Six years ago on a whim I decided to sign up for the NYC Triathlon. I didn’t know anything about tris and owned a beat up hybrid bike. I figured since it was my first triathlon, I shouldn’t invest too much money in new gear; what if I didn’t enjoy it and wasted all that money on a new bike? I still remember taking my hybrid around Central Park and struggling like crazy to get up Harlem Hill, watching every single person easily pass me. Instantly I decided I’d buy a new bike…
At the time, I wanted the cheapest yet still reliable road bike available. I visited a few bike shops and quickly realized that women’s bikes for someone my size (5’2) were hard to come by. Each shop had 1-2 bike options for me. I tried them, feeling no real difference and opted for the color I liked best (not really how you are supposed to buy a bike!). I ended up loving the tri and have been riding that same trusty bike for FIVE years of racing. This bike has gotten me through triathlons, a century ride and many more adventures.
[My friend Genniva and I years ago during an 80-mile ride]
It seems like triathlons and bike riding are here to stay in my repertoire and I’d been toying with the idea of a new bike for some time, so when the folks at Ironman and Specialized offered me a bike loan for the 2015 season, I jumped at the chance. After all, Specialized is the brand I’d been eyeing all along.
Specialized set me up with the Alias Pro Tri, a women-specific tri bike, perfect for those looking to “train hard, push limits and nail PRs.” Sounds like me! I was told to set up an appointment at Bicycle Habitat for my bike fitting. Based on my pervious bike-purchasing experience, I assumed this meant they would set the bike for someone who is 5’2 and I’d be on my way. Woah, I was so wrong! There is actually a very specific Body Geometry Fit routine that takes approximately 90 minutes and includes a pre-fit interview, a series of strength and flexibility test and about 45 minutes on the bike, fine tuning each measurement.
One evening after work I met up with Emily at Bicycle Habitat in Brooklyn for my fitting. Emily was awesome, talking me through the entire process and why the Alias will fit all of my needs. Things I would never think would be relevant for a bike fit were measured, like the arch of my foot and the flexibility in my hips, as well as the distance between my sit bones.
[measuring my foot arch]
After a series of off-the-bike measurements, I hopped on the bike (secured to a stationary trainer) to get everything just right, including adding on aero bars that would be both comfortable and perfectly positioned.
By the end of the fit I felt like the Alias and I were besties. The only problem was it was 8:30pm, dark and I was in Brooklyn! How would I get my new baby home? Emily gave me simple directions to the subway. I rode my new bike extremely cautiously and hopped on the train to get home. I would have loved to ride all the way home but in the dark on a new bike, no thank you.
I’m still getting used to my new bike and you will be hearing a lot more about it in the coming weeks. If you’re looking to invest in a new bike for race season, make sure to do your research and be fit properly for your bike! I can’t even imagine how wrong my former bike set up was and I rode it for 9 triathlons! Emily at Bicycle Habitat is an excellent resource, as I’m sure are the other folks who work there. Bicycle Habitat has 4 locations, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Soho and Chelsea. If you need a professional opinion before taking the leap with a new bike, call up BH and let them guide you through the process.
I’m thrilled to have my new Alias taking me through the 2015 race season and look forward to getting used to the new set up, especially the aero bars which are totally new to me.
Stay tuned for more posts as the Alias and I take on long training rides and summer races!
