any cheap way to try a tri?

[stitchfan18]

I would really like to try a tri sometime, but I can't get over the price of a decent bike! I can handle the cost of special tri gear, but investing in bike if I'm not sure I'll enjoy it is tough. Are there any decent bikes that don't cost lots of $$$, or maybe any companies that you can rent bikes from? Any ideas of doing a tri without spending more than a few hundred on gear?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

It is really easy to rent a bike or if you join a triathlon club (sometimes paired with track) a lot of the members have extra bikes that they are willing to lend. Either way, that will be your best resource and usually have deals with bike rental places. You don't really need a special bike to do a triathlon sprint. I joined a local triathlon club to learn about the entire process and just borrowed a bike from one of the members. Then, I decided that triathlons weren't my cup of tea.

Start out with the cheapest equipment first and find out if you really like doing them before you spend anymore money...granted there are plenty of people out there that make that mistake and you can get good deals off of craigslist and other classifieds listings due to that. I hope you like it. I didn't like the swimming part and decided to stick with Half Marathons and Full Marathons.

 

[stitchfan18]

It is really easy to rent a bike or if you join a triathlon club (sometimes paired with track) a lot of the members have extra bikes that they are willing to lend. Either way, that will be your best resource and usually have deals with bike rental places. You don't really need a special bike to do a triathlon sprint. I joined a local triathlon club to learn about the entire process and just borrowed a bike from one of the members. Then, I decided that triathlons weren't my cup of tea.

Start out with the cheapest equipment first and find out if you really like doing them before you spend anymore money...granted there are plenty of people out there that make that mistake and you can get good deals off of craigslist and other classifieds listings due to that. I hope you like it. I didn't like the swimming part and decided to stick with Half Marathons and Full Marathons.

I've never really enjoyed swimming laps and never really rode a bike once I outgrew the one I had as a kid, so I have no idea whether I'll be good at it or even enjoy it at all. I used to HATE running too, obviously my attitudes towards various forms of physical activity have changed a lot over the years. Thanks for the tips, I'll check around here for some tri clubs.

 

[John VN]

It is surprising what you can get for cheap today compared to years ago. I am taking a plunge into triathlons because I love to bicycle and my walking is going great so I only have to work on my swimming after shoulder repair.

As mentioned, check Craigslist, Tri-Clubs or even dept. stores because you really aren't sure if you can get INTO bicycling. If you first visit a bike shop they can correctly fit you so you know what size is best and rental is always a possibility.

Give it a go and see how you like it. I have plans for the 70.3 at WDW in May.

 

[ironz]

I'm going to disagree with the PP who said to go with the cheapest bike possible. Better to see if you can find a bike on Craigs List, borrow one, etc. My reason: if you go do a tri and end up on a clunker of a bike that doesn't shift well, and weighs 35 pounds, and you are getting frustrated because the bike feels so slow and people are zipping by you, esp on hills....you aren't going to have a very good experience and might think you hate triathlon, without giving it a fair shake. Going from a cruiser bike to a road bike to a tri bike made a world of difference for me in triathlon---I did my first in 1999, and was completely hooked, so the eventual upgrades of bikes was worth it, as I knew I wanted to continue and progress in the sport.

Do see if you can borrow one, rent one (many bike shops will rent at least a nicer hybrid or road bike--I would avoid a heavy mountain bike with knobby tires, for sure), or find one cheaper on Craigs List or similar.

I do agree with JohnVN's suggestion to go test a few bikes at a bike shop or two and see what size you will need.

The Tri thread on the Wish page sort of died out a while back, I think, but there are several triathletes who post or at least lurk, who would be happy to answer any questions. I LOVE triathlon...started with a couple of women's sprint races...now have done 7 Ironmans. It's a lifestyle for me, and easier on my body than just running.

JohnVN....good luck with the 70.3 there...I've done that one 4 times and love it. Also, good luck with your shoulder recovery. I had my rotator cuff repaired a couple of years ago. Rehab is hard and slow...you can't rush it, and it felt like forever before I was allowed in the pool, but it was worth it to take my time to strengthen all the muscles first so I didn't re-tear it.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I've never really enjoyed swimming laps and never really rode a bike once I outgrew the one I had as a kid, so I have no idea whether I'll be good at it or even enjoy it at all. I used to HATE running too, obviously my attitudes towards various forms of physical activity have changed a lot over the years. Thanks for the tips, I'll check around here for some tri clubs.

