Attention Triathalon ladies!

happylady5

I'm pondering the idea of training for a mini tri this fall (my first).  I do not own a bike though, so I need recommendations.  We're not in the place to spend an arm and a leg on one right now, so something inexpensive.  I'm mostly looking for make/model suggestions.

Thanks!

Matea108

Wow what a coincidence! I was just eyeing some local triathlons today, and thinking of signing up for my first one within the next three months.

I have a Specialized allez - specialized is a great brand, made for women (they have all bikes though). It was a good option for me because I am petite, and cycling bikes should fit your body perfectly, unlike regular bikes. So they have different frame sizes, I got a narrower handlebar as well, etc. They adjust everything in the store for you, and it really makes a difference. I got into it cause my hubbs was a cyclist. He knew everything, so it was very easy for me. We also hassled with the guys at the store to get some discount. The components are what makes a good and expensive road bike.

It was $600+, which is cheap for a bike like that! I kept on checking out stores, till I found my bike. I don't remember the details, but it was discounted for a reason - I think they used it as a show bike (for ppl to ride and get a feel before purchasing). So try something like that, special price, last season model, etc. Just as with any bigger purchase, definitely check out more than one store. Don't be afraid to ask the sales guy, they should know how to give good advice, and most of them are athletic themselves. 

Cycling is an expensive sport not only because of the bike. You need extra equipment - helmet and shoes (clip in for your special pedals, which you also have to buy btw.) are most important, but also shorts, gloves, etc. First two you should get at a cycling or tri store (helmet starts at 90-130$, shoes a bit cheaper, again check the discount bin). I got shorts (they are special cause of the built in padding, and trust me, you will need it!) on a discount, otherwise they start at $50 at the store. I shop at sports authority, even Marshall's or Rosses for fitness gear. I got gloves once for like $8.

However, you need a special suit for a triathlon and you will def need to splurge on it a bit. I will try to find a good price myself, but I don't know any other place to shop at than the special sports stores.

Good luck! I love cycling now, definitely have to get on the bike more often before the race though. It takes some time to adjust, specially with the clip in shoes. 

kolekate

I'm mostly a lurker on here, but I just did my first sprint tri and used my fiance's old mountain bike. We just switched the tires out for hybrid ones and it worked great. I saw lots of people using mountain bikes, so if you're not sure you want to continue biking, or aren't sure you'll do another tri, I'd recommend just finding a bike cheap at a garage sale or Craigslist, or borrow one. I'll probably get my own bike for next year, but for my beginning year, an old mountain bike worked fine. Just take it in for a tune-up first. 

trigal

My bio has some triathlon advice in it.  I've been racing for 10 years, all distances.

As for a bike, go to a real bike shop and talk to them.