Just got in via the lottery. This will be my first time to do the race; I have both a tri bike, as well as a road bike that I can put the Vision Tech mini aerobar clipons on. For those who have done this race in the past, which bike setup would you prefer? There seems to be a lot of climbing and descending which makes me lean towards the road bike. Also the bad roads make me hesitant to use my Zipp wheels but do you think they’d survive the beating? Thanks for any input!
Definetly road bike. Im not even sure id bother with the aero bars, but i guess why not.
My take on the course-
-almost ZERO “just going straight”- lots of turns, HUGE crowds, many many many hills
-you really need to have a compact unless you are a strong climber- there is one very short VERY VERY steep hill.
-roads the year i did it (05?) were terrifying. I wouldnt bother with the aero wheels- they might not survive, and there isnt going to be much need for them (see the “no going straight” bit)
-its moslty a swimming/running duathlon- i htink the bike is just there for show- its very short vs the other events
-btw practice running on sand. The sand ladder isnt nearly as bad as they say, but the beach running is much worse than they say
I’ve done Alcatraz twice and both times did it on a road geometry bike. That said, the fastest guys were on ITU style tri bikes, road bikes with shorties and even steep-angle tri bikes.
If I had it to do again (I don’t this year 
unfortunately) I’d probably use a Cervelo Soloist set up with drop bars, STI levers and shortie aerobars.
Road Bike for sure. Steep climbs (for a Texan), and technical descents. I did it back in 2004 and used a road bike. By far the most fun I’ve had in a triathlon. Enjoy!
If you’re in a later wave (older AGs start after the pros and the young ones), or a MOP swimmer, definitely go road bike. That bike course seemed awfully crowded back amongst the hoi polloi. Think Chicago, but with more potholes and a few good hills.
x2 on the comment about training to run on sand. Also stairs.
Alcatraz was one of the more exhilarating races I’ve ever been lucky enough to do. Have a blast.
Anyone recommend a bike rental shop? Don’t feel like transporting my bike from East to West coast and back for an 18 mile ride. Might even be cheaper to rent. Any thoughts?
Did you just get notified today?
I guess that since I have not recieved an email, I did not get selected (again!)
DB
Great info to have - without it, I would have definitely shown up with the wrong setup… Do you think I can get away with a 53/39 - 12/25, or should I get some lower gearing ratios. I’m a middle of the pack climber, but this is a short ride, so I figure that with a bit of muscling, I’d be ok.
Also, I’m aiming to use a full sleeve wetsuit, neoprene cap under the race cap and earplugs (maybe I’m a baby, but I’m used to mid/high 60’s water).
On the cycle ride, I figure I’ll have some arm warmers w/me and go with typical singlet/tri-shorts
On the run I expect that I’ll be plenty warm, so I’m not planning on anything alcatraz specifc…
Any other clothing-related suggestions?
If you do find any leads/info for a good quality rental, please let me know also - I agree that dragging my road bike across the country is quite the hassle and expense…
Road bike. Skip the mini’s. 12-25 on the back.
dbeitel, The 2nd lottery drawing results from 1 Feb have just been posted on the Eascape from Alcatraz web site http://www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com/site3.aspx I saw my name on that list. I should have an email with more instructions on my home computer when I get off of work.
I rented last year from Blazing Saddles (one of many different rental places)
They had two 3 day specials for the race a decent road bike ($129) and a nicer carbon road bike ($189).
I brought my own pedals and went for the carbon bike.
I picked up the bicycle 2 blocks from the Hyatt near the waterfront area a couple days (friday) before the race (sunday), Kept in my hotel room and road it to the start at 4:30 am sunday morning, setup my T spot, got on the bus (to the ferry) and waited, and waited, and waited… did the race, road it back to hotel and then to the same place to drop off and made my 5:00 pm flight back home on Sunday night.
This is what I ran last year. I was happy with the setup (even though I went pretty slow…oops!). I definitely used the aerobars (I used full bars off my tri bike instead of my shorties). The wheels weren’t beaten up at all…plus they’re a lot lighter than anything else I have. I was also VERY happy to have my toe warmers on…SF is chilly!
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t276/mgreene11/alcatrazbike.jpg
Lukester
Thanks for the heads up. I guess I will have to wait until next year to try !
Great info everyone – I am going to go with a gatorFL-style setup and I’ll use my Zipps. The aero helmet will be a nice touch to help keep my melon warm in that chilly SF air.
I am also stoked to see that Tri Bike Transport has service to this race as well so I don’t have to worry about flying my ride or renting an unfamiliar one.