Legal or illegal bikes?
My friend Mary Dell recently left the following comment/query:
I was wondering what the specifications are for the bike part in a triathlon.I've been introduced to folding bicycles, and although they look a little funny, they are fun to ride. Are there officials checking the bikes at the beginning and ending of that segment to insure nothing 'funny' is going on?
Surely one of our true bicyclist/triathletes will know the real answer to this.
Shelly? or maybe Jeff Campbell might want to respond?
And that ET bicycle, how in the world does it take off like that? There's something beyond people power propelling it through the air! If not, I'll take one of 'em.
Now I'll admit that I'm thinking of tricking out my bicycle too with the old cards in the spokes trick. I'd say that one would be legal.
4 comments:
You folding bike will be fine for tri's. I believe in the rules, all you need is working brakes, and barend caps. And the power of your own legs.
Also the awesome thing about folding/breakaway bikes is it makes traveling less expensive...
"Officials" are everywhere! When and What are they looking for? With regard to the bikes- not a whole lot- just a few basic safety features.
When you arrive at a triathlon race site (generally VERY early in the morning) The officials look for the few safety items Jeff mentioned; working brakes, bar-end caps (those are the shiny little plugs at the end of your handlebars),a generally safe rolling bike with only 2 wheels, and an approved helmet with no apparent damage.
Then you enter the transition area. Within that area there are officials guiding and helping athletes. They may take a glance at the bikes, but believe me, aside from the above items, ANYTHING is allowed. I have seen some really incredible machines roll into and out of transition and I have all the respect in the world for the athletes that rode them!
Oh yes! Shelly and I have seen some different things. And if you dont have a "tri" bike you can always be like Evan Guy and use your mountain bike! That man is one tough cookie. Just think of doing the Boerne Triathlon course on a mountain bike after you have done a 1 mile swim and a 7 mile run. Evan did it with a smile and was no worse for wear.
I'm not sure I would sacrifice those basketball cards! Maybe an old Dennis Rodman card, but Clyde the Glide or Pippen?
:)
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