What is a Triathlon Bike and How to Choose One?
What is so special about triathlon bikes?
Triathlon bikes are an excellent choice for those who love competition and want to exceed their own limits, and new sports challenges release additional energy in them. Their aerodynamics has been designed to enable you to cover kilometers as fast as possible. In triathlon bikes, the most important thing is aerodynamics and a comfortable cycling position, so it was made sure that they were not only as light as possible, but also cut through the air with ease. This is why triathlon bikes have streamlined, slim frames, slotted head tubes, properly designed handlebars with a time attachment and seatposts.
Wind tunnel tests confirm their dizzying speed, and in order to maintain the highest possible stability, safety and comfort, they are equipped with properly selected braking systems and tires, as well as components that facilitate eating and drinking in the aero position. Triathlon bikes are bikes designed not only to go faster. These are bikes designed to win.
How triathlon bikes are made?
Triathlon bikes are much shorter than road bikes, the frame is made of aluminum or carbon and at the same time has a larger seat tube angle. This design gives the triathlete a more comfortable aerodynamic position. A slightly more upright position on the bike improves the work of the respiratory muscles, the back muscles and the biceps thighs. The comfortable position on the bike also makes the transition to the jogging section easier. On triathlon and time bikes, weight is less important than the aerodynamics of the equipment, so they are slightly heavier than road bikes.
The Genesis Of a Triathlon Bike
When it comes to triathlon bikes, one thing matters most: aerodynamics. Aero bikes are designed to be as efficient as possible when riding at high speed. The goal is to create as little air resistance as possible to get the most performance out of the track. The genesis of triathlon bikes, as the name suggests, lies in triathlon, and the first forms of triathlon precede it by several years.
Many people believe that the triathlon started with the launch of the Ironman competition in Hawaii in 1978, but this is wrong because the first precursor to today’s triathlon existed many years earlier, in France in 1920. The annual race was called Les Trois Sports and consisted of 3 km of running, 12 km of cycling, and then swimming with a crossing across the Marne River. The first real triathlon with this in the name was held in the USA in 1974, but it was Ironman in Hawaii that brought a real boom, and over the years bicycle manufacturers developed their own line of bikes – the aforementioned triathlon bikes. Back then, the number of participants was very modest and amounted to 15 people, but now there are several thousand participants in the Ironman competition.
Why Dedicated Triathlon Bikes Were Developed?
At large races such as the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, there is a sliding ban, which may result in a yellow, red or black card if not complied with. A yellow card is a warning, a red card is a time penalty, and those who receive a black card are disqualified. The latter can also lead to a suspension from the competition for several months, depending on the seriousness of the offense. Triathletes must therefore always be careful to keep distances between themselves and the people in front of them. This distance varies according to the competition and the rules of the event (but a minimum of 10 meters between competitors).
There are also triathlons that take place on roads that are not closed, and there the triathletes have to be careful about cars and the corresponding basic distance, which is a full 35 meters. These spacing rules prevent groups from forming, so-called peloton, like in bicycle races such as the Tour de France. There is usually one big peloton and sometimes several smaller groups of runners, where you can take turns to take the lead so that the riders behind can save energy. However, triathletes have to go upwind alone and without the help of other cyclists. Therefore, a separate category of triathlon bikes has developed, which are designed precisely for the needs of triathlon competitions.
Key Characteristics of a Triathlon Bike and Differences with Time Trial Bikes
Time trial machines should exhibit as little air resistance as possible, i.e. they should cause as little air turbulence as possible. To ensure this, bicycle and component manufacturers regularly test their laboratory developed products in a wind tunnel, where the perfect shape is constantly refined and checked. The triathlon bike’s distinctive features are for this, such as a triathlon handlebar with special fixings for the handlebars, which allow a very sporty sitting position with a steep saddle angle. This makes the riding position of a triathlon bike quite the opposite to that of mountain bikes or e-bikes. In addition, the frames, seatposts and wheels are usually wider to cause less wind turbulence.
