I'm doing a triathlon next week can i do it on a mountain bike and what clothing should i wear. thanks?

Question

it is 750 swim 12 km cycle 5 km run

Answer 1

It depends on your goals -- since you are only a week away from the tri and don't know what to wear, I assume you are only doing this for fun, not to win it. In that case, and since this is not a long distance tri, yes your mtn bike will be fine. You could consider getting some bike shorts that are suitable for the swim -- some shorts are made for this purpose, with thinner pads that won't soak up so much water. Pearl Izumi sells one, as do many other brands.

Answer 2

people do these for different reasons.  if you are looking to test yourself and see if you can do one, sure a mountain bike would be fine.  i would wear a pair of tri shorts (lightweight biking shorts).  you can do all three disciplines in them.  

if you enjoy it, i think it will kind of take off from there.  you'll be getting a better bike and equipment as kind of a natural progression into the sport.

Answer 3

Most tri's permit mtb's.  A few even have a special competition category for them.   Check the rules in your race information.  

As for what to wear, go with whatever's comfortable.  The only true requirement is a helmet.  Typically I just race in my swimsuit for anything under iron distance.  Bear in mind that there are no changing facilities (again, except for iron distance races), and there is a penalty for public nudity.    

Answer 4

Usually people in triathlon's have some pretty high end bikes made just for that purpose, typically a very light road bike with aero bars.  You can ride a mountain bike, just don't expect to keep up with the guys on the high end bikes!  

As for clothing, there's a whole industry devoted to tri clothing.  Do some reasearch at www.bicycling.com and you'll learn a lot.  

Answer 5

I would tell you to be careful and go onto the British Tri website for some ides and ask other tri athletes.

I have attached some websites for you to have a look at?

A wet suit for the swim

With a pair of trunks.swimsuit underneath to allow the quick change into the cycling.

Always have a second pair of shorts for the running afterwards, wet shorts feel uncomfortable.

Good Luck

Answer 6

On the bike front try the tighten up the suspension (if any), as this will reduce lost energy and increase efficiency, and if possible put semi-slick or slick tyres on to reduce friction and increase speed.

With clothes if you wear lycra shorts for a swim you can ride in them, or you can have a T-shirt and sports shorts with your bike.

Good luck on the triathlon!!

Answer 7

Depending on the size of the field, I guarantee there will be other people on mountain bikes. Everyone has a first race and triathlon can get expensive very fast. Go ahead and race on your clunker bike and see if you like it. If you stick with it, think about investing in a road or TT bike. You might also consider a tri-specific wetsuit. Also, most races won't let you in without a helmet (at least in the US).

Answer 8

you can do it on a mountain bike but it is always easier to use a racing bike because it is lighter and faster. aslo i would wear a wet suit with shorts underneath so after the swim you can jsut zip it off and go right into your bike and then run