Beginner Triathlete-Novice Ironman--Don't Expect Bike Magic

In preparing to take on the challenge of a firstI had my best bike leg ever and my first thought
Ironman, I believe far too many athletes put toowas to fix up the old bike and keep racing it.
much emphasis on the bike they choose to purchaseHowever, I let my bike supplier talk me into buying a
for the event.fancier, newer model that was so much lighter that I
Somewhere along the Ironman trail, many athleteswould go even faster. I never, never matched my
have come to believe that the lighter, and morefastest bike ride over the next 10 years. Even on
state of the art the bike, the faster they will finishbikes valued 10 times more than my old standby. It
the bike leg of the Ironman.was probably the biggest single mistake I made in
Nothing could be further from the truth. For example:my 20 year Ironman career. I should have gone with
You could put one athlete on a $10,000 bike andmy very first instinct.
have him train without the aid of a proper diet orFor some reason, a bike will just suit you. It suits
without paying attention to proper hydration choicesyour style, ability and "fits" you like that favorite pair
and repacement drinks and the Ironman will spit himof runners. When this happens, hang on to that bike.
out like a cherry pit somewhere around mile 80 onIf you have to, save it mainly for races and get a
the bike course.second bike for the bulk of your training. That way
Take another athlete and put him on a $800 reliable,your race-day bike will last you for years.
average weight, used bike fitted with proper pedalsI've raced on more than one high-end bike that I was
and aero bars. Then have him pay particular attentionjust never comfortable on, no matter how light and
all training year to proper diet, hydration, and racedayfast they were supposed to be. At first it may seem
fueling techniques and somewhere around mile 80 ofcool to be the recipient of envious gazes from fellow
the same course he will call out "nice bike" as hetriathletes when they see you on your bike the
passes athlete number one who is in for a very long,week leading up to the race. You are the bike "king".
painful day.Believe me, its not so cool when these same athletes
Don't get all wrapped up in taking out a secondpass you out on the course with those dreaded
mortgage so you can buy that "special" bike that is 6words left in their wake. "Nice bike."
ounces lighter than anything on the road. After all,Every time you hear that, you will want to sink
you're going to be loading 5 pounds of water andfurther and further into your bike seat. You will wish
food and gear on the thing before you even get outyou were on a $250 beater. At least that way you
of transition. This is not your normal bike race. If youreason, you would have an excuse for getting
were just racing a bike century and that's it, thenpassed over and over again. There is nowhere to
that might be a different story. But that's not thehide out there.
nature of this beast.To save yourself a ton of embarrasment and
First of all you've most likely been bashed around forhumiliation, be sure that your ability matches the bike
an hour or so in a wild free-for-all swim and for mostyou ride.
of that time your heart-rate has been racing out ofAll my bikes are gone now, except for one. That
control. Plus, you still have a full marathon to considersame old bike is in my living room on a wind-trainer
after you get off the bike.and if I decide to do this amazing race once again,
Your bike is just a small part of the Ironmanwhen I turn 60, four years from now--it will be on a
equation. Don't get too wrapped up in light and fancyvery special, 16 year old bike.
and expensive. I know, I've done that.