Check the fitter database on Ibfi-certification.com, or ask around for a recommendation of some fitters experienced with triathlon bikes in your area, if there are any. So, assuming your fitness and food are sorted, whats the least you need to add to a standard road bike to reduce that disadvantage? Q. If so you could well be wondering if a triathlon bike is really needed, or whether the trusty road bike will be enough. Finally, you will not have the benefit of a free fitting by a professional which you would likely get if you buy a bike in a store. Things You Cant Plan For:Your bike doesnt make the flight, it gets lost in shipping, TSA doesnt unpack and repack your bike with the same TLC that you did. Check out our post on How Much Does It Cost to Paint or Powder Coat a Bike Frame? 9 VS 10 VS 11 Speed & Cost To Upgrade? Q. What accessories does the bike come with?A. Why You Should Do It & How! For long-course racing, your aero position has to be comfortable, sustainable and allow you to run a marathon when you get off. These categories may mean slightly different things for different brands. For those who still dont know, a triathlon consists of a swim, a foot race and a bike leg, all on the same day and without a break except for a quick change into an appropriate gear. Ready for a ride into the unknown? A great tip I got once is performing the so-called M-check before every ride. If the bike is lost, stolen or damaged, you are responsible for the repair or replacement of the bike, wheels or parts that are missing or damaged. And with this years Tour de France Femmes, the joy will double. Each bike will come equipped with one bottle cage. Enjoy Ride Tested. Road bikes typically have a 72-degree seat tube angle while a triathlon bike has an angle of about 78 degrees; which is a steeper angle. Deep carbon-fibre wheels on a tri bike further increase its aerodynamics. After your introductory period, your subscription will continue at just 22.99 every 6 issues by Direct Debit, saving 30%. OurCost/Logistics:We are moving bikes around the country to each event, setting them up, and maintaining them in between events. Guide your relatives toward the one thing that actually matters. The reason so many people are telling you not to get a triathlon bike is that they are typically more expensive than other types of road bikes, and cant be used (or are frowned upon) is certain types of riding. Put the work in and keep sufficiently fuelled up and you could do it on a Penny Farthing (if the rules allowed). Q. You might read on other blogs that aerobars are the first gear you should buy to make you faster. Look at other bikes if: You put speed before comfort. Children in Bike Trailers Exposed to More Air Pollution Than the Cyclists Towing Them, Dutch Reach Recommended in the Highway Code in the United Kingdom, Safer Inflatable Structures to Prevent Accidents at the Tour de France, The 1.5-Meter Rule Will Be Put into Law in the Czech Republic, Meet the Traffic Dummies: Attention and Driver Assistance Go Hand in Hand, Information about processing of personal data through cookies and other web technologies. The 20-minute video below explains the process of building your own bike and for those with prior knowledge, the process is actually not too difficult. Q. The decision will make a difference in price points and how the bike feels during the ride. You need to get a bike. So dont despair if you cant spend a fortune on a dedicated triathlon bike for Ironmans, because you can still be competitive on a road bike with some clipless pedals and clip-on bars and the right training. Of course, I was slower than my brother Matthias (who bought a second-hand road bike before the race), but I would not change a thing. If youre going down the TT route, Id strongly advise getting a professional bike fit. All-road bikes will often have mounts for racks and fenders so you can use them for some light touring as well. There were plenty of old road bikes or mountain bikes in all races I participated in. Can I bring that one along? Because drafting is not legal in most triathlons, all tri bikes are wind-tunnel tested during the design phase to save the rider as many watts as possible during the ride. There are a couple of things you should know before being on your first starting line. Now thatyou start riding more frequently, you should also check the condition of your bike. These bikes will perform well for an all-day fondo style event, and wont leave newer riders with aching bodies. how Hard and How Long Does It Take, The cost of bike fitting and what to expect (Amateur, advanced and professional). We are working offering a Damage Recovery option to cover damages on the bike. Other than the cost factor, what are the other potential drawbacks of building a bike versus buying one? On race week, you will pick up your bike from the PLAYTRI booth at the event during the IRONMAN Village Expo Hours. I fixed myself the challenge of having anFTP above 300 watts and running a 10k under 40min. All in one place. They have a wide range of gearing to reflect their versatility. They feature long wheelbases to keep front luggage away from your pedal-stroke and are often made of steel for durability and strength. Or whatever works. You will probably have this bike for the next couple of years. You will fall, but you will have fun. A TT bike might be for you if: You plan on competing in time trial events that require UCI legal bikes, Look at other bikes if: Youre not sure if triathlons or time trials will be your main emphasis, or you plan to spend lots of time riding in big groups. Does It Even Matter! We have a large selection of rentals, but it is best to reserve sooner to guarantee you get the bike you want. