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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Question about race focusing, and training for the future...

cdViking

Nov 3, 09 11:34

Post #1 of 12 (258 views)

Question about race focusing, and training for the future...	Can't Post

So I've started to get back into swimming after a few years separation from my club days, and have been a decent and steadily improving runner. I'd rate myself as a FOPer on the swim (I can do 1.2 miles in the pool in significantly under 30 minutes, and was well below 30-minute pace when I did an open water mile this summer) and front of MOP runner, but I don't have the money for a decent racing bike, won't for a couple of years, and am not going to bother racing when I'm handicapped by 3-4/mph because I have a crappy road bike.

My question: in thinking long-term, what should I do to prepare a running and swimming base for that wonderful time in a couple of years when I will get a decent tri-bike? I'm planning on running a marathon in June, but beyond that, I'm directionless.

Thanks in advance for any tips and advice!

paul_tx

Nov 3, 09 11:42

Post #2 of 12 (247 views)

Re: Question about race focusing, and training for the future... [cdViking] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Are the wheels on your bike square? If not I don't see that you have any real excuse to not race triathlons. Unless it's a dept store bike from the 1970s I don't see you losing 3-4 mph over someone with a decent bike.
****************************

cdViking

Nov 3, 09 11:48

Post #3 of 12 (240 views)

Re: Question about race focusing, and training for the future... [paul_tx] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I totaled my bike after a freak crash earlier in the summer (just as I was training for my first Olympic tri), and was left with a terrible commuter bike, which I use everday to commute.

kdw

Nov 3, 09 11:51

Post #4 of 12 (234 views)

Re: Question about race focusing, and training for the future... [cdViking] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Despite the impression this site gives, a "crappy" road bike that fits with a set of clip-on aero bars will not be the item that stops you from achieving glory in triathlon. You are not talking 3-4 mph, but fractions of a mph. (at best.)

I bought my first road bike for $300. With clip-ons and a wheel cover, it is remarkably close to as fast as my "nicer" bike. If for any reason my current bike was out of order on race day, I would have no problem crushing dreams on the $300 special*.

*. Technically, since I wore out the original components after about 10K miles and replaced them with ultegra, the actual cost has gone up, but considering $/mile, it has been a great value.

Sully

Nov 3, 09 11:51

Post #5 of 12 (233 views)

Re: Question about race focusing, and training for the future... [cdViking] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I would probably train on the bike and race on the bike as if it were a $5000 tri bike. Then when you can afford a decent tri bike it will be an amazing feeling and you'll have great bike fitness and triathlon experience.

jackmott

Nov 3, 09 11:58

Post #6 of 12 (222 views)

Re: Question about race focusing, and training for the future... [cdViking] [In reply to]	Can't Post

you don't have to be handicapped 3-4mph by a crappy bike.

find a used steel bike that you can get in a good position on, put a wheelcover and good tires on it, and you maybe are giving up MAYBE 0.25mph, mostly because of not having an expensive front wheel.

I say a used steel one because 1. thats cheap 2. tubes are small, and more aero than LOTS of the fancy bikes.

like really you could probably put yourself on a faster bike than Norman Stadler won kona with for like $300-$400 if you really scrounge around.

In Reply To:

----
Sunglasses: http://www.framesdirect.com/sunglasses
Tri Gear: http://www.atctrishop.com
rear wheel disc ALWAYS http://www.wheelbuilder.com if poor front wheel whatever torodial rim wheel you want, or H3. deeper if yer faster shallower if yer slower tires - http://www.biketechreview.com has crr data, use it frames - position trumps aero trumps weight trumps paintjob trumps stiffness water bottle between your arms or not at all if its a sprint swimget some swim lessons, its cheaper than buying bike speed train more and HTFU

(This post was edited by jackmott on Nov 3, 09 12:09)

Thom

Nov 3, 09 12:15

Post #7 of 12 (204 views)

Re: Question about race focusing, and training for the future... [cdViking] [In reply to]	Can't Post

When the day comes that you get a "decent tri bike" you are in for a big disappointment.

Thom

STP

Nov 3, 09 12:40

Post #8 of 12 (183 views)

Re: Question about race focusing, and training for the future... [cdViking] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Most of the speed difference is the rider not the bike. To the extent folks on tri bikes are riding faster than you, they would still be going faster if you switched bikes with them.

I race on a road bike with clip ons. I don't have the extra cash for a tri bike and I like to do some cycling races and group rides so my one bike is a road bike. Of all the things that are holding me back from greatness in triathlon, my bike is the least of them.

You should do your first couple races on your current bike so you don't end up doing your first and last race on a $4000 tri bike you end up having to sell because you don't like triathlons ;-)

thetodd

Nov 3, 09 13:17

Post #9 of 12 (154 views)

Re: Question about race focusing, and training for the future... [paul_tx] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

Unless it's a dept store bike from the 1970s

Hey, I loved my 1976 Schwinn Varsity, I rode that steel beast all over creation. :)

___________________________________________________
People say crazy shit during sex. One time I called this girl "Mom." - Randal Graves

gbot

Nov 3, 09 13:33

Post #10 of 12 (139 views)

Re: Question about race focusing, and training for the future... [cdViking] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Look at it this way.

If you don't ride much and don't race until a couple years on when you can afford a nice tri bike, at that point you'll have a nice tri bike and very little bike fitness to take advantage of.

On the other hand if you ride and race your ass off on the bike you currently have, in a couple years you'll have 2 years of solid bike fitness to build on, and you can really take advantage of any fancy new tri bike you do buy.

Besides, the difference between a crappy road bike and a nice tri bike isn't that much. I commute on a crappy road bike, weighted down with fenders and lights (and with a backpack on). I don't go that much faster on my aero tri bike.

You have the tools to get out there and race and gain fitness and experience. Take advantage of the opportunity. Getting fast takes time and you're not getting any faster NOT racing on the bike you have!

(This post was edited by gbot on Nov 3, 09 13:35)

Fix

Nov 3, 09 14:19

Post #11 of 12 (93 views)

Re: Question about race focusing, and training for the future... [cdViking] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I took great pleasure passing people on much nicer bikes than my old Vitus with clips on. As many have said, work on your fitness with your old bike and you will kick asses. Should Dave Scott and many others have wait for better bike before they raced? Search on the forum about the evolution of pro bike times in Kona and you will see that the new bikes did not bring massive changes. Forget about the quality of the toy and enjoy the game. Have fun!

�We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.� George Bernard Shaw

cdViking

Nov 3, 09 14:22

Post #12 of 12 (86 views)

Re: Question about race focusing, and training for the future... [Fix] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the reality check guys. I suppose I can lay off the unnecessaries and afford $400 after a couple of months.