If you’ve just started training for a triathlon then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve got plenty of free material to get you started!

A triathlon consists of 3 parts:

• Running
• Biking
• Open Water Swimming

To become a master at the triathlon you must have a good triathlon training workout routine.

It’s not difficult to begin a training regimen and if you’re looking for some helpful training tips you need to check out…

…my free Beginner Triathlon Training: What You Need To Know eBook.

After you have got down the basics you’ll need to refine your techniques.

For tips on open water swimming, download: 7 Open Water Swimming Tips You Need to Know for Triathlon Success.

You know that old 10 speed bike that you’ve had in your basement for years? It’s not going to be up to par with today’s newest, cutting edge technology. Today’s bicycles are designed to be aerodynamic and much lighter than bikes of years past. My ebook: 7 Road Bike Shopping Basics will teach you how to find the proper bike fit, test drive it, and how much to spend on it.

You want to train to win, right? It’s not going to be easy, but with 6 Easy Tips for a Successful Triathlon Training Year,  you will be training like a pro in no time.

So what are you waiting for? With all of these easily accessible, free resources you could be on your way to winning that triathlon that you’ve been training for. Check out the eBooks at www.GearedUp.biz!

Questions or comments? Need an experienced triathlon coach? Please contact me online or connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.

Coach Angie

There will also be lots of extra’s for the family, including:

• bounce houses,
• face painting,
• games,
• expo, and
• more!

As of today, there are less than 200 total spots remaining, and the price goes up on August 1st!

Don’t miss out, and if you need help preparing for this triathlon, contact me, or give me a call at (239) 246-2920!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Angie

So if you are considering getting a sweet new ride, you should consider these tips to make sure that you are getting the bike that will suite you best.

1. Choosing A Triathlon Bike #1: – How to Shop For A Bicycle
2. Choosing a Triathlon Bike #2: Two Other Popular Styles of Bikes
3. Choosing a Triathlon Bike #3: With So Many Choices, How Can You Decide?
4. Choosing a Triathlon Bike #4: Deciding How Much to Spend
5. Choosing a Triathlon Bike #5: The Test Drive
6. Choosing a Triathlon Bike #6: – Getting a Proper Bike Fit
7. Choosing a Triathlon Bike #7: Getting the Proper Accessories

If you’d like these tips in an easy to read eBook format you can get the “7 Road Bike Shopping Basics” guide for FREE.

Hopefully these tips have given you an idea of just what bike you want and how to make sure that you are getting a good deal as well as the proper assistance that you deserve.

If you have any questions about triathlon bikes or cycling in general, download my FREE eBook 7 Road Bike Shopping Basics, contact me, or give me a call at (239) 246-2920.

If you live in Florida, please take advantage of my triathlon training services such as a standard triathlon bike fit or an advanced triathlon bike fit.

Have fun cycling!

Angie

This is the 7th tip in our series: “7 Road Bike Shopping Basics” which is also available as a FREE eBook at www.GearedUp.biz/ebooks/7-road-bike-shopping-basics.

When you begin exploring accessories for your bike, you’ll see there are a sea of items that enhance your riding experience.

You can spend as much or as little time and money as you want on items such as racks, bottle cages, locks, computers, bags & trailers, gloves, shoes & clothing, lights, and tire pumps. However, you absolutely CAN NOT skimp on…

…a helmet! Did you know that nearly 80% of cycle-related deaths result from head injuries? Considering these statistics, riding without a helmet is not an option. You absolutely MUST wear a bike helmet!

Keep the following points in mind when purchasing a helmet!

• Statistics show that you can expect to crash in your next 4,500 miles of riding, or maybe sooner than that, so ALWAYS wear a helmet!
• Even a low-speed fall on a bicycle path can cause brain damage.
• Laws in 22 states and at least 192 localities require bike helmets.
• Make sure your helmet fits! You want to ensure you’re getting all the protection you are paying for with your accessories.

A good fitting helmet means it’s level on your head, touching all around, and comfortably snug but not tight. The helmet should not move more than about an inch in any direction, and must not pull off no matter how hard you try. Pick a bright color (like white) for visibility for your helmet and other bike accessories. This ensures that motorists and other cyclists can see you.

Obviously, you should avoid a helmet with snag points sticking out or a squared-off shell.

