Sport of Biking/Cycling
Elements of Good Bicycling Form
Because the bike section is the longest portion of the triathlon, both in distance and time, it is important to feel comfortable and efficient while riding. If you can learn to become smooth on the bike, you will be able to save energy for the final run portion of the triathlon. There are several skills that you can practice in order to become a better cyclist. First, achieve a high cadence. Cadence is defined as the number of rotations per minute of your pedals. You can determine your cadence by counting how many times your right foot does a complete pedal circle within 10 seconds, then multiply by 6 for total rotations per minute. A good goal cadence is around 90 rotations per minute. This is equivalent to 15 pedal rotations of your right foot in 10 seconds. This may feel fast and awkward at first, but will get more comfortable. Shifting is also imperative, so you can stay at or near the cadence of 90 rotations per minute. In addition, you should practice achieving a circular pedal stroke. The rest of this article gives good cycling tips for a triathlon
Triathlon Biking Tips
This article from June 2005 discusses a triathlon in Philadelphia, and offers expert advice for improving cycling for triathlons, and in general. Cadence, the official coaching company for the USA Triathlon, offers a number of cycling tips. They include looking ahead and being aware of others around you, not overreacting to rough roads or close-by riders, keeping line and pace, and only braking when necessary, thinking ahead before turning a corner, cheating the wind by finding the least windy sections of road, and maintaining a comfortable pedal cadence in a gear that doesn't over-burden your legs or your aerobic system.
Bike Maintenance: Seats, Tires, Brakes & More
Maintaining your bicycle, including the bike tires, is vital for triathletes who put wear and tear on their bikes during training and races. Most mechanical problems during an event are the result of poor maintenance and inspection. This website offers a standard maintenance program for your bicycle, which includes inspecting handlebars, checking releases on bicycle wheels, testing bike brakes, inspecting the saddle, inflating tires and more.
Maintaining Your Bicycle
Here are some valuable tips for properly maintaining your bicycle. Keep your chain, chainrings, freewheel, and derailleur's jockey wheels as clean as possible. These parts of the bike create much of the mechanical resistance that slows you down. When nuts and bolts are not tightened properly, they can loosen up, so it's important to check on them. Two troublesome areas are the handlebar binder bolt and seat binder bolt. Aero bars put severe twisting forces on handlebars when you hit a bump and often pivot, drooping down. More tips are available so you can maintain your bicycle properly for a triathlon race.
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