| Without a doubt the bike-equipment you choose | | | | easily, yet not have your foot snap out at the worst |
| can greatly influence the outcome of your first | | | | possible time.(Like climbing a hill for instance). If you |
| Ironman Triathlon.However, don't believe for a | | | | ski, its sort of the same idea as ski bindings. Just |
| moment that the more expensive the bike, the | | | | keep experimenting with it until you have to give |
| easier and faster your bike split will be. The most | | | | your ankle a fairly quick, sharp twist for your shoe to |
| important factor--and one that is often overlooked--is | | | | come away from the pedal. That way you know its |
| having the bike you choose sized just for you. Most | | | | not set to loose. Also, make sure the bike has |
| bike outlets will supply this service. I just can't stress | | | | forward momentum when twisting out of the pedal. |
| how important this is. A proper fit means you will be | | | | If you are almost stopped you could fall right |
| getting full use of the proper muscle groups and will | | | | over.BOTTLE CAGES-Personally, I carry 4 water |
| have a smooth, circular pedal stroke. Most | | | | bottles. One inside the handlebars with a flexible |
| importantly, it can make for a much more | | | | plastic straw so I can drink without removing the |
| comfortable transition into the run.Also, when you | | | | bottle, one in the standard position on the frame, and |
| consider it, there's not much point in spending | | | | a two bottle cage behind the seat. The water bottle |
| thousands of dollars more for a bike because it is a | | | | on the frame and the two behind the seat were for |
| pound or two lighter when you're going to be packing | | | | my replacement drink...Gatorade etc. The bottle with |
| five pounds of water and food on it for the race. For | | | | the plastic straw was water. It has a top that snaps |
| your first Ironman I would suggest a good reliable | | | | open, but stays attached and at aid stations I can |
| mid-priced bike. You can always upgrade if you | | | | just refill it with water if needed. When I wanted a |
| choose to continue on with the sport in the following | | | | replacement drink, I would take it from the bottle on |
| years.Here's something to think about. In 1984, on a | | | | the bike frame. When it was empty I would switch it |
| brutally hot and windy day during the Kona Ironman, | | | | with a full bottle from behind the seat. If I thought I |
| there were two cyclists under the 5 hour mark. Dave | | | | would need more than three bottles of my |
| Scott was 5:11 and went on to run a 2:53 marathon | | | | replacement drink, I would leave one or two at the |
| and ultimately won the race. My point is, pretty well | | | | special needs station.***If what you normally use for |
| any mid-range priced bike you buy will be 10 times | | | | a replacement drink is being supplied on the race |
| better than what these guys raced on that day. | | | | course, then you can do away with the two bottles |
| Think about it. Aerobars would have been HUGE that | | | | behind your seat and just keep changing the bottle |
| day. There was no such thing. Everyone had the old | | | | on the bike frame at the aid stations. Most of the |
| toe clips. The bikes were MUCH heavier. The tires | | | | time it was garorade or something else I didn't use |
| were nowhere near as good as we can get now. | | | | and I would just bring my own.HELMET-You can't |
| There is just no comparison.Ultimately your training | | | | race without one, so just find one that is |
| and overall preparation---your athletic ability, and your | | | | comfortable, fits you well, and meets all safety |
| courage are equally important ingredients to a | | | | standards. Remember, if its too loose, it will fall over |
| successful Ironman bike ride.Its about more than just | | | | your eyes when you lean forward into the profile |
| the bike.PROFILE BARS- I don't believe they've | | | | position and that will drive you crazy. Also make sure |
| invented an Ironman race yet that has no wind. | | | | it can be done up and undone |
| Profile bars are a "must" to reduce wind resistance | | | | easily.SUNGLASSES-This is one piece of |
| and conserve your energy for the upcoming | | | | bike-equipment you MUST have for your Ironman |
| marathon. If possible, try and have your shift levers | | | | training and racing. And I don't really care if they cost |
| mounted at the very front of your profile bars | | | | $2.99 or $299. Just make sure you wear sunglasses |
| where your hands meet. That way you're not sitting | | | | to protect your eyes. Say you're going downhill at 40 |
| up or reaching down to shift gears. I have something | | | | mph. And the bee coming towards you is travelling 25 |
| called "swift shifters." They are just perfect for the | | | | mph. when he hits your unprotected eye. That could |
| Ironman bike leg.CYCLE COMPUTER-Some bike | | | | be REALLY, REALLY SERIOUS!! Always wear |
| computers have way too many functions. All you | | | | sunglasses and a helmet. Sun or not!! I found that |
| need is cadence, speed, and an odometer to tell how | | | | yellow tinted sunglasses are excellent for overcast |
| far you've gone. That way you're not forever | | | | days.I can think of at least 8 or 10 times over the |
| pushing buttons to find the proper setting.CLIPLESS | | | | years that something has hit my sunglasses hard |
| PEDALS AND SHOES TO FIT-These were just a | | | | enough to do lots of damage if I my eyes were |
| great invention. They are so easy to get in and out | | | | unprotected.Hopefully these few tips will help you in |
| of and allow for a much smoother and more | | | | your bike equipment choices.Hopefully my 20 years |
| economical pedal stroke than the old clips we started | | | | of triathlon experience can help you prepare for your |
| out with. Its VERY important to have the tension set | | | | first ironman triathlon.The name of my site is |
| just right. You want to be able to get into them | | | | "Ironstruck". |