Due to all these technical processes, it is therefore very rare to get a triathlon bike for less than 1,500 USD, and cheaper bikes usually use standard components. They are usually just as reliable, but weigh more than the more expensive triathlon bikes. As with triathlon bikes, time trial bikes are designed and tested down to the last detail. Time trial bikes differ only slightly from triathlon bikes, firstly by the weight that must meet UCI racing requirements and secondly by a slightly steeper seat angle compared to triathlon bikes. Time trial bikes are most commonly used in UCI multi-day cycling races where time trial stages are scheduled. At these stages, the riders start individually, so riding together with a slipstream is also not possible here.
The big difference to triathlon bikes is the time of use. In an endurance triathlon, you sit on the bike for several hours and need to eat properly for a long time and also find a riding position that can be maintained for several hours. Time trial bikes are typically used in races under one hour and therefore less emphasis is placed on food and drink (e.g., usually no integrated hydration systems). In shorter triathlon races, this slipstream prohibition sometimes does not exist – in these cases, the usual road bike with a road handlebar is usually used, not a special triathlon bike.
Which triathlon bike should you choose?
The best answer to the question is- it depends. Before we buy a dedicated triathlon bike, we should consider what our goal is. First of all, it is necessary to determine whether we are looking for a machine that we will take with us to the competition, or we need something for training. Another two-wheeler will work well on Ironman distances, and another will allow you to achieve incredible sprint time. At the same time, we must take into account how experienced we are and what possibilities our body has.
Why are so many factors important in choosing triathlon bike?
The reason is very simple – we have many bike models to choose from, and each of them has something different to offer. What specifically, we’ll come back to that later. In a way, it comes down to financial matters, because the most advanced designs can cost almost as much as a new car, and not in every case such an expense buy will be necessary.
Bike for the triathlon – how recognize a good one?
Bikes designed for triathlon stand out at first glance. They often look almost cosmic, which can be mainly due to the characteristic, “thin” frame. However, it is not used because of the visual aspect, but practical – the construction of a triathlon bike is completely subordinate to aerodynamics.
Another characteristic feature of this type of triathlon bike is the aggressive geometry. Its purpose is to maintain the forward silhouette of the cyclist, so that it is as streamlined as possible. To achieve it, the angle of the seat tube is slightly larger than in the case of road bike. Added to this is a larger head tube angle and a shorter, usually horizontal top tube.
Importantly, the structure is designed in such a way that the position of the pelvis changes while pedaling, and the quadriceps muscles are relieved. Thanks to this, it will be easier to overcome the running stage.
The secret to riding a triathlon bike is in the position
Not only is the extended position, but also the sharply inclined position, it also influences the look of the triathlon handlebar. A lemond is indispensable, on which the cyclist basically rests his elbows, and not on the forearms or even hands, as in the case of an extra bed in the road. The advantage of this positioning of the body is, of course, a better cut through the air, but also relieving the upper arms and back, which will make a difference over longer distances. Is it worth using a lemond? Yes, however, this solution is not without its drawbacks.
Riding a triathlon bike requires skills
First of all, changing the direction of travel is difficult, so the serpentine along the route may prove to be a challenge. Secondly, the triathlon handlebar may have brake and gear shift levers spaced apart – the former stays in their standard place, and the latter goes to the lemond. While this makes it easier to manipulate the gears, it also reduces the safety level.
It turns out that we are not able to react immediately to emergencies. This is one of the reasons it is said that a triathlon bike is designed for lonely riders, and is not very suitable for the peloton.
Triathlon and road bike - differences
Nothing prevents you from trying your hand at powerlifting on the road. However, regardless of whether we choose a triathlon or road bike, even the best and most expensive equipment will not guarantee us a great result if we lack strength in our legs or we fail to cope with the endurance challenge. Knowing how to prepare for a triathlon is key.
Another thing is that riding in a tightly inclined position requires our body to be trained and flexible. Otherwise, it will cause great discomfort and discomfort, which will mean that during the race we will be tempted to straighten the silhouette, and then the constructors’ efforts to achieve aerodynamic perfection will be useless. Only triathlon bikes, used for their intended purpose, will provide satisfactory results.
By deciding on a triathlon bike as well as a road bike, we can achieve satisfactory results. So what’s the difference between these models? Most importantly, the road bike is a bit slower (the designers’ motto is: first mass, then aerodynamics), but it is easier to tame. Therefore, it will cope better with winding sections of the route or when there are several ascents and descents ahead. It is also a good choice for training if we want to employ larger parts of the thighs or when we like to ride in a group – due to the previously mentioned safety issues. The road also provides greater ride comfort – especially for less stretched riders, which is due to a softer geometry.
