This is Part 3 of my Beginner’s Bike Buying Guide series for your first 70.3 or Ironman.
Part 1 gave an overview of entry considerations, where to buy, brands, sizing and more.
Part 2 covered bike components, group set, pedals/cleats and bike accessories.
Here in Part 3, I’ll cover:
the most important thing to do once you get a bike
the 3 best ways to upgrade your road bike for triathlon
my 70.3 road bike set up
A Professional Bike Fit
This is by far the most important thing to do once you get a bike.
70.3 and Ironman goals require long, steady rides ranging from 3 to 7+ hours.
A proper bike fit will set you up to ride comfortably and efficiently.
The 3 best places to get a good bike fit:
your local bike shop
multi-sport shops in your region
athlete-focused physical therapy clinics
Pro Tip: get fit in aero and make sure your fitter knows you’re doing triathlon
3 Best Ways To Upgrade Your Road Bike For Triathlon
#1 Aero bars
These are a must.
If you make no other upgrades, at least get these. You’ll ride 1-3 mph faster at the SAME effort level when you ride in aero vs. upright.
Profile Design is the most reliable brand. They have lots of good model options, but I recommend these.
#2 Split Nose Saddle
This makes your pelvic area more comfortable riding in aero.
Road bikes come with a narrow nose saddle that is meant for riding upright with your sit bones on the back of the seat.
Split nose saddles align with pelvic bone structure and make it comfortable to have your pelvic contact point up on the front nose of the seat.
ISM is the most reliable brand. They also have lots of good model options, but I recommend this.
Pro Tip: ask your bike fitter for help and recommendations here
#3 Aero Hydration System
This makes it easier to stay hydrated while staying in aero.
The goal is to ride comfortably in aero for long stretches of time. You want to avoid having to sit up, reach for your bottle, etc. every time you want to drink or take in fuel.
2 Brand Recommendations:
XLAB: They have lots of good model options, but I recommend the Torpedo Versa 200
Vision: I recommend the Metron Front Hydration System*
*The Vision Metron Front Hydration System is my recommended option for TT bikes
My 70.3 Road Bike Set Up
All 3 upgrades are pictured below.
Take note of how far up on the seat I am. The split nose saddle makes that much more comfortable.
Summary:
The 3 main upgrades to make any road bike suitable for triathlon:
aero bars: Profile Design
split nose saddle: ISM
aero hydration system: XLAB or Vision