Also avoid:

• Inadequate or excessive vents
• An extreme “aero” shape
• Dark colors
• Thin straps
• Complicated adjustments
• A rigid visor that could snag in a fall

If you have any questions about triathlon bikes or cycling in general, download my FREE eBook 7 Road Bike Shopping Basics, contact me, or give me a call at (239) 246-2920.

If you live in Florida, please take advantage of my triathlon training services such as a standard triathlon bike fit or an advanced triathlon bike fit.

Angie

This is the 6th tip in our series: “7 Road Bike Shopping Basics” which is also available as a FREE eBook at www.GearedUp.biz/ebooks/7-road-bike-shopping-basics.

Too often people buy a bike and try to start riding in whatever default position it is in. This quickly leads to sore necks, shoulders, backs and knee injuries. Remember, riding is supposed to improve your health, not hinder it! The salesperson should help you with the proper bike fitting and adjustments when you buy the bike. However, if you purchase a used bike, or you need to make your own adjustments at home, here are some rules to follow:

1. Seat Angle
   Start with the seat level with the ground. If you experience discomfort, angle the seat up or down a few degrees (maximum of about 3 degrees).
2. Seat Height
   Position yourself and your bike in a doorway, so you can hold yourself up while pedaling. Preferably have someone sit behind you and watch. Raise the seat until, as you pedal backwards with your heels on the pedals, your legs are completely extended at the bottom of the stroke. If you have to rock your hips to reach the pedals the seat is too high.
3. Pedal/Shoe Adjustments
   Pedaling is most efficient when you ride with the balls of your feet on the pedals. Trouble is, it’s possible to end up pedaling on your arches or tiptoes unless you use something to hold your feet in place. Toe clips can be attached to pedals to hold feet in the correct position.
4. Seat Fore/Aft Position
   Make sure the bike is level on the trainer. Then hop on and pedal a bit to warm up the muscles. Stop pedaling with one foot at three o’clock. Have an assistant level the crank arm and the pedal. Maintain that position while your helper holds a plumb line (a thread with a nut on the end works fine) against the indentation just beneath the bone that’s below your kneecap. Adjust the seat fore and aft on the rails until the plumb line bisects the pedal axle. Make sure your knee is not in front of the center of the pedal when the forward leg is at 3 o’clock.
5. Reach to the Handlebars
   Ideally, you’ll be able to comfortably reach the various handlebar positions on your bike without locking your elbows, straining your back and/or neck, or having to scoot forward or back on the seat.
6. Handlebar Height
   Comfort is key. If your lower back, neck, hands, and/or arms hurt, you’re probably leaning too far forward. If all your weight is on the seat and every bump feels like a kick in the pants, you’re sitting too upright.

Make sure that your bike is fit just right for you.

If you have any questions about triathlon bikes or cycling in general, download my FREE eBook 7 Road Bike Shopping Basics, contact me, or give me a call at (239) 246-2920.

If you live in Florida, please take advantage of my triathlon training services such as a standard triathlon bike fit or an advanced triathlon bike fit.

Angie

This is the 5th tip in our series: “7 Road Bike Shopping Basics” which is also available as a FREE eBook at www.GearedUp.biz/ebooks/7-road-bike-shopping-basics.

…it’s time for the fun part… the test drive!

At the bike shop, there are several checks you should do with the salesman to ensure that you get an accurate feel for the bike on your test drive. Here is a good checklist to follow:

• Make sure it’s properly adjusted – Make sure the seat’s adjusted for both height and tilt.

• The nose of the seat should be level with the back, and even small variations here can make tremendous differences in comfort.

• Make sure you set up each triathlon bike you’ll be testing to the same height (Even small changes in seat height can have a dramatic effect on how a bike feels)

Have the bike shop salesperson take a look at your position on the bike – make sure this is done with your hands on the lever hoods.

They may notice that you’ll need a shorter or longer stem.

• Check the Tires – have each bike’s tires inflated to the full rated pressure in front of you. The bike shop may insist that the bikes have full tires, but it’s very important that the bikes you’re comparing have tires that are at the same inflation. This is essential in accurately comparing and testing bicycles.

• Know the Gears – ask the bike shop salesperson to run through the gears on a stand so you know exactly how they’re supposed to work, and ensure that they’re properly adjusted.

Once the bikes are ready to go, you’ll be ready to take off on your test ride. Depending on the bike shop, and your personal riding comfort level, there are a few ways you may be permitted to test ride the bikes.

