The triathlon bike is probably the most difficult part of a triathlete’s equipment to choose from. Choosing your bike is sometimes a headache, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand euros. So, what should you choose between a lightweight road bike, an aerodynamic bike, or a time trial bike?
Here’s a quick read on how to maneuver through the world of triathlon bikes.
Road bike: the default choice in triathlon?
The most common type of triathlon bike, the road bike, stands out by offering a wide variety of prices and ranges.
Road bikes can be divided into several subcategories: endurance road bikes, aero road bikes, and mountain road bikes for climbing. Despite specific features of each type, the overall appearance and components remain similar.
You can immediately spot a road bike thanks to the following points:
- Drop-style handlebars
- Thinner looking tires
- Looks like a racing bike
1. The Endurance Road Bike
Designed with stiff but comfortable frames to meet a variety of cycling demands, endurance bikes are not the most suitable for competitive triathlons. However, for those who want to prioritize comfort over performance, this will be a wise choice.
Manufacturers equip their machines with components that make the riding experience as smooth as possible. These include, among other things, the addition of elastomers or shock absorber systems that filter road vibrations and provide a more comfortable ride.
For beginners, this type of machine is a good choice before moving on to a racing model. The endurance bike will allow you to take the kilometers while sparing your body which may not used to this type of effort.
2. The Aero Road Bike
At the opposite extreme of the endurance bike, the specifications here impose the search for speed and efficiency. Rigidity and airflow are two words that really count for this type of bicycle.
Aerodynamic bikes are recognized by the shape of their tubes, which are shaped to aid airflow around the bike and reduce drag, and by the integration of components like internal cable routing. This bike is usually a little heavier, but will be well suited to rolling or slightly hilly circuits but will expose its limits on very steep slopes.
In short-distance triathlons, with drafting, this is the most common type of bike because it allows you to ride in a pack at high speed. For powerful riders, the frame will also allow you to place strong accelerations to regain speed quickly. With a pair of aerobars, you can also make it an excellent bike for races without drafting.
3. The Climbing Bike
It is intended to be light and hyper-reactive. It is designed to respond to changes in rhythm and to face the steepest grades. The integration of the components is generally less present than on aerodynamic bikes, and the tubes adopt thinner and more traditional looking shapes. It will prove to be a good short-distance triathlon bike where the course has lots of hills.
Today, some brands offer the best of both worlds with aero bikes that remain lightweight and, therefore, extremely versatile.
The Advantages and Limitations of a Road Bike in triathlon
It is with this type of bike that you will be able to ride hours quite easily. Intended for road use, you will be able to ride on the most beautiful roads around the world (provided they are passable).
This is, without a doubt, the ideal triathlon bike because it will allow you to take part in all road events, with or without drafting. In any case, be sure that for most riders, the bike will never be the limiting factor in performance.
The Time Trial Bike: Racing Machine for Triathlon?
The time trial bike, the Chrono-bike, the triathlon bike … So many names for this machine designed to ride fast, very fast.
Ultra-profiled and extremely rigid are the two words that best define time trial bikes. They are easily recognizable thanks to different elements:
- It has a bullhorn-style handlebar and integrated extensions.
- Bike wheel-bases are often shorter, with the rear wheel “tucking” into the frame
- The seat post orientation is almost at right angles to the ground to bring the body position forward
- The gears used are often very large (large chainring up to 55 teeth)
- Solid and spoke wheels are often used with a triathlon bike
- A storage and/or hydration space
The Advantages and Limitations of a Time Trial Bike in Triathlon
There is no doubt that the main gain linked to the use of this dedicated bike is aerodynamics. The body position moved to the front thanks to the vertical seat post, and the extensions will improve the drag CX (Coefficient of penetration into the air). Thus, riders gain speed on a given terrain and with given watts compared to a classic road bike.
On the other hand, paradoxically, for a large majority of people, the demanding position linked to the use of this triathlon bike often reduces the power developed by the rider. In other words, you may ride faster despite a deficit in maximum power development. This is why a triathlete perfectly positioned will go faster than you on a road bike while being less powerful.
Is there a specific type of wheel I should switch to?
For those who really want to improve their bike, it is possible to use taller profile wheels for aerodynamics. Many riders use normal wheels in training and put “better” higher-profile wheels on for races. By using them occasionally, for competitions, they will wear out less, and they will last longer. In addition, switching from heavier aluminum wheels in training to lighter carbon wheels for competitions, will increase your speed on race day.
Which extensions should you choose for a triathlon with a road bike?
By adding extensions to the handlebars of your road bike, you will be able to ride in a more aerodynamic position and get closer to the sensations of tribikes.
There are several sizes of extensions to fit different sized riders, and each rider should visit a local bike shop for help in choosing the best shape and size.
Finally, investing in a triathlon bike is a great idea if you’re really into triathlons and see it as a long-term hobby or way of life. On the other hand, if you are signing up for your first triathlon and you’re not sure if this would be a long-term endeavor, you may want to skip buying a triathlon bike because it isn’t an essential item. A good road bike can take you a long way so it would be useful to do you first triathlon and then start training for the next one before investing in a bike.
The post I Signed Up for My First Triathlon – What Kind of Bike Should I Get? appeared first on PezCycling News.
