1SlowFiveO
Any opinions on this bike? How do they compare to newer or older ones? Is it a worth while buy?
Answer
For casual or recreational riding it should work fine. It does not have the suspension or performance of newer bikes because it has older technology. Is it a worth while purchase, that depends on how much it costs and what kind of shape it is in. Check out these sites for price comparisons.
http://www.kbb.com/motorcycle
http://www.cycletrader.com/find/search/
For casual or recreational riding it should work fine. It does not have the suspension or performance of newer bikes because it has older technology. Is it a worth while purchase, that depends on how much it costs and what kind of shape it is in. Check out these sites for price comparisons.
http://www.kbb.com/motorcycle
http://www.cycletrader.com/find/search/
bike for triathlon?
woefulacro
what type of bike should i get for my first sprint triahlon? will my mounain bike work?
Answer
Of course any bike that actually moves will work for the bicycle portion of the triathlon, but there are a few things to remember. The first is that when using any mountain bike you will see a downgrade in performance for several reasons...
The first is that if you are using nobby tires you will tear through your tires in an incredibly fast pace. Nobby tires are not designed for long periods of road riding and you will see a loss on your tires very quickly. You do have the option of switching out the nobby's for a slick tire that will roll along the road much smoother and prevent a loss of energy.
The second way you will lose performance on the mountain bike is through the suspension system if you have one. Older mountain bikes will not experience this problem (mtb circa 1998 or before), but anything with either a front or full suspension system will see a decrease in performance due to something called "bob" in the suspension system. "Bob" can be found in virtually every suspension system, baring a high end lockout system, but even those show some "bob." What happens is that with each pedal stroke there is a compression of the suspension system. This compression reduces the effectiveness of each pedal stroke, in relation to a road bike, and also forces the rider to use extra energy over the same distance. The extra output required will no doubt factor greatly into your final bike time and you ability to complete the running portion of the triathlon.
The third disadvantage of riding a mountain bike is that your gear ratios will be off in comparison to the road bike. When you ride on the road, you will find that it is incredibly easy to take the mountain bike up to your highest gear setting and turn the crank at the maximum speed. However, you'll find that at top speed on a mountain bike you will be unable to compete directly with a road bike that will be able to output a higher top speed then the mountain bike.
Lastly your body position on a road bike in comparison to a mountain bike will be different. Road bikes allow your body to reach a more aerodynamic position. Through various adjustments to your mountain bike, you may be able to lengthen your body and create a more slip-stream style position, but you will still be creating enough drag that you will experience a significant amount of loss due to air resistance and once again output more energy to maintain a high level of riding.
With all this being said, it is worth noting that a road bike should not be purchased or borrowed the day of the event. If you are used to riding a mountain bike, attempting to immediately switch to a road bike is sometimes a dangerous proposition. Road bikes handle completely differently then a mountain bike. They take corners much wider, the shifting and breaking are in different positions, and the body position of a road bike is drastically different than a mountain bike. I do recommend that if you choose to change bikes for the triathlon, you do so at least a month before the event. This will give you ample time to learn the intricacies of the new bike and better prepare you for your competition.
Also, if you are looking to make triathlons a full time thing, you might want to invest in a triathlon bike. Trek, as well as several other bike companies, make Triathlon specific bikes. While I have talked in length about ride bikes, it should be noted that the most ideal option would be a traithlon bike. Tri bikes are designed much in the same fashion as a road time trial bike and are better designed for individual efforts. Tri bikes however can be costly and should only be considered for serious time trialists.
Hopefully this will give you a better picture of your options for your upcoming triathlon and good luck.
Of course any bike that actually moves will work for the bicycle portion of the triathlon, but there are a few things to remember. The first is that when using any mountain bike you will see a downgrade in performance for several reasons...
The first is that if you are using nobby tires you will tear through your tires in an incredibly fast pace. Nobby tires are not designed for long periods of road riding and you will see a loss on your tires very quickly. You do have the option of switching out the nobby's for a slick tire that will roll along the road much smoother and prevent a loss of energy.
The second way you will lose performance on the mountain bike is through the suspension system if you have one. Older mountain bikes will not experience this problem (mtb circa 1998 or before), but anything with either a front or full suspension system will see a decrease in performance due to something called "bob" in the suspension system. "Bob" can be found in virtually every suspension system, baring a high end lockout system, but even those show some "bob." What happens is that with each pedal stroke there is a compression of the suspension system. This compression reduces the effectiveness of each pedal stroke, in relation to a road bike, and also forces the rider to use extra energy over the same distance. The extra output required will no doubt factor greatly into your final bike time and you ability to complete the running portion of the triathlon.
The third disadvantage of riding a mountain bike is that your gear ratios will be off in comparison to the road bike. When you ride on the road, you will find that it is incredibly easy to take the mountain bike up to your highest gear setting and turn the crank at the maximum speed. However, you'll find that at top speed on a mountain bike you will be unable to compete directly with a road bike that will be able to output a higher top speed then the mountain bike.
Lastly your body position on a road bike in comparison to a mountain bike will be different. Road bikes allow your body to reach a more aerodynamic position. Through various adjustments to your mountain bike, you may be able to lengthen your body and create a more slip-stream style position, but you will still be creating enough drag that you will experience a significant amount of loss due to air resistance and once again output more energy to maintain a high level of riding.
With all this being said, it is worth noting that a road bike should not be purchased or borrowed the day of the event. If you are used to riding a mountain bike, attempting to immediately switch to a road bike is sometimes a dangerous proposition. Road bikes handle completely differently then a mountain bike. They take corners much wider, the shifting and breaking are in different positions, and the body position of a road bike is drastically different than a mountain bike. I do recommend that if you choose to change bikes for the triathlon, you do so at least a month before the event. This will give you ample time to learn the intricacies of the new bike and better prepare you for your competition.
Also, if you are looking to make triathlons a full time thing, you might want to invest in a triathlon bike. Trek, as well as several other bike companies, make Triathlon specific bikes. While I have talked in length about ride bikes, it should be noted that the most ideal option would be a traithlon bike. Tri bikes are designed much in the same fashion as a road time trial bike and are better designed for individual efforts. Tri bikes however can be costly and should only be considered for serious time trialists.
Hopefully this will give you a better picture of your options for your upcoming triathlon and good luck.
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