Question:Im planning on entering my first sprint triathlon this summer and was going
to use my mountain bike because I don't have $ to buy a road bike.
Any recommendations as to what modifications Ican make or ideas on where i
can buy a cheap ($200-$300) road bike?
Answer:
One modification idea: slick tires will roll more nicely. Most local bike
shops stock them for folks who use their mountain bikes to commute
(primarily a pavement feature). Even if you never do another tri, you will
probably ride your mountain bike on the raod again.
Every other modification I can think of is a sunk cost; you may never use it
again.
You can get a decent used cro-mo (Chromoly) frame for your price range.
Check the local bike shop. Some sell on consinement or allow customers to
post ads on their bulletin board. Of course, identify your frame size
needs - - buyer beware.
I'd go with some slicks and an aero bar and maybe clipless pedals and
shoes.
You can get a cheap aero bar for $30 and slicks should be $20 each.
Clipless pedals and shoes will be a little more, but if you look
around you could probably get that for less than $100.
I second (or third) the suggestion to put slicks on the mountain bike. It
is the biggest improvement you can make! I used my Schwinn High Plains in
all the Sprint tris I've done. I just used the regular pedals with the
attached "foot cover" (technical term) and tri bars. A little heavy but
rolls well.
This communication is for use by the intended recipient and contains
information that may be privileged, confidential or copyrighted under
applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby
formally notified that any use, copying or distribution of this e-mail, in
whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender by return
e-mail and delete this e-mail from your system. Unless explicitly and
conspicuously designated as " E-Contract Intended", this e-mail does not
constitute a contract offer, a contract amendment, or an acceptance of a
contract offer. This e-mail does not constitute a consent to the use of
sender's contact information for direct marketing purposes or for transfers
of data to third parties.
if you want to keep it rock bottom cheap, just pick up some aerobars
that'll fit onto your handlebars (if you feel you'd like them), remove
any unnecessary fenders and stuff that'll just add weight, put some
lighter tires (slicks), and if you haven't already, throw on a mini pump
in a bracket, plus an under-seat tool kit bag.
that's about all i did on my mtn style road bike and it got me through
both a try-a-tri and a sprint race last summer. no problems there.
