Series Stage

Series Stage”

Part 2: The Bike

The bike stage of the race is the longest section of the race. Often considered the “most important” stage of the race, the bike stage is critical for a strong performance. To train for the bike stage, you’ll want to train on an asphalt road (preferably with a bike lane). Cyclists have reported that state parks, country roads, and residential neighborhoods have proven good training grounds. If you live in an area where weather prevents road training, joining a spinning class or using an indoor bike may be an adequate substitute for road training.

The Bike Stage

To successfully train for the bike stage, you will need a:

Bike

As a newbie to the world of the triathlon, you should know that every magazine, website, and advertiser will have their own take on what bike a new triathlete should ride. Some say that those new to the sport should invest in a $5,000 brand-new bike while others say that any old bike will do.

As someone who does not have any financial stake in the outcome in the argument, I believe that investing in a road bike is the best means of securing the equipment you will need for the race. A road bike will allow for a comfortable ride over a long distance, while also providing the speed and aerodynamics that will carry you to the run stage.

Road bikes, as the name suggests, are bikes manufactured specifically for road racing. A quality used road bike can be picked up for $100-200 on craigslist. Look for a bike that has little rust, little physical damage, and fits your size properly.

At this stage in your tri career you really don’t need a tri bike. While the competitive racers with the shiny carbon fiber bikes may intimidate you at the start of the race, think about how good you’ll feel when you fly past them with your 1970’s steel road bike.

Helmet

USA triathlon rules require riders to be wearing a helmet whenever they are on their bike. This means whether you are jumping the saddle or preparing to dismount, a helmet has to be attached to your head.

Choosing the right helmet is not as easy, with helmets that claim to be hard as a rock to others calming to increase your speed, selecting the right helmet is not so easy.

After a lot of research, I’ve found that the price of the helmet does not necessarily dictate the quality of the helmet. While some helmets retail for $100+ based on brand-name and “design”, I’ve read many reports which prove these expensive helmets fail at doing their most important job- protecting your head. That’s why I’ve chosen to use the Schwinn Thrasher. This helmet retails for around $25 and has been named in consumer reports as a “best buy”. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to wear a bike helmet, I want it to protect my head.

Gloves

Often seen as a bit “pretentious”, biking gloves really do play a big role in both your safety and comfort on the bike. Even the most basic $6 pair of biking gloves can do wonders for your experience on a bike. Not only will the gloves protect your hands in the event of a fall, but they also reduce the amount of moisture (i.e. sweat) that drips into the gears and over times causes mineral buildup.

An additional benefits is that gloves act as shock absorbers which can save your shoulders and neck from the post-ride cramps that a bumpy or lengthy ride can cause.

Glasses

Another one of those perceived cycling “luxuries” is cycling glasses. While these glasses do make you look like you belong at the Tour de France (and who said that was a bad thing?), cycling glasses can provide true benefits to the rider in both terms of safety and performance.

Cycling glasses are made of composite plastic so if you should take a gnarly wipe out, the glasses won’t shatter and damage your eyes. They are also tough enough to keep incoming pebbles and bugs from making a home in your eye sockets.

Lastly, cycling glasses may reduce the glare of sun blindness which can cause you to lose sight of other riders and the course. This presents a dangerous situation for yourself and the other competitors.

Water bottle

It should be self-explanatory that if you’re going to get on a bike for a long period of time you should bring along a bottle of water.

A water bottle will allow you to hydrate yourself of the course of your ride. Staying properly hydrated will allow you to perform at your greatest ability, while assuring that you have enough in the tank to tackle the run stage.

Some athletes prefer to bring two bottles with them while they ride. One filled with water and the other filled with a sports drink. The water will hydrate them while the sports drink will allow them to take in sodium, sugar, and electrolytes.

Summary

Before you head off to train for the bike stage make sure you are riding a road bike with a helmet, biking gloves, cycling glasses, and water bottle. This gear will keep you safe on the road while allowing you to receive the greatest gains in performance for the money spent.

Part 3

In part 3 of the series we’ll discuss gear you will need for my favorite stage – the run stage.

This article is courtesy of Tim Smithson of Online Installment Loans and Installment Loans VS Payday Loans.