| Choosing the right bike and bike gear for a triathlon is | | | | few hundred dollars on a bike, or you can spend |
| important because you will spend over half of the race | | | | $10,000. You don't need to go out and spend |
| on it. This is the only part of the race in which you will | | | | thousands of dollars on a bike in order to be a |
| be on a machine; the rest of it is all you. Because of | | | | triathlete. The majority of first-timers to triathlons will |
| this, this will be the most expensive and technical | | | | spend an average of $500. The first bike that I |
| purchases you will make for the triathlon. | | | | purchased was a 20-year-old road bike that I |
| Bikes come in many sizes and shapes and vary | | | | purchased for $60. This bike got me through a number |
| greatly in price. "You get what you pay for" is | | | | of triathlons. |
| especially true when it comes to purchasing a bike. If | | | | 2) You need to choose the bike that will work best for |
| you would like a lightweight smooth performer, the | | | | you and your needs. There are many types of bikes |
| price of the bike will increase greatly. It is important to | | | | that are acceptable to ride in a triathlon; in fact there |
| choose wisely because whatever bike you chose will | | | | are five different types. Features, components, and the |
| have an effect on the race. A well-maintained bike can | | | | type of terrain will play a factor in your decision. |
| shave minutes off your overall time during races. | | | | 3) In order to find the right bike, you need to do your |
| Are you wondering, "If I get the most expensive bike I | | | | homework. Go into your local bike shop and talk to the |
| can find, this will cut back on my training?" If you are, | | | | sales staff and tell them what your needs are. They |
| you are definitely wrong. You will have to put forth the | | | | will even let you ride bikes you are looking at outside. |
| effort and become efficient at riding. | | | | Be sure to test all things; gears, handling, braking, |
| The following are three things that will help you decide | | | | cornering, etc. |
| on the right bike: | | | | Hopefully these few things will help point you in the |
| 1) If you don't have a bike yet, you need to figure out | | | | right direction to find your next bike. |
| how much you are going to spend. You can spend a | | | | |