The thing I don't like about the swimming is not the laps, it is the people swimming over you part. Sprints are short enough where you get a good idea of if you like Triathlons or not. The distances for the bike, the run and the swim are nice enough that you are getting the experience but not having to push yourself and depend on all the gear that people use as you progress. I would not invest in your own bike until you know that you want to continue with the sport. Hopefully you find a local club to train with. Good Luck!

 

[Lullabee]

One company near me will waive your race entry fees if you volunteer for their other events. You could use that money toward the bike, and get a sneak peak at how race day works before you're in the midst of it. Good luck!

 

[fashionista311]

you know if you do decide to invest in a bike, and then decide that tris aren't really for you - you can always just use the bike as cross training.

i just got my road bike about 6 months ago. the time i attempted to ride it i couldn't even get it started (and i wanted my childhood bike with the kickstand back!). My dad made me practice up and down the neighborhood for about 3 hours and I could eventually ride and start/stop ok. I was terrified to go above 9-10 mph. The first "real" ride I did was not much better - I was so scared of crashing into the ground and/or car. Eventually I got the hang of it, and now I love riding and wish I could get out more often (but alas, marathon training calls)! But anyways, my point is that it might take some time getting used to a bike again, and you may not love it your first ride or so.

 

[tiberius]

3 1/2years ago I got started in triathlons on an old steel 10 speed that I picked up at a resale shop, which got my through a couple sprint triathlons and one Olympic distance triathlon. At that point I bought an end of season sale road bike--a $1400 bike for $800 (that was a pretty expensive purchase for me). Since then I have done 11 more triathlons and am obviously completely hooked (I've also lost 55 of my almost 90 lbs of weight loss in that time as well). Now I have finally reached a point where I am shopping for a true tri bike, which I have been slowly saving for and am again using the end of model year time to negotiate a better deal (who would've known you could negotiate that much money off a bike?).

Good luck as you proceed and I hope you find triathlons as much fun as I do!
As mentioned above, you might find help with a local tri club' you might find someone looking to sell a used bike or that could point you in the right direction in your local area.

 

[supercritter]

Another tri'er here. You definitely don't need to shell out a ton of cash starting out. Ditto a pp'er; look at CL, explore borrowing. There are places that do rent them out but the fees can rack up quickly.

Personally, I used my 20 year old bike for my first few tris. Not fancy but it was still in good shape. If you're looking for inexpensive gear look to sports basement and Sierra Trading co. There is also a classified section on the beginnertriathlete forums.

I will warn you though. Triathlons are addictive... and its not an inexpensive sport. I'm still realing over the fact that I recently spent over $600 on an entry fee to punish myself for 140.6 miles.

 

[olliffm1]

The cheapest way I have seen, heard, and experienced of to get a decent bike is going to the local bike shop and looking at used bikes and last year models. We have several shops in my town and while I was at one I saw one of the sales guys give like a 50% discount because it was a much older model. The other benefit to using a bike shop is they can definitely hook you up with riding groups and most can help you find a tri club. Always ask the shop about available deals, specials, coupons, and free services (i.e. first 30 day check up) when buying. It is better to use a bike shop because a good one will take the time to teach basic maintenance and care for the bike and get your fit right (which can be painful if it’s not). Also, if you really don’t like the bike, you can always sell it back. They might even let you rent one for a little while just to see.

 

[John VN]

The Orbea Ordu http://www.orbea.com/us-us/bicis/modelos/ordu_gdi2/#presentacionJust a drop in the bucket for some fortunate athletes of which sadly I'm not but I can dream.

Pretty nice one also http://www.renovobikes.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=/storage/triside.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1306717872421

 

[Duanerice]

Welcome aboard! Good to see the tri folks back. I've been away myself for a while.

Great advice - go cheap. Other than a bike, helmet and goggles, you don't really need anything special. A cheap bike works. I agree the knobby tire mountain bike, although fine, is not ideally suited I like Craig's list and you can always find an older bike out there. Actually ask some of your friends, I am sure there are a few that have bikes that they do not use. Go to garage sales, etc.

