First Iron distance race bike question

nomorerugby

Greetings all,

having lost the rugby bulk, completed a few races and faced with the prospect of a good 18 months in the UK (first time in years - Armed Forces) I am taking the plunge and next year is IRON DISTANCE YEAR!!!!!

Based on location, accessibility for friends/family and ability to get back to work on the Mon I am looking at the Forestman event. My questions are:

1/ I welcome any feedback on the event etc from previous Forestmen. Nervous already with my first IM distance event.

2/ The big bike question - Road or Tri bike if I am focussing on this event? Do I buy some decent aero wheels to go on my full carbon/Ultegra Felt road bike and add clip on tri bars, or save a few extra pennies and go for a nice tri bike in the Jan sales???

Thanks for your help and look forward to the relplies

shadowone1

The bike question is a common one. I did my first IM on my road bike. If its really hilly then a road bike. if its flat and fast then TT but you'll need to train on the TT to get used to spending so long in the tucked up position.

Again Aero wheels will help you go quicker and save energy for the run but its a much a personal choice.

If you wait till Jan sales then its likely you will miss the bargains to be had - most bike shops start flogging their 2011 at the end on September to make way for the 2012 models - remember cash is king. Walk into a bike shop with the cash and prepare to haggle. You can pick up bargains with the right frame of mind and cash in the pocket.

Zacnici

As above,the season is wrapping up over the next few weeks so some bargains to be had. All the big hitters will be advertising, big faves for about a grand are Boardman, Focus and Planet X (PX also have carbon Tri bikes starting at a grand as well). This may be of interest http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/b ... 000-29719/

You do need to know what size bike you need and that is where a good LBS/Tri/cycle club comes in. The 3 services all have tri clubs so contact your service club, you may also be able to pick up a second hand bike through them.
Army http://www.army.mod.uk/events/sport/3334.aspx
Air Force http://www.raf.mod.uk/raftriathlon/
Royal Navy http://www.rnrmtri.co.uk/

The Forestman is described as 'undulating' and here is the bike profile:
http://www.mapmyride.com/s/routes/view/ ... s/30244764

Points to consider; for a long distance carbon soaks up road buzz and bumps, carbon fork standard on most bikes, if your bike has a conventional seatpost you always swap for a carbon post .