Parking Lot Ride – this ride around the bike shop parking lot is good for having the salesperson to check your position on the bike

Around the Block Ride – if you do o.k. in the parking lot, the bike shop may allow you to take it around the block so you can test it with a little more speed

Road Ride – the bike shop may even have a longer “course” worked out that includes various conditions and descents to test the bike’s performance

If you have any questions about triathlon bikes or cycling in general, download my FREE eBook 7 Road Bike Shopping Basics, contact me, or give me a call at (239) 246-2920.

If you live in Florida, please take advantage of my triathlon training services such as a standard triathlon bike fit or an advanced triathlon bike fit.

Angie

This is the 4th tip in our series: “7 Road Bike Shopping Basics” which is also available as a FREE eBook at www.GearedUp.biz/ebooks/7-road-bike-shopping-basics.

However, the more you pay, the lighter the bike tends to be and, theoretically speaking, the lighter the cycle, the better it is! Cyclists are obsessed with weight, and are always looking for ways to shed weight off their rides. The lighter your bike is, the less weight you have to power, and the faster you will go.

Regarding the actual cost, pricing varies greatly depending on brand, model, type of bike, etc.

To estimate how much you should spend on your new bike, first ask yourself how frequently you plan to use it:

• When I feel like it
• A few times a month
• On weekends
• A few times a week
• Every day

Obviously, your purchase should be based on your budget and the type and/or brand of bike you prefer.

For a general idea of bike cost, below is a good estimation of how much you should probably expect to spend, based on your commitment to biking:

Now that you have an idea of how much you’d like to spend on your triathlon bike, make sure that you don’t get a bad deal.

If you have any questions about triathlon bikes or cycling in general, download my FREE eBook 7 Road Bike Shopping Basics, contact me, or give me a call at (239) 246-2920.

If you live in Florida, please take advantage of my triathlon training services such as a standard triathlon bike fit or an advanced triathlon bike fit.

-Angie

This is the 3rd tip in our series: “7 Road Bike Shopping Basics” which is also available as a FREE eBook at  www.GearedUp.biz/ebooks/7-road-bike-shopping-basics.

Although Mountain Bikes & Road Bikes are two of the more popular styles, there are many other types of specialized bikes to choose from.

You have to decide what your riding style is and what your goals are.

Below are brief descriptions of various other styles of bikes that may work for your specific needs.

• Touring
  Touring bikes feature mounts for racks and bags to carry gear. Touring bikes generally use mountain-bike brakes for more stopping power and heavier frame materials to combat stress & weight as well as slightly wider tires for more stability and resistance.
• Hybrid
  A hybrid bike is like the SUV of the bicycle world. The idea is that the larger wheels and narrower tires enable you to travel more efficiently over longer distances while still being stable and worthy of the occasional jaunt on an unpaved fire road or non-technical single track. Hybrid bicycles are perfect for multiple gear selections (like the mountain bike) and smooth efficiency (like a road bike).
• Comfort/Cruiser
  Comfort and cruiser bikes are built for recreational riding, generally on bike paths or over flat terrain. Tires can be very wide and soft, as on a “beach cruiser,” but are usually a smoother version of a mountain bike tire. Many comfort specialized bikes include shock-absorbing seats and suspension seat posts which help to make the ride as cushy as possible. Weight is less of an issue, and many cyclists add rear-view mirrors, lights, bags for carrying items, and reflective tape to their comfort bikes.
• Cyclocross
  The Cyclocross specialized bikes are essentially road bikes that have a more durable frame, wider and knobbier tires, and mountain bike brakes, but are still light enough to carry while running. A ‘cross bike will have a lower, more race-style position, than a touring bicycle. If you aren’t into racing Cyclocross, these bicycles often make great recreational road bikes or touring bikes. Some feature mounts for racks and other accessories.

Cyclocross is a combination of mountain biking, road racing, and running. Cyclocross is the fastest growing segment of the U.S. racing scene.

• Triathlon Bikes
  Triathlon bikes are variations of a road bike. These are aerodynamic cycles for triathlons, and use clip-on aero-bars (short for aerodynamic handlebars) to allow you to ride in a more aerodynamic position. They often also have aerodynamic wheels and drinking systems.
• BMX
  Bicycle motocross, or BMX, is a sport for smaller, specialized bikes, ridden off-road on a dirt track. BMX includes jumping, ramp riding, racing and freestyle. There are variations on the standard BMX bike, but most use the same style: 20-inch wheels with knobby, wide tires, a small frame and beefy components designed for rough use. There is also a cruiser style BMX bike, with 24-inch wheels for faster riding and more stability.

