymouth in 2020 if its on or if its not i will still go , cycle around and swim in the ocean and  i will enter Weymouth every year from now til i cant enter anymore. Just love the vibe. So if we dont toast in 2020 we do it in 2021.

Is what have heard, will find out in August. I guess a lot will depend if there is a C19 spike after the UK lockdown relaxes after June.

 

Concern is, even if there are flights, this proposed 14 day quarantine on ariving in the UK might be an issue for many overseas athletes.

 

I watch and wait, but may end up deferring to 2021.

[corrie.kuilder]

Same boat as Grant, I got bored with the current mtb scene. Started running, did the Midmar mile, got my sights set on completing a Comrades, again Midmar for the Pope Ellis, 70.3, and ultimately a full Ironman. Sourced myself a Merida Reacto CF, busy setting it up for Tri use. The biggest issue currently for me is finding the right tribars(loads of options), and a saddle????‍♂️. Found the Ironman V.C, loads of challenges, ie the VC9 challenge this weekend. Also a lot of training "challenges" on their site.

[Roguemeister]

Same boat as Grant, I got bored with the current mtb scene. Started running, did the Midmar mile, got my sights set on completing a Comrades, again Midmar for the Pope Ellis, 70.3, and ultimately a full Ironman. Sourced myself a Merida Reacto CF, busy setting it up for Tri use. The biggest issue currently for me is finding the right tribars(loads of options), and a saddle[emoji2357]. Found the Ironman V.C, loads of challenges, ie the VC9 challenge this weekend. Also a lot of training "challenges" on their site.

Welcome to the tri scene! Tri bars are fairly adjustable, so it's not too much of an issue which ones you get, I'd say profile design and you're away.... Saddles is another ball game, you just have to try and see which one suits you. I'd give an ism one a try, as most people are comfortable on them, but you might not be most people, just be ready to go through one or two saddles before you find the right one,....

 

Beware..... Bank accounts don't like triathlons [emoji1787]

[Roguemeister]

Hi guys, I'm looking for a bit of advice.

 

Sorry if the question has been asked before but I didn't want to sift through 115 pages and I couldn't narrow down my search enough.

 

So here it goes - I want to get into Triathlons at some stage, my ultimate goal would be a full Ironman as it is on my list of things to do. I currently mountain bike and run a bit, however, I don't even own a road bike and have never been too interested in riding on the road if I'm totally honest.

 

So in terms of doing a full ironman should I just look at purchasing a normal road bike to do training and the IM on? or does a full Tri bike make such a difference that its worth just buying the tri-bike and training and racing on it? I will probably look at getting a bike second hand off the hub as like I said, I am not too interested in road riding so I don't want to invest too heavily in it.

 

I would also like to come in with a good finish if that makes a difference to my situation, somewhere around 12:30 would be my goal.

 

Many thanks

I would maybe differ in opinion from what the others have said.

 

I would say get a cheap ish road bike first and do some Olympic tris and a 70.3 distance or two. Then if you get into it get a decent tri bike.

 

I can tell you from personal experience that if you go straight to cheapish tt bike you'll want a more expensive /better one for full Ironman anyway, So rather get a cheapish road bike and nice tri bike on the way to full Ironman. Other option is just go straight for nice tt bike[emoji1787]

[corrie.kuilder]

Welcome to the tri scene! Tri bars are fairly adjustable, so it's not too much of an issue which ones you get, I'd say profile design and you're away.... Saddles is another ball game, you just have to try and see which one suits you. I'd give an ism one a try, as most people are comfortable on them, but you might not be most people, just be ready to go through one or two saddles before you find the right one,....

 

Beware..... Bank accounts don't like triathlons [emoji1787]

Have interest in th Profile design T2+-DL, my only concern is the length of the bars, as they seem to be "compact". Who else use thse bars, and/or what is the recommendations/reviews?

[Roguemeister]

Have interest in th Profile design T2+-DL, my only concern is the length of the bars, as they seem to be "compact". Who else use thse bars, and/or what is the recommendations/reviews?

Yes those are more itu legal triathlon bars, meant for road bikes and short triathlons, Olympic and sprint distances (draft legal triathlons, where the short length and joining of the bars it to avoid injury when there's a bunch crash). Not saying you can't use them for longer races, but I don't think they'd be super comfortable for 3+hours on the bars. If you are going for clip on bars for 70.3 and full Ironman I would rather look at something like the profile design ergo 35 range.

[GrantMcD1]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Both opinions definitely have their merits. I'm in no hurry to start cracking on Triathlons so I will wait patiently for a bike that "speaks" to me to pop up on the hub.

 

Rougemeister, I think you're right about getting a cheap tri-bike now and then wanting to upgrade it before IM. So the way forward for me will probably be a cheapish road bike with clip on tri-bars for a year or two until I do the full IM...I went from wanting one bike to wanting two in the last 5 hours

 

I also completely forgot that I wouldn't be able to do any road events on the tri-bike. So, an added benefit of the road bike would also be being able to do road events in the interim which will be good training for the cycle leg.

[SwissVan]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Both opinions definitely have their merits. I'm in no hurry to start cracking on Triathlons so I will wait patiently for a bike that "speaks" to me to pop up on the hub.

 

Rougemeister, I think you're right about getting a cheap tri-bike now and then wanting to upgrade it before IM. So the way forward for me will probably be a cheapish road bike with clip on tri-bars for a year or two until I do the full IM...I went from wanting one bike to wanting two in the last 5 hours

 

I also completely forgot that I wouldn't be able to do any road events on the tri-bike. So, an added benefit of the road bike would also be being able to do road events in the interim which will be good training for the cycle leg.

People were doing iron man triathlons long before triathlon specific bikes, tri bars, aero tubes and deep section wheels were popular.

 

Deep section wheels and tri-bars are the biggest performance factor and these can be easily fitted to a standard road bike.

 

But... it is nice to own a whole quiver of speciality bikes...

enjoy