2007-05-15 06:13:59 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
Sprint distance triathlons come in many colors, of course.
There are those where the bike route is paved (like a county road or a city street), and there are those where the route is completely off-road (like single- or double-track), and those where there is a combination of the two.
Likewise, swimming can be in open water (like a lake or river), or in a pool. And running can be on a track, on roads, or cross-country ... or any combination of the above.
For pure road races (or those that are a combination of gentle off-road and pavement) a hybrid is sufficient to allow you to find out whether you like the sport of triathlon. It isn't the fastest on the pavement, or the best for off-road use, but it fares better than a pure road bike or pure off-road bike when the course layout itself doesn't favor them.
When you attend a triathlon (even a sprint distance one), you'll see a LOT of difference in equipment and clothing between the competitors. Also all kinds of body types and abilities in each required sport. Get used to it ... as you grow into the sport, you can choose to spend more on gear and upgrades to improve your performance ... but the fastest and surest way to make the improvement is to put the miles (in training) in yourself. After all, it's YOU that is the engine!
2007-05-15 11:31:19 · answer #1 · answered by CanTexan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, probably not too well.
Most triathletes will be on tri bikes or road bikes, which are much lighter, more efficient, and more aerodynamic than hybrids. If you are seriously considering competing in triathlons, you will want to invest in a higher-end road bike or a tri bike. However, if you are just seeing what the whole tri thing is all about and currently have a hybrid, you could just ride it, knowing that it isn't really the right bike for the discipline, and see how it goes. If you find you do want to compete in more triathlons, you can look to buy a more competitive bike down the road.
2007-05-15 07:15:45 · answer #2 · answered by misskarenjean 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess that would directly depend on who is on the hybrid. At any rate you will be able to cover the course on a hybrid, you will see ALL kinds of bikes at a triathlon. But the same rider on a hybrid vs a TT bike, the difference will be multiple minutes. Most triathlons have a "fat tire" category, your hybrid would probably qualify for this category, but I am not positive (someone on a true MTN bike might complain that it's not a true fat tire).
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Hybrids...OK for ever thing, but good for nothing.
2007-05-15 08:32:25 · answer #3 · answered by jffsbr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not well at all. Hybrid bikes do not have the gearing, geometry, or weight to do any serious competitive cycling. You will need to work a lot harder to get the same result as another athlete riding a road or time trial bike.
2007-05-15 07:46:40 · answer #4 · answered by Jay P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rady A road bike cannot work on trails... get over it. For your first tri, just see if you can borrow an appropriate sized road bike. Save your money, or rent the bike. You will want to train and ride a lot until then. In the mean time, read up on spinning and shifting. If you don't know, read, or ask on this site. Save your money for the purchase. Soccerref
2016-05-18 22:13:55 · answer #5 · answered by danica 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It don't.
It's a bit like asking how does a camel do at the Kentucky Derby; it runs OK, but it just don't look right. If you are planning to ride one of these - you better be a HELL of a swimmer and runner is all I can say!
2007-05-15 10:19:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
horribly. air drag, weight, doesnt take road bumps as well. get a road if possible if not i guess good luck
2007-05-15 16:40:39 · answer #7 · answered by Chris W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