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'triathlonbudgeting_com-box-4','ezslot_2',143,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-triathlonbudgeting_com-box-4-0')};Let us take a look at the difference in the cost of building Vs buying, as well as the associated benefits and drawbacks. Aero bikes are typically specd with pricey components and can cost around the same amount as race bikes. Can I add my own race wheels to the bike?A. The only question I still have is, are you sure you want to do this? An endurance bike might be for you if: You want to go on long rides and value your comfort (and your wallet). It's going to be so great to have you with us! Learn to navigate the jungle that is city cycling. Bike pick up must be completed no later than an hour before bike check in. Simple things like taking your water bottle, changing gears, or braking feel entirely different. Do you need a triathlon bike for 70.3 and Ironman races? You can find yourself a higher quality bike than expected and still have money left to customize the parts you want to. You can still get a good ride and great power transfer on an alloy frame by matching it with high-quality wheels and tires and making sure they are always inflated to the recommended pressure. Although, I admit it probably wont happen during your first triathlons. I wrote an entire article on what you should know before buying a set of aero bars. Often endurance bikes will be put in this category, as will beginner road bikes with more relaxed geometry and a lower price point. If you are a beginner, www.triathlete.com suggests that you may be better off starting with a road bike. Please email us at: ironman@playtri.com and provide us with the best way to contact you. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. How long will it take you to complete your first Ironman? Please note that size small and extra small bikes will not hold 24-ounce bottles. We recommend picking your bike up as early as possible so that you have several days to ride and familiarize yourself with the bike. Even a globetrotter needs a place to call home. A race bike might be for you if: Performance is more important than comfort, youre planning on racing or doing hard group rides or if youre looking for a top-of-the-line road bike. Look at other bikes if: You prefer sticking to the road. 9 VS 10 VS 11 Speed & Cost To Upgrade? We will be looking at the Felt B Performance Ultegra as our sample bike. In fact, you will probably end up spending a little more money and a lot more time than if you were to buy directly. We both went for the aero version of it and changed the cassettes for having easing gears. We are set up inside Transition at the Bike Tech Tent provided by IRONMAN. Shipping it even two-day can cost $300-500 round trip. They tend to have slightly more aggressive geometrycx races are much shorter than gravel rides so comfort isnt top priority. We Love Cycling has also published several articles on the topics of training for and surviving triathlons, so check out some of our recent stories! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'triathlonbudgeting_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',111,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-triathlonbudgeting_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};Once you factor in these it doesnt seem financially favorable to build your own bike. Unfortunately we can only offer the bikes that weve made available. Will someone be able to give me information where to ride if I am coming from out of town?A. Touring bikes can also make good commuters, especially for winter riding. Factual reports on all the latest health trends and nutritional methods. Proper fitting is essential for you to get the most out of your new bike so if this is something that you do not have the experience of doing then it will add a bit of time, research, and probably a lot of trial and error. A. We add one water bottle cage and a flat kit. Please bring the ORANGE IRONMAN CLAIM TICKET WITH YOUR BIB NUMBER ON IT for the service to begin. Check it here. If you want to get faster, you could play on those two elements: If you are interested in learning more about the other gear you will need for your first triathlon, have a look at this article: The Only Gear You Really Need For Your First Triathlon. KODA, an avid supporter of all things cycling since 1895, has been sponsoring Le Tour since 2004 and is proud to add Le Tour Femmes under its wings in 2022. Once you are ready to invest in a newbike, thats where the fun starts. How to successfully explain that you need a new bike. Youve got to get out and train on the thing. