The Newbie Guide to Bikes

Article written by Andy Winz from Wrenched By Winz.

Triathlon season is now upon us. Some of you have already run your season opener, others are prepping for their opener in a month (yours truly) and yet others are taking bets and talking the trash in prep to toe the line at Wildflower. Lastly, there's the people (you) who are diving into this weird sport for the 1st time. Here's where I come in. Based upon your budget, talents, hawtness, and goals, I have listed a category of appropriate bikes for you to race on.

Lets talk about bike styles. There are tons of different styles out there: beach cruisers, fixed gears, road, triathlon/time trial, mountain, unicycle, recumbent and so on. I highly suggest that you do not race on the beach cruiser or unicycle for your first race. Unless your a clown. And now on to the classifications!

1st Race, has a mountain/beater/citybike, doesn't want to plunk down cash: This is where most of you dear readers will fall. You have the ancient steel 10 speed in your garage/attic/shed that you haven't ridden since you were 15, a mountain bike or a city bike that you normally ride. These will work just fine and dandy for your first race, with a couple of modifications of course (insert evil laugh here). Get new rubber, that 10 speeds tires are probably dry rotted and will blow up with the slightest breath of air. Unless you like hearing an eternal hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm or buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz and like pissing off your riding partners, I highly suggest switching out your knobby tires on the mountain bike for smooth tires. Their faster, only cost about 20 or so bucks per pair, and are quieter. Your ears and partners will thank you. I also suggest getting a pair of toeclips. These are plastic or metal cages that fasten to the pedals and allow you to use your legs for the whole stroke rather than just pushing down. They also allow for lighting fast transitions from the bike to the run, no changing shoes needed!

1st Race, has a road bike, some money to burn: So your a roadie and want to try this triathlon thing. Good for you! Your road bike will work just fine. However a word of advice. Don't put full length aerobars on your bike and attempt to ride in an aero position. You'll soon learn that your uber sexy and pricey steed isn't as solid and stable as normal. Road bikes have a different geometry than tri bikes. Seat tubes angles are more relaxed, top tubes are longer and headtubes are longer just to name a few. Instead look for a pair of shortie bars like FSA/Vision Tech make. These will give you an aero position without sacrificing the handling of your steed.

Goth punk, high school/college smartass, bike messenger: Got a fixie? Great! Swap out the fixed hub for a freewheel, you'll thank me later. No? Ok don't say I didn't warn you! Add some brakes to the bike. Yes I know the fixed hub works as a brake, but their required to race. While your at it plug those bull horns up too. Lest you end up like me with a 5" scar just below your knee.

Yuppie, just won the lottery, Centurion Amex card, gotta have the best to hell with the Missus (or mister): So you got the claude to burn, you demand the best, and the full pro kit. I've got a deal for you! You'll want a full blow triathlon bike. Look for Cervelo P3Cs, Felt B2, and Kuota Kalibers. Dura-ace only of course. Full carbon frames, carbon cranks, carbon aerobars. Hmm, where's that application for a second mortage. While your at it, blow some more dough on a pair of Zipp wheels, disc in the rear and deep dish in the front. And don't forget the aero skid lid! Giro, Bell or Rudy Project for you! Be the envy of everyone including the shop owner! Just make sure your kit matches your bike, we don't want to call the cycling fashion police now.

Couple seasons under your belt, looking for an tri bike: You stuck with the sport! Great job, addictive ain't it. Your old bike did fine, but you want a triathlon specific bike to help you reach a PR or so you can ride aero. No problem. The Cervelo Dual and P2 SL are great bikes that you can grow with, solid components, tri geometry and have both won World Championships. You can also be like me, your favorite wrench and ride a Felt S32 or S22. They share the same frame, just different components. Quintanna Roo, Giant, and Trek also make fine entry/mid level tri bikes. Make sure you get a proper fitting though, most Triathlon specific shops have a FIST certified fitter.

Well, that's it for the guide, remember the #1 thing to remember is to have fun. Whats that? We'll ya we all want to win, but its your first triathlon so get out there, yell a Rock On to people you pass or who pass you and be the envy of all your lazy friends and coworkers. Your a Triathlete now!