Triathletes race bikes all the time—but what about racing bikes just for the sake of bike racing? Road, cyclocross, gravel, enduro… the cycling world is vast, gritty, and wildly fun. As a triathlete, stepping into that world can feel like slipping into a different version of yourself: one who bunny hops barriers, sprints up muddy hills, and swaps gels for gummy worms. But it also comes with risks—crashes, burnout, and moments of doubt. In asking, “Should triathletes race bikes?” I’m not offering a prescription, but an invitation. An invitation to explore something that might challenge you, excite you, and maybe even scare you a little. Because sometimes, those are the things most worth doing.

Sarah shares her income, debt, expenses, and so much more about how she affords triathlon on a tight budget.