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. This difference puts the rider in a more aero position. If someone does it regularly, they are bound to get Triathlon could be a confusing and expensive sport. Theyre great for getting up to a high speed and maintaining it, but theyre not as great for climbing, as the extra frame material makes them slightly heavier. It is simply not the case! Safety is not the place where you should save money. You can bring your own saddle if youd like. Youll learn to be comfortable on it, discover its handling quirks and become confident staying aero through bends and down descents. You will have to check the bike in at your bike check-in time. Does Bike Cassette Speed Actually Matter! Cost of buying Felt B Performance Ultegra off the shelf $2,300. While it will make you faster by putting your upper bodyin a more aero position, I dont recommend it at all for your first triathlon(s). A picture will be taken as proof that the items we placed in your transition spot. If youre still excited about trying your luck in a triathlon, be sure to read some of the many great resources and training plans out there on the web. One of the reasons for this is that the manufacturers are able to buy those components in bulk at a much lower price than the average man on the street. The bikes will come properly geared for each event. The geometry of endurance bikes is more upright than a performance bike and therefore more comfortable when youre spending long days in the saddle. But where do you start? If you have made the decision to rent a bike for your race, reserving now guarantees you a bike. Will a hydration system be provided on the bike? Swimming is the type of activity a person can do when they want to get into shape. At the event, we will have a qualified bike fitter and a certified bike mechanic to make sure that when you leave the PLAYTRI booth, you are ready to race. Yes, we will supply 1 bottle cage on each bike. If the event has a large number of reservations, pick up and fittings will be handled on a first come, first serve basis regardless of the time requested. How far in advance do I need to reserve a bike? It will set you back about $1,600. On Race Day, when you rack the bike and head for the run, our mechanics will go and retrieve the bike. Nikalas Cook is a writer, author, coach and athlete based in the Peak District. An avid triathlete, open water swimmer, rock climber, hiker and general outdoors fanatic. The current hydration systems by brands like XLAB, Profile Design and Speedfil are easy to add to your bikes. You might want to remove any unnecessary items fromyour bike for race day, like a basket, lights,agigantic bell, or a kickstand. Q. Here are some of my tips: As I mentioned previously, I did my first Sprint triathlon with my mountain bike. Well, not much really. If you cant sustain your aero position and end up riding a significant chunk of the bike leg sat up on the bullhorns, youre probably better off on a road bike. Yes, as long as it can easily be attached. What if the race is cancelled or rescheduled? The most important is fit. Jet 6 or comparable race wheels. Will you have pedals?A. But triathletes need racing bikes too. What is your refund policy? They are made to ride on technical courses made of dirt, mud, grass, snow, sand so they need the maximum amount of grip. You can review our Privacy Policy, Whistleblower system, Information on Personal Data Processing and Information about processing of personal data through cookies and other web technologies for more information about the usage of your personal data. In the event that the race is cancelled on the weekend of participation, Playtris agreement is fulfilled, and a refund will not be provided. link to What Is Triathlon Brick Training? For example, a 2018 Specialized Shiv Expert would cost $3,700 as new, but with a search on bicyclebluebook.com you can pick up a second-hand one in good condition for $2,200. Once reservation is made and paid for, there are no refunds. In the above comparison, it was 8% more expensive. CX bikes are similar to gravel bikes with a few differences. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Playtri Dallas, 6465 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75214, USA. In the event that the bike is still in your transition rack, our mechanics will be in Transition at the Bike Tech Tent provided by IRONMAN, please stop there to see how to proceed further. Also, check out How Much Should A Road And TT Triathlon Bike Weigh? I want one with electronic shifting, and I want to be in excellent shape. If your bike is not working correctly (brakes not working, bent wheel), you really need to get it fixed. There is a middle ground for enthusiasts that want to benefit from the advantages of the factory route, but also want to customize their bike. Lets have a look at them. A. A bad fit when it comes to triathlon bikes will hamper your performance, limit your pleasure, and can even lead to injury. If you are booking within 30 days of the event, please contact ironman@playtri.com to confirm your rental is logistically able to make it to the event. If you are interested in understanding more about why Triathlon bikes are so expensive, and what to look for when buying one then check out Why Are Triathlon Bikes So Expensive?What To Look For & Is Used A Good Option!. Adding aero bars will make you change your bike set up (saddle position, shoe cleats, and maybe stem), and you will need to practice the position. Aerodynamic road bikes (aero bikes) are a subset of race bikes but will often be sold in their own category. Above is a general guideline to give you a better idea of your size range if you dont know. Now let us take a look at the component parts and how much each part can be purchased for, in an attempt at a direct comparison. We will provide a flat kit. Can I bring some of my own components to be put on the bike?A. Enjoy the outdoors, think great