Get one of these, it’s required, not optional.  It’s the CycleOps Fluid trainer.  REI has them, TNT has them (w/ a discount I think), and I’m sure Craigslist/eBay and alumni have them.  You don’t need to get this exact same one but you do need a trainer.

A bike trainer is really kinda cool and great for Winter training and just getting cadence up.  The best is when the Tour de France is on TV later in the season and you get to cycle along.

Also, check out this article: What is the key to killer Ironman bike splits?

Now you want one right

If you look this hot in a wetsuit, then you know you’ve got the right one.

If you don’t already have a wetsuit or you’re looking to upgrade, the best thing to do is visit Jen Elson or go to the Sports Basement and try one out. You won’t need a wetsuit for a little while still so no rush.

Good brands:

• Blue Seventy
• Orca
• Quintana Roo

Your main decision points will be around price and sleeveless vs. full sleeve wet suits. $200-$300 is about what you’re looking at for a good tri wetsuit.

Most important thing about wetsuit is getting the right fit.

See more for wetsuit care. Read the rest of this entry »

The point of me posting this story is…Custom bikes rock. Hot new paint job, name on the side, that’s what I’m talking about.

Check out this article on buying a bike. Don’t feel unsure about buying a bike. Ask someone on staff. This will be your biggest purchase and will affect how your season goes as you will be on your bike saddle for well over a 1000 miles this season.

Bikes we like: Cervelo, Trek, Lemond, Guru, Litespeed, Quintana Roo, Seven, Serotta, Kuota, Felt, Orbea, Giant, Specialized

A few more posts on bikes this week

Trek bikes are among the favorite bikes that IronTeam people seem to ride and the new 2007 Treks should now be reaching stores (which means folks on the cutting edge can get a new bike AND there are sales of 2006 bikes at your local bike store).

Top end Trek bikes are carbon fiber. If you are on the IronTeam 2007 team and you don’t have a bike or looking to upgrade, don’t buy one yet. Wait until you talk to a Coach, and more importantly wait until you get your TNT discount card.

There are lots of variables when getting a bike including tri-specific vs. road bike, price anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000+ (between $1,500 - $3,000 is fairly reasonable), material e.g. carbon fiber, titanium, steel, aluminum, etc. Lot ‘o stuff. So if you don’t know what’s good, don’t go shopping yet.

Most important thing of course is the paint job.

If you’re absolutely new to triathlon, e.g. don’t have a wet suit, no bike, not much of anything, don’t go buying stuff before IronTeam kick-off.

First off, you don’t know what to buy yet.

Second, you get the good ‘ol Team in Training discount at various stores in the Bay Area. For example, 5% on a new bike is pretty significant.