I recently met a lot of friends while running an exhibition booth at the Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon in Lubbock. Many people were interested in how they could make performance and comfort gains with a custom bike. They liked the idea that their triathlon times would improve, but many were stumped regarding the timing of the bike purchase and the fit that preceded it. This is a very good question and of course the answer is, “When you think the time is right,” it really doesn’t help most people. However, what does help is knowing what is happening to you before, during and after the racing season.

Triathletes in general tend to be wary of changing something. From footwear to diet to workout routines to bikes, any change will affect other events and can be difficult or even counterproductive. As such, many people put off any changes for as long as possible. I usually hear, “I can’t change before the season starts because I’m preparing for the season.” Then the story changes to: “I can’t change during the season because I can’t afford any interruptions in my training.” Finally, I heard, “It’s the offseason and I’m on the mend, plus I made it through this season, so I think I’ll keep things the same for next year.” Are you starting to see a pattern here?

I think the problem is that people have been so unlucky with change that it doesn’t work and they don’t have the confidence that positive change will happen. They fear that the potential change won’t outweigh the risks of interrupting training, learning new techniques, or mastering new equipment. This is totally understandable because there are tons of stories that describe bike accessories failed, running shoes don’t work, diet changes ruined races, etc.

The points that I suggest to people are the following:

1) If your position on the bike is not optimal, you are subject to:

For. Limiting your performance on the bike and the race.

B. Potential for Overuse Injury.

vs. Demotivation to train on the bike, substituting time in the pool or running to compensate.

2) The key component of our fit system is moving from a less “natural” position to a more “natural” one for you. This means that position changes can occur immediately with minimal adaptation time in most cases.

This means that you really have the ability to switch bikes for the better at almost any time of the season. However, please note the custom delivery times. If you need a new bike, typical lead times range from six to 14 weeks, depending on the frame manufacturer and if there is any custom paint involved. Many people don’t take this into account when considering their bike program.

At the end of the day, cycling is the part of your triathlon program that costs the most, lasts the longest, and provides the best way to improve not only your arrival times, but also your comfort during training and racing. I’ve never seen anyone regret improving their bike program, but I’ve seen a lot of regret for putting things off and procrastinating when the need for a new bike sneaked up on them. That being said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” If you are really comfortable, efficient, fast, and really enjoying all aspects of your current bike, a new one would simply be an expensive way to look cooler, as you have already optimized everything that can be improved. Your current bike is fine and you can train and enjoy your cycling experience.

If, on the other hand, you feel like you haven’t reached your potential on the bike stage, are struggling with comfort or efficiency, or are ready to upgrade, consider making your hard-earned dollars go as far as possible, with a bike designed so well that it feels like a part of you.