thoughts, meet interesting people, explore the countryside or just cruise down the road in a zen-like state. Everyone you speak to tells you to start with a road bike because that will be the least-expensive way to introduce yourself to the sport. Endurance road bikes are made for longer riding and more comfort. Look at other bikes if: You dont need to carry anything or you want a more speedy ride. Here is avideo from Tredz Bikesto know how to do it yourself: After watching triathlon videos, you might think that everyone rides a fancy triathlon bike. No, we will not have time to swap out specific components. Q. What if something happens to the bike? Also do not forget that, along with the tools, you need a proper workshop or workspace to lay out the parts and assemble the bike. Be aware that allrace organizers will check your bike and helmet before the race. WeLoveCycling.com is an online magazine that brings you original stories, fresh videos and special reports from the wide world of cycling. Q. A. Q. I need help. Q. Therefore, with triathlon bikes, the rider needs to be prepared for emergencies such as a puncture. The bike will not come with pedals. We can assist you with basic mounting of yours if necessary. All rentals come with H.E.D. So youve decided youre going to do a triathlon. A PLAYTRI expert will call or email you to help guide you to the bike that makes the most sense for your race-day needs. Will there be bottle cages on the bike?A. Saves You the Hassle:You dont want to go through the hassle of disassembling, boxing, reassembling, shipping or flying with the bike, then disassembling, boxing, reassembling, boxing and shipping or flying again. We are the official triathlon store of IRONMAN events and will have a large tent at the IRONMAN Village. When buying a new bike, a qualified professional can help you find the right bike with the perfect balance between fitness, frame geometry, and an extremely efficient aerodynamics. Look at other bikes if: You want a bike that is specialized for one type of riding. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'triathlonbudgeting_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',144,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-triathlonbudgeting_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; If you are confused about your Triathlon bike purchase then make sure to check our Triathlon Bikes: Complete Entry Level Buyer Guide. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. This technique makes it easy to remember what you should check on your bike. We will help set up your fit to the bike and make any necessary adjustments. If there is a cancellation or major change in the timing or venue that causes either Rider or Playtri to not be able to attend or fulfill the requirements of renting the unit or equipment, Playtri will transfer the bike rental to the deferred event or Rider event of choice that Playtri participates in. The race organizers were surprised to see that his bike was still working, and theyengaged in a conversation with him about how cool his bike was back in the day . A. Triathlon bike races are usually long and demanding. You will need to bring your own. For those at the top end of the financial scale, the answer may vary. It will work like this: You will fill out our online reservation form. Triathlon-specific bikes are basically time trial bikes on steroids, as there are fewer regulations on just how aerodynamically they can be built. Tell them its good for their health. We do know a lot of people who can guide you in the right direction. Is there a specific length of time the bike can be rented out?A. A cyclocross bike might be for you if: Youre interested in doing cyclocross rides/races or you want to take on some very technical gravel. It is not cheaper to build your own bike and this is particularly true of entry-level and mid-level bikes and will cost around 8% more. Like touring bikes, they can also be set-up as capable commuters. How Much Does It Cost to Paint or Powder Coat a Bike Frame? We will not change out componentry, chains, or cassettes for each event. I even emailed the organizer to know if mountain bikeswere accepted (and yes, they were). The bike comes equipped with items listed in the rental description. They are designed specifically to cut through the wind in an aerodynamic way. Q. Where will I pick up the bike I have reserved for the race?A. Sit back end enjoy feats that boggle the mind. The mission is to share the road responsibly. How Much Should A Road And TT Triathlon Bike Weigh? Our mechanics in Transition at the Bike Tech Tent will collect the bike. How can I be sure that the bike will work for me? , " " ! Look at other bikes if: You want to ride up mountains, you value comfort over pure speed, or you want the lightest bike possible. If there is damage to the bike, you are responsible. And clip-on aerobars will save you more energy by making you ride in a more aerodynamic position. If a multi-tool is desired, you will need to supply your own. Theyll normally be available with the highest level groupsets and feature geometry optimized for racing and riding fast. As we livein the alps, we hesitated for months between an aero bike, a climbing bike, or a triathlon bike. In terms of beginner triathlon bikes, check out the gorgeously designed Ventum Z race bike with Shimano Ultegra parts, priced at about $3,500. A shorter chainstay and lower stack height make the