Choosing the right Ironman Bike
In getting ready to take on the challenge of a first Ironman, I believe far too many athletes put too much stress on one of several MTB Frames they may decide to purchase for the event. As an example : you might put one sportsman on a $10,000 triathlon bike frame and have him train without the assistance of a correct diet or without listening 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 athlete and put him on a $800 loyal, average weight, used bike fitted with correct pedals and aero bars. Then have him pay particular attention all coaching year to correct diet, hydration, and raceday fueling systems and somewhere around mile 80 of the same course he is going to call out’nice bike’ as he passes athlete number one who is in for a particularly long, painful day. Don’t get wrapped up in taking out a second mortgage so you can purchase that’special’ bike that’s’s six 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 is it, then that would 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’ve got a full marathon to consider after you get off the bike. Your bicycle is simply a miniscule 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 supplier talk me into purchasing 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 10 years. Even on bikes valued ten times more than my old standby.
It was possibly the biggest single mistake I made in my twenty year Ironman career. I should have gone with my first 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’ve got to, reserve it particularly for races and get a second bike for the bulk of your coaching. That way your race-day bike will last you for ages. Initially 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’re the bike’king’.
You’ll wish you were on a $250 beater. At least that way you reason, you would have an excuse for getting passed time upon time again. To save yourself a lot of embarrasment and humiliation, be sure that your capacity matches the bike you ride. All my bikes are gone now, excepting one.