I’ve been researching the triathlon clubs in Manhattan but haven’t had alot of success differentiating between them. A search of the forums basically identifies Asphalt Green as the best pool but most of the posts don’t give the pluses/ minuses of any of the clubs. Can anyone comment on the differences between SBR, Asphalt Green, Terrier Tri (and any others I may be missing). I looked into TriLife but they would want me to drop my coach which isn’t going to happen. Thanks for any input! I’m new to the sport and really just looking for a great competitive group so I can find a training partner that will allow us to push each other.
I’m a member at AGTri. I joined earlier this year after moving to the US and love the club. Like most people I can’t really comment on the differences between the clubs you list but I couldn’t ask for much more the AGTri offers and having access to a pool (which is in the process of being significantly upgraded) is a huge bonus in Manhattan.
Feel free to shoot me any specific questions you have by PM or just reply here and I’ll do my best to answer. Either way I’ll see you at LP in '08
Yes, there are some differences between them all…which one you join depends on two things: what you want out of it and where you live.
Tri Life isn’t so much a club, but more group coaching for IMLP, which is their ‘A’ race typically. Just about everyone who does it has good things to say about the experience. But you sort of have to want that ‘group’ experience thing.
Asphalt Green (AG) is probably the biggest club with lots of people of various abilities…beginners to FOP/Kona qualifiers. Lots of group workouts and yes, I think the only 50m pool of all the tri clubs here in Manhattan. Chances are you can find someone of similar abilities at the group workouts.
Terrier Tri…I’m not 100% sure of their format (whether all group workouts are coached or not). However, they too are getting pretty big. They are based out of the Equinox in the TimeWarner bldg from what I understand, which is on the west side. I hear good things.
**SBR **(the bike shop) just started their own club this year. Don’t know anything about it.
TANYC does some BRicks and have a couple group training programs. I don’t think they have group swims anywhere though.
Full Throttle…I think they are based out of Chelsea Piers. So if you live downtown, they might be an option. Again, I don’t know much about them other than I started seeing them doing AM group rides in CP this year, which was new for them (or maybe it was that I never noticed them in their gear).
I’m an AG-er as well. I live on the UES, and overall it just gives me what I’m looking for (which sounds similar to you): ability to adapt group workouts to my training schedule, competitive athletes, good facilities, and lots of good peeps.
I think I got them all…I’m sure someone will let me know if I didn’t. Hope this helps.
Guys thanks so much for the responses! I’d love to swim in the asphalt green pool but I think the commute to 92nd and York might kill me. I coached in a youth flag football league up there during the Spring and making it from the Lower East Side to the green once a week was tough (takes about an hour each way). However, the Equinox that Terrier Tri swims at is right near the F so that might be the best option.
I’ve heard awesome things about Full Throttle but they charge something like $800 every 4 weeks and I’m just not in a position to afford that; heck even if I could pick up a $8000 Crono instead of the $4000 bikes I’m looking at I don’t know if I’d be in a position to afford that!
Thanks for the comments, I’m sure I’ll run into you guys sometime soon.