| One of the first questions for a triathlon beginner asks | | | | possible adjustments, but these will cover most |
| me is this: does getting started in triathlon require me to | | | | discomfort. Make sure that your adjustments aren't |
| plunk down thousands of dollars for a triathlon bike? | | | | too drastic. Just an inch or even less can make a big |
| While the swim is usually the big hurdle for the beginner | | | | difference, (and overadjusting the other direction can |
| to triathlon (after all, most active people at least own a | | | | also cause problems). Experiment by riding at least a |
| mountain bike), most of the beginners I coach have a | | | | few miles after each adjustment until you find a setup |
| lot of questions about the bike. This is the one discipline | | | | that is comfortable for long distances. |
| of the three (swimming, biking and running) that can | | | | 4. Bike for your first race. Most beginner triathletes ask |
| require a significant investment, so I understand why | | | | me, "do I need a special bike for my first race?" The |
| people are concerned about it. Here are 5 tips on how | | | | answer of course is no. Some people do their first |
| to get through your first couple of triathlons with | | | | race or two on a mountain bike (this will usually slow |
| whatever bike you have - or even how to borrow one | | | | you down and it makes the bike leg harder, but you |
| if you don't have a bike. | | | | won't be the only one out there on a mountain bike). |
| 1. Ride your bike. This will sound simplistic, but it is true - | | | | You can always borrow a bike too. Many bike shops |
| the best way to improve your cycling is by riding your | | | | will have a loaner or two on hand for you to try (be |
| bike. Put in miles so you are comfortable in the saddle | | | | sure and buy your bike from them if you later decide |
| for long periods of time. Ride varying terrain, especially | | | | to purchase one). Don't let your equipment keep you |
| rolling hills and some steep climbing. As you advance, | | | | from doing a few races - you can always upgrade |
| practice riding in your profile bars for extended periods. | | | | things after you get a few races under your belt. Plus |
| This training is relatively low impact and if done using | | | | doing a few races will give you a chance to see what |
| proper form can also strengthen your running muscles. | | | | other people are riding. |
| 2. Build endurance by training longer than your race | | | | 5. Buying a bike. Once you are ready to take the |
| distance. Over training on your running is a recipe for | | | | plunge start the search for your new bike at a local |
| injury - the same is not true on the bike. Make sure | | | | bike store. You can find cheaper equipment on the |
| your training rides end up at least 25% longer than | | | | web - and you may end up buying off the web |
| your actual race distance (obviously you want to build | | | | anyway if you want something used or a brand that 's |
| up to that distance slowly). The longer training will help | | | | not sold at a store in your city - but a local store is the |
| build endurance for all three events and also build your | | | | place to start. Here you can get great advice on bike |
| confidence. Psychologically it is great if you can go into | | | | fit, frame size, different frame styles, construction |
| the bike knowing you'll be strong over the whole | | | | materials, differences in components and more. Tell |
| distance. | | | | them you are looking for a "time-trial" or triathlon bike. |
| 3. Bike comfort. Go to a reputable bike store to get | | | | Eventually you will settle on a style you like best. Then |
| fitted, but don't be afraid to tweak your bike as you | | | | you should evaluate your budget. Start with a great |
| learn more about your riding style. Listen to your body | | | | frame - you can always upgrade components later. |
| - if you feel pain or numbness after riding for a while | | | | Buy new if you can afford it because you never know |
| try to isolate where that pain is coming from and | | | | what kind of abuse a used bike has been through. |
| consider making adjustments to relieve the pressure | | | | However, if you are on a tight budget you can also |
| on that part of your body. Typical adjustments include | | | | find used bikes on eBay or Craig's List (this is a better |
| seat height, seat position (forward or back), seat angle | | | | place to buy upgrade components). Finally you can |
| (slightly up or down), handlebar angle (up or down) and | | | | sometimes find out about used bikes from your local |
| cleat placement on your shoes. There are many other | | | | bike club. |