Biking is one of the three segments in a triathlon besides swimming and running. During the race, your choice of a bike will determine how well you fare. Therefore, it begs the question: can you do a triathlon with a mountain bike?
The answer is yes. This article will expound more on how you can use a mountain bike during a triathlon and some of the adjustments you can make to the bike for increased speeds and efficiency.
Is There a Special Bike Needed for a Triathlon?
The excitement of getting into a new sport might make one go shopping for expensive and sometimes unnecessary gear. However, you can always start with what you have and buy the equipment you cannot compromise having.
The major upside you would get if you were to invest and show up all geared up for the first race is other players will take you seriously. However, it might not be a worthy investment. This might be the case, especially if you don’t take the sport as a serious hobby.
For a bike, if you don’t own one, an entry-level road bike will suffice for your first triathlon. The good thing about the bike is that you will use it beyond the triathlon. However, if you already own a mountain bike, getting another bike for your first triathlon won’t be advisable.
Generally, there is no right kind of bike to use on your first triathlon. While it is the case that experienced triathletes invest in specialized bicycles, you can work with what you have.
What Bikes Are Used in a Triathlon?
As much as you can go to your first triathlon with a bike you already have, two bicycles are used predominantly in a triathlon. These two types of bikes used by triathletes are road bikes and specialized triathlon bikes. These lightweight bikes have skinny tires and high gears for the highest acceleration.
The significant difference between triathlon bikes and road bikes is the aero bars in the front of triathlon bikes. These bars allow bikers to use streamlined and aggressive riding positions when needed.
The triathlon bikes largely depend on the type of triathlon and the number of participants. In most of the events, triathletes will use bikes that were lying around at home in the garage. This can be a hybrid, mountain, comfort, or commuter bike.
The downside of these bikes is that they will not achieve acceleration levels like those of triathlon bikes. This is because of the difference in bike weight, gearing, and bike frame geometry. With that said, you can make adjustments to your mountain bike for efficient performance in a triathlon.
Can I Go On A Triathlon With A Mountain Bike?
You may not have a budget for a triathlon bike or a road bike. Also, you may deem it best to partake in a few triathlons before deciding to get a new triathlon bike. If that is the case, you can use your mountain bike for the triathlon.
However, you will need to make some adjustments to your bike before you go for the triathlon. The adjustments are not mandatory, but they will come in handy, and they are cheaper than investing in a new bicycle.
Additionally, the adjustments will allow your bicycle to perform optimally, and you will have an easy time finishing the course. You will also save some minutes off your race time.
Below is a list of some of the adjustments to your mountain bike before embarking on the upcoming triathlon.
Street Tires
Typically, mountain bikes are meant to be ridden in stony terrains where they provide the best grip. The bikes achieve high grip by ensuring maximum contact between the ground and the rubber.
Therefore, if you go to the triathlon with a mountain bike, it will be paramount to replace the knobby tires with street tires. Street tires or slicks are primarily found in road bikes and triathlon bikes, and they offer low levels of resistance, hence the high acceleration.
You can overlook all other modifications, but not this one. With only 50 dollars, your bike will be giving triathlon bikes a run for their money.
Clipless Pedals
Clipless pedals are not a requisite, but their impact will make a significant difference. The pedals have shoes that will lock the feet of the rider into position, resulting in more control. The rider will, in turn, make tight turns because they can handle the bike better and pedal consistently.
Clipless pedals will also allow you to ride faster with minimal effort. Once you upgrade to these pedals, each revolution will give you greater power. They are affordable, and their installation is very straightforward.
Seat or Saddle Replacement
Another crucial adjustment to your mountain bike before participating in a triathlon is the saddle/ seat replacement. Different individuals have varying positioning and comfort preferences for the saddle. But it will be helpful to have a saddle positioned so that you can cycle at higher speeds.
High-speed and road-ready bikes will have raised seat levels, giving bikers a higher stance. This position is ideal for fast pedalling resulting in high speeds.
With that said, how will you settle for the right saddle for your bike? While you may not be confident in the saddle you choose, ensure that you go for something that will keep you in an excellent position to achieve high speeds, mobility, and control. Also, ensure the saddle takes off some weight from your bike.
Suspension
Conventionally, mountain bikes come with flexible suspension springs that aid in shock absorption on rough terrains. However, the enhanced suspension is not needed in a triathlon.
It would be helpful to tighten the suspension on your mountain bike. This will serve as an effective adjustment before taking part in a triathlon.
You can make the suspension stiffer or bypass the suspension altogether. As a result, you will have a smoother glide and pick up high speeds with minimal effort.
