Silly Tri qestion RE: bikes

[bekkiz]

I've got this crazy idea to try the Danskin tri here in Seattle in Aug as a sort of 30th birthday present to myself. I'm a very strong swimmer and can handle a 5K with a little work, but the bike part is the sort of thorn in my side.

I had wrist surgery in 2001, and since then, have a rough time riding bikes because there's too much pressure on my wrist. I bought a cruiser (5 or 7 speed, I can't remember) a few years ago because it is far more comfortable. Am I a total idiot for wanting to ride the cruiser in the triathlon? My husband seems to think so. Or maybe there's another idea to take some of the pressure off my wrist? 12 miles seems a long, long way.

 

[Sanchez]

It's not crazy at all. I have seen many people ride cruisers in sprint events. Ultimately, it depends on your goal. If high placement is your goal then you might want to invest in a road bike. I am not a physician, but I imagine that attaching aero bars to a road bike would reduce the pressure on your wrist.

 

[cewait]

I would not purchase a bike for your first tri. Your cruiser should work especially in a Danskin where everyone is so supportive.

If you do it and want to do more you will need a better bike.

Have a blast; before long you will be looking at an ironman

 

[sk8ingmom]

I ran my first tri the year I turned 35, so I sort of understand your motivation. If you choose a 'less competitive' tri, no one will look at you funny. Super sprints and women's races are great, especially for your first. Aero bars might help your wrist but they aren't great on most sprint courses.

I rode my first on a hybrid mountain bike...but be careful...about 10 feet from me right now is the ~$1K road bike I bought last summer sitting on a bike trainer (to pedal indoors in the winter) that Santa brought for me.

Good luck!

 

[PeterBanning]

It depends on why you are asking. If you are concerned that other competitors might think you're an idiot, then don't worry about it and do what's comfortable for you. Most people will be impressed that you're determined enough that you are willing to do it on your cruiser. If you're wondering if you can physically make it, there's only one way to find out. Go ride your cruiser 6 miles and imagine having to do it again when you're finished.
Your wrist aside, I can guarantee you 12 miles on a true road bike, or tri bike, will be significantly easier and faster. A good bike shop should be able to help you get more comfortable on a road bike. You'll need to be in a more "upright" postion to get weight off your wrists. This can be accomplished through bike geometry and fit. I suggest you go to a reputable bike shop, explain the problem and see what they recommend. If that doesn't work, don't be afraid to try a different shop.
I also frequent several cycling forums. If you need help finding a good shop in your area I'd be happy to ask around. Good luck!

 

[FireDancer]

There are clip on aerobars that are available, but they are designed for standard road bikes so they may or may not work depending on your handlebar style. An earobar will move the pressure from your wrist to your elbows and forearms. If your cruiser can take the aerobars for a standard bike you can reuse them if you upgrade later.

 

[twoWDWfools]

I did my first tri in June of 2009 - not Danskin but a women's only sprint. Believe me there were all kinds of bikes even one with a basket (not kidding). No one cared to be honest. It was a great time and very supportive. So much so I did two more last year and am looking at a half Ironman this year. (caution they are addictive

I say if you can comfortably ride the bike you have use it then decide from there.

 

[bekkiz]

Thank you all for your thoughts. My husband is the bike expert in the family, although he doesn't ride as much now that he works from home! So, I needed some outside opinions.

The cruiser doesn't hurt my wrist at all, because there's no downward pressure. However, I think the longest ride I've used it for is like 4 or 5 miles. I haven't been on a bike in a couple of years. I'm happy to hear that it may work for me for August, but I will keep the idea of renting a bike if need be.

Because I'm horribly out of shape at the moment and the weather is lame right now, any thoughts on spining classes? Obviously, I'll need to put actual time on an actual bike, but for the meantime, is it a good cardio workout? Will it hurt my wrist?

 

[FireDancer]

I don't know if spinning will hurt your wrists or not, that will probably depend on the bike they use. I think it is a great cardio workout provided you go hard enough.

Of course an indoor trainer with computer simulation is better but that stupid Ohio Lottery won't pick any numbers that I have so it will have to wait.

 

[cewait]

As an indorr cycling coach I will say that if you talk with your instructor they can set teh cycle up so you have no pressure on the wrist. It may hurt a bit the first few classes; but not as much as the other end

 

[ironz]

I've got this crazy idea to try the Danskin tri here in Seattle in Aug as a sort of 30th birthday present to myself. I'm a very strong swimmer and can handle a 5K with a little work, but the bike part is the sort of thorn in my side.

I had wrist surgery in 2001, and since then, have a rough time riding bikes because there's too much pressure on my wrist. I bought a cruiser (5 or 7 speed, I can't remember) a few years ago because it is far more comfortable. Am I a total idiot for wanting to ride the cruiser in the triathlon? My husband seems to think so. Or maybe there's another idea to take some of the pressure off my wrist? 12 miles seems a long, long way.

Just want to clarify...by cruiser, do you mean like a hybrid bike? upright, usually flat handlebars, but more in the style of a road bike? Or Cruiser, sort of like the old Schwinns? (like this http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010-Product-Catalog/CRUISER/WOMEN-S/PICNIC.aspx )
I'm guessing hybrid, since it has multiple speeds...

Anyway, I ask because of weight and ease of riding. I have a true Cruiser style bike much like the one in the link and it is way heavy and would be harder to ride 12 miles (and I love to ride). So even if you train on one, it might be a nice treat to find a lighter bike for race day if you can find one that fits properly.

Though...for a Danskin type race, the cruiser will still be totally acceptable and you likely won't have the only one.


Also...find a good training program...books, online, or with a tri club. There are plenty geared for beginners and you will become a triathlete in no time!
(and to second what a couple of other posters said...it often is addictive! In a good way!!)