handling slightly more agile than a gravel bike. A. After a couple of years into triathlon, here are my thoughts for triathletes who wonderwhich kind of bike they need for their first triathlon. They span from 10 km for the super sprint triathlon to 180 km for the Ironman triathlon. How do I return the bike after the race?A. Most athletes are using the more sophisticated GPS-enabled systems in the marketplace. If you fly with a bike box, you usually need to rent an SUV or Minivan so you can fit your bike box in the car. The arm-in-front position gives you a significant aero advantage, but makes steering the bike a little more difficult. Cannondale CAAD12 105 GRA 2019But riders who really want triathlon bikes need to make sure its a good fit literally. The online registration you go through will have a reservation time so that we can be ready for you. This Includes Beginners, Kids, and Individuals With a Limited Budget. Fortunately, many off-the-peg entry-to-mid level TT bikes come with wheelsets more suited to training, so you can start logging the miles on it straight away and start saving for your race-day deep-section wheels, For lots more bike advice head to our Gear section, Top image credit: Joosep Martinson/Getty Images for Ironman. Why You Should Do It & How! how Hard and How Long Does It Take. Aluminum ones can be as light as a carbon frame, but aluminum tends to provide a harsher ride. Race bikes usually have more aggressive geometry, which means that the handlebars will typically sit lower than other road bikes, and the frame will be stiffer and more responsive. A. My brother, Nathan, keeps good memories of his first triathlon, thanks to his15 years old road bike. And this is it. We will not be able to serve you without receiving the ORANGE IRONMAN CLAIM TICKET. Q. Pedals are also available for purchase at our shop in the IRONMAN Village. Visit us at the expo booth for more information. A touring bike might be for you if: You plan on doing a big bike tour or you live somewhere where you dont have access to a bike shop to get your ride regularly serviced. For those simply looking to save money, taking a look at the second-hand market may be a better option. Thanks! We are taking reservations now. Great question, were not experts of each locale. Dont believe me? Q. I am a passionate extreme Triathlete and an Ultra Trail runner who had to pave his way from a newbie to finishing several IRONMANs, ultramarathons, and Extreme Triathlons. Should I bring my own bike tools in case something goes wrong during the race?A. Interview: What Is It Like to Experience an Extreme Triathlon? The next question you need to ask about triathlon bikes is: aluminum or carbon frame? If youre crazy enough to think about becoming a triathlete, you probably already have all the equipment youll need for the swim and the run. Saves You Money:Flying with a bike can cost $400-600 round trip. And then there are triathlon bikes. Q. Sport road bikes, sometimes called sportif bikes, are generally more affordable, entry level road bikes. The main difference between road bikes and triathlon bikes lies in the positioning of the seat post and saddle. We created this website to share our experiences and help fellow triathletes grow into the sport. A. And more. However, building your own bike is not only about financial gain. An entry-level road bike will cost you at least $1,500 and a top-level Tri Bike can reach the staggering price of $12,000 for the Cervelo PX-Series. NoTime Away From Biking:You dont want to drop your bike off several weeks before the race to work around a transport companys time frames. Cycling governing bodies have regulations on just how aerodynamic these bikes can get (these regulations get thrown out of the window for triathlon bikes but well get to that). 2017-2022 Copyright My Tri World - [emailprotected], The Only Gear You Really Need For Your First Triathlon. You CanUpgrade:You have a decent bike, but this is a great chance to test out a high-end bike that willimprove your race performanceover your current bike. But, when you navigate over to a bike brand website and click on Road, youll be presented with a list of options. What should be measured in a good triathlon bike fitting? Follow the Tour with general updates and become the best version of Peter Sagan you can be. Yes, we will have a certified bike mechanic available onsite at all events. Brick training is when the athlete practices one exercise immediately followed by the other. Theres no doubt that cycling challenges can be a great motivation booster for the right person. How can you help? Starting with a different type of road bike might be a better way to introduce yourself to the sport, save you some money, and provide some other riding options if you decide that youre not going to make triathlon your main activity. Anna is still pleased about it, and I think I would go with a climbing bike instead if I could decide again. These bikes are made for gravel but it will still hold up well on asphalt, mud and some easier singletrack trails. Does It Even Matter! A. I cant decide which bike to reserve. Will there be someone available to help me install my pedals when I pick up my bike?A. Knowledge of what you need and balancing it with how much to spend is a tricky part. A. Look at other bikes if: You dont want to commit to a gravel specific bike yet, or are considering racing cyclocross.

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