So now that you know about some of the more specialized bikes, you can go out and find the bike you need!

If you have any questions about triathlon bikes or cycling in general, download my FREE eBook 7 Road Bike Shopping Basics, contact me, or give me a call at (239) 246-2920.

If you live in Southwest Florida, please take advantage of my Triathlon Training Services in Fort Myers such as a standard triathlon bike fit or an advanced triathlon bike fit.

Have fun!

Angie

This is the 2nd tip in our series: “7 Road Bike Shopping Basics” which is also available as a FREE eBook at www.GearedUp.biz/ebooks/7-road-bike-shopping-basics/

Do you like trail riding over rocks and uneven ground, or will you be cruising along the smooth pavement? Are you concerned with distance and speed, freestyle, racing, technical riding skills, or comfort?

The most popular types of bikes are road bikes or the mountain bike.

Mountain Bikes:

• Built for riding over trails and rough terrain (Most mountain bikers are more concerned with the technical aspects of riding than speed or distance)
• Mountain bikes have knobby, wide tires for better traction and stability
• Feature front suspension, shock absorbing forks on the front end to smooth out rough trails and terrain
• Mountain bikes usually come with three chain rings in the front and eight or nine gears on the rear wheel, for a total of 24 or 27 speeds
• Have more gear choices for easier pedaling on steep, difficult hills
• Some use rear suspension, allowing the rear wheel to move and smooth out bumps

Road Bikes:

• Light, sleek and built for covering mega-miles at high speeds on smooth pavement!
• Tires are thinner than those of a mountain bike or hybrid, making road bikes faster (somewhat less stable to newer riders)
• New road bikes now have integrated shifter and brake levers, allowing you to change gears and put on the brakes without moving your hands from the brake levers
• Road bikes designed for casual and pleasure riding use a triple chain ring in the front, with nine cogs on the rear wheel, allowing wider gear ranges for steep hills
• Bicycles geared for performance riding and racing usually feature two chain rings up front and nine gears in the rear, because racers require higher gears for competition
• Curved handlebars of the road bike offer more hand positions, and a lower, more aerodynamic position than a mountain bike and may take some getting used to

An investment in a newer road bike is well worth the money, and will re-invent the world of cycling for you.

If you have any questions about choosing a triathlon bike, mountain bikes, road bikes, or cycling in general, download my FREE eBook 7 Road Bike Shopping Basics, contact me, or give me a call at (239) 246-2920.

If you live in Florida, please take advantage of my Triathlon Training Services such as a standard triathlon bike fit or an advanced triathlon bike fit.

-Angie

This is the 1st tip in our series: “7 Road Bike Shopping Basics” which is also available as a FREE eBook at www.GearedUp.biz/ebooks/7-road-bike-shopping-basics

Or, perhaps you are ready to get back into biking? We want to make sure that you’re savvy to the current world of cycling. When shopping for a triathlon bike, keep in mind you’re also shopping for a bike shop.

Ask yourself these important questions when deciding where you should purchase your bike:

1. Is this shop making an effort to understand my needs, and what type of cyclist I am, or do they seem to just be pitching today’s special?
2. Do they assure that the bike fits me?
3. Is this shop the sort of place I feel comfortable bringing my bike back to if something’s not quite right?

Remember, the most expensive triathlon bike you can buy is the one you don’t use!

Be a savvy cyclist when you set off to shop.

Having knowledge about bikes before you get into the shop is very important.

You’ll know the appropriate questions to ask the salesman, and can better estimate if they are truly concerned with finding the perfect bike for your individual needs.

A bicycle is composed of many important parts.

• The frame
• The wheels
• The transmission system (gears and shifters)
• The braking system
• The steering
• The seat

Once you’ve narrowed down your selection to a bike or two that you really like, you’re going to want to take it for a test drive.

You will likely be require you to have a valid driver’s license, and some may require a charge card authorization before you take the bike out for a spin.

If you have any questions about cycling or choosing a triathlon bike, download my FREE eBook 7 Road Bike Shopping Basics,  contact me, or give me a call at (239) 246-2920.

If you live in Florida, please take advantage of my triathlon training services such as a standard triathlon bike fit or an advanced triathlon bike fit.

-Angie