Get Fit with a Triathlon Bicycle
First off, if you are looking to compete in triathlons you must start getting yourself into shape. Look for races with distances that you are able to complete in and then build up to further distances. On this note there is no reason to train with materials that you will not use during the race. Using a triathlon bike during your training is the only smart thing to do. You will not get the proper benefits if you are using a road bike or beach cruiser to train for your ride. A triathlon is a gruelling task and one that is something you should feel good about accomplishing.
You might ask what are the differences in bikes for triathlons? First off let us look at what you are looking to accomplish with a triathlon. You are going to swim, run and bike. This means you need to get your whole body ready to train. This is why you can become very fit with a triathlon bike and with the rest of the course.
Now think about the swim and how you are going to want to use your upper body for most of the swim. The reason for this is that you want to save your leg strength to perform in the run and during the bike. This only makes sense also when getting fit that this helps hit your whole body. Affecting the whole body is the reason for this type of training.
Triathlon bikes are built to help with aerodynamics. Not to get into specifics, but this will help with drag from the wind. With less wind drag you will be able to go faster with using less energy. We want to be able to obtain maximum amount of speed with the energy we use. Next up the triathlon bike is designed to put more emphasis on your hamstrings. Why you might ask?
The answer is simple when you run you are going to be using the muscles in your quadriceps much more than your hamstrings. So when you are biking taking the load off of your quadriceps helps out when coming up to your run. Remember biking needs to be a bit of a rest phase in your triathlon. This is the reason for getting maximum efficiency during your bike.
The aero dynamics of the triathlon bike are the primary differences between other bikes. Not to over emphasize the point but you need to cut down the wind drag and your body will actually be 80% of that drag. Triathlon bikes are built so that you will be able to maintain the position in a more comfortable manner. The last thing you need to be is stiff when you get off the bike.
Remember when you get fit with a triathlon bike you will be in the best shape of your life. It is going to be hard work but it will get easier in time. The pay off will be the feeling of success and the look you have when you see yourself in the mirror.
