Road Bike Cycling Tips

In preparing to take on the challenge of a first Ironman, I believe far too many athletes put too much stress on the MTB Frame they decide to purchase for the event.  As an example : you could put one athlete on a $10,000 triathlon bike frame and have him train without the assistance of a correct diet or without paying attention to fix hydration decisions and repacement drinks and the Ironman will spit him out like a cherry pit somewhere around mile eighty on the bike course.  Take another sportsman and put him on a $800 trustworthy, average weight, used bike fitted with correct pedals and aero bars.  Then have him pay particular attention all coaching year to proper diet, hydration, and raceday fueling systems and somewhere around mile 80 of the same course he’s going to call out’nice bike’ as he passes sportsman number one who is in for a particularly long, agonizing day.  Do not get wrapped in taking out a 2nd mortgage so you should purchase that’special’ bike that’s's 6 oz lighter than anything on the road.  In fact, you’re going to be loading 5 pounds of water and food and gear on the thing before you even get out of transition.  This isn’t your standard bike race. 

If you were just racing a bike century and that’s it, then that might be a different story.  But that isn’t the nature of this beast.  First off you have most likely been struck around for an hour or so in a wild free-for-all swim and for the bulk of that time your heart-rate has been racing beyond control.  And, you have a full marathon to consider after you get off the bike.  Your cycle is just a tiny part of the Ironman equation.  Don’t get too wrapped up in light and fancy and expensive. 

I know, I have done that.  I let my bike provider talk me into buying a fancier, more moderen model that was so much lighter that I’d go even quicker.  I never, never matched my fastest bike ride over the following ten years.  Even on bikes valued 10 times more than my old standby. 

It was possibly the biggest single mistake I made in my 20 year Ironman career.  I should have gone with my initial instinct.  For some reason, a bike will just suit you.  It suits your style, capability and’fits’ you like that favorite pair of runners. 

When this happens, hold on to that bike.  If you have to, reserve it especially for races and get a second bike for the bulk of your coaching.  That way your race-day bike will last you for ages.  At first it may appear cool to be the receiver of envious gawks from fellow triathletes when they see you on your cycle the week leading in to the race.  You are the bike’king’. 

You will wish you were on a $250 beater.  At least that way you reason, you would have an excuse for getting passed time after time again.  To save yourself lots of embarrasment and humiliation, be sure that your capability matches the bike you ride.  All my bikes are gone now, excepting one.