Tri shorts and tops are nice but you don't need them. Just use a swim suit.

I started tri's 18 months ago after my last Goofy, just got tired of only running. Multiple sprints, couple of Olympics, 3 Half Ironman races and doing my first full Ironman in 5 weeks, IMFL. Just wanted to warn you, it is addictive.

I forgot who mentioned the WDW 70.3 in May but rumor has it that it is not going to be at WDW in 2012. Check out the site, the course maps are not up and registration is not open. That is highly unusual for a Iron branded race.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[John VN]

Welcome aboard! Good to see the tri folks back. I've been away myself for a while.

Great advice - go cheap. Other than a bike, helmet and goggles, you don't really need anything special. A cheap bike works. I agree the knobby tire mountain bike, although fine, is not ideally suited I like Craig's list and you can always find an older bike out there. Actually ask some of your friends, I am sure there are a few that have bikes that they do not use. Go to garage sales, etc.

Tri shorts and tops are nice but you don't need them. Just use a swim suit.

I started tri's 18 months ago after my last Goofy, just got tired of only running. Multiple sprints, couple of Olympics, 3 Half Ironman races and doing my first full Ironman in 5 weeks, IMFL. Just wanted to warn you, it is addictive.

I forgot who mentioned the WDW 70.3 in May but rumor has it that it is not going to be at WDW in 2012. Check out the site, the course maps are not up and registration is not open. That is highly unusual for a Iron branded race.

enjoy,
Duane

Thanks for the info about maybe no 70.3 at WDW. Enjoyed reading your RR you posted regarding your latest 70.3. Best of luck with the IMFL. DW and I are just up the coast in Englewood and my hills are the Tom Adam's Bridge and the North Bridge over the Inter-coastal. I am having a good time with the much hillier terrain here in El Paso but looking forward to getting back home in 2 weeks to my road bike.

 

[Mary976]

I did a sprint distance tri with my hybrid "ride into town to get ice cream" bike and it worked fine. All you really need for shorter distances is a helmet and a bike with wheels and working brakes. If you're still trying out the tri, I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a bike, especially if your first tri is a shorter distance.

Mary

 

[stitchfan18]

Thanks again for all the tips and advice. I just looked on our local race calendar and of course all the tri's around here have already happened for the year. I'll continue running this fall and winter and look into training more for a tri next spring.
When I start doing swimming training, is a gym lap pool good enough to practice in? I know the swim will be open water, but I'm trying to think about places to practice open water swims around here and can't think of any off the top of my head...

 

[Duanerice]

Thanks again for all the tips and advice. I just looked on our local race calendar and of course all the tri's around here have already happened for the year. I'll continue running this fall and winter and look into training more for a tri next spring.
When I start doing swimming training, is a gym lap pool good enough to practice in? I know the swim will be open water, but I'm trying to think about places to practice open water swims around here and can't think of any off the top of my head...

Almost all my swims are in a pool. When we get close to a larger race we'll head to the gulf a few times. Train all you want in the pool but make sure you get a few open water swims in before you try it in a race. It's nothing like swimming in a pool.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[El&Asmom]

Haven't had a chance to read all the replies. I have done 4 tris in the last 2 years. When I started training of '10, my youngest dd was 14 months old, I hadn't run in 7 years, hadn't ridden a bike since college and hadn't swam laps since grade school. I decided that I would use training for a tri be a tool to get back into shape. (I was a college basketball player at IA state, so I used to be very active but suffered a benign brain tumor while in vet school, had 3 kids, and was out of shape).
I didn't want to spend a lot on gear not knowing if I would get like them or if I could even ride because of balance problems I have. I bought a $400 Trek hybrid bike. It's not the fasted but it worked. After 2 seasons of doing tris, I finally invested in a carbon road bike. It's a lot faster, but my hybrid did just fine. (I even had a woman pass me on her road bike at a tri this summer, who yelled "you're going pretty fast on that big thing". I passed her on the run. You don't have to spend a ton on gear to compete in tris. Get a bike that fits well, and if you decide that you like riding, you can always buy up. Plus you can get a lot of good deals now as '12 models are coming out. That's how we got a good deal on my road bike.

Good luck. I'm hooked. Planning on doing a half Ironman in the next year or two, and am training for my first marathon. It has changed my life.