The optimal situation is therefore to have both two-wheelers in your garage and choose them depending on your needs, dictated by the calendar of triathlon events, as well as the equipment regulations that are in force in a given competition.
Which triathlon bike to start with?
It should be mentioned here that you can also find the so-called temporary bikes. These are two-wheelers where there is no room for compromise – speed and the best results count. This is at the expense of comfort. These types of models are designed for individual time riding, most often on short distances, when we should do our best all the time. Rather, it’s not a triathlon bike for an amateur. It will be perfect for experienced cyclists who will not only physically cope with very aggressive geometry, but will also be able to safely reach their destination on it.
So what to choose if we have the first triathlon ahead of us? In such a case, the bike does not have to come from the highest price range. You don’t have to invest in carbon right away, especially since you have to pay a bit for good-quality components made of this material. A cheap triathlon bike with carbon components may prove to be less durable than its more expensive or aluminum counterpart.
Importantly, before switching to a dedicated machine, it is good to make sure that we are physically ready for it, as mentioned earlier. A good way to find out about your own abilities is to rent a triathlon bike and try to cover a longer distance. If this is not the moment – nothing is lost. The beginner triathlon bike can be a road bike.
How to choose components for triathlon bikes?
When it comes to components like wheels, group kits, saddles etc. people usually rely on standard manufacturers like Shimano or SRAM. While Shimano has been active in the bicycle industry for what seems like eternity, Americans with SRAM have built an ever-better reputation over the past few years.
Derailleur system
Most of the shifting systems are from established manufacturers, as is the case with high-end road bikes. Beginner triathlon bikes usually have mechanical shifting from Shimano, such as Shimano 105 and Shimano Ultegra. The Shimano 105 is the cheaper of the two gear groups with a little more weight, but is on par with the Shimano Ultegra in terms of reliability. High-end models usually have electronic shifting systems from Shimano, such as Shimano Ultegra Di2 or Shimano Dura Ace Di2, or from SRAM, such as SRAM Red Stage AXS or SRAM Force Stage AXS. These gears are usually light and change very precisely to optimize your ride. A special thing about triathlon bikes. The shift levers are mounted on the handlebar and handlebar mounts, making it easy to shift gears even in the aero position.
Brakes
Brakes and brake levers are usually sized identically to the gear groups. There are 2 basic types: rim brakes on one side and disc brakes on the other. Rim brakes are the original braking technology, with low weight but sometimes inferior wet braking performance. A novelty in the triathlon bike are disc brakes, which have been in use for about 2-3 years, with consistently good braking characteristics (even in wet conditions) and significantly improved aero properties. Since triathletes are usually somewhat ambitious cyclists, it’s less of a problem that you need a special tool to replace the brakes. Therefore, replacing the brakes takes much longer than replacing the rim brake. While rim brakes are a simpler and cheaper option, they are gradually being replaced by disc brakes by all manufacturers.
Seatpost, Saddle & Wheels and Tires
For the seat post, we use a high stiffness structure with good aero properties. We’ll discuss stiffness in more detail later in this chapter. Triathlon bikes have special saddles that make the sporty “lying” position with a steep seat tube angle comfortable. This steeper seat tube step saves muscle strength, which can then be used when running. The wheels of triathlon bikes are usually equipped with wide carbon rims that “cut” the wind and generate as little air as possible.
In addition to aerodynamics, the carbon rims also convince with their stiffness, weight and appearance. Since we have already discussed the importance of aerodynamics above, we now briefly highlight the advantage of stiffness. The greater the stiffness of the rim, the more power flows directly from the pedals, with less losses as the end result, which pays off especially over long distances. The disadvantages of carbon rims are, for example, inferior braking properties on wet surfaces and a higher price, which is not suitable for every budget.
Steering wheel and accessories
The handlebar usually doesn’t have a down tube like a normal road bike, but a mount to the handlebar. They allow you to ride almost horizontally, with the body having the smallest possible contact area with the wind. Most of the setups convince with a good adaptability to the rider’s geometry, so that in addition to the frame size or height, you can also optimally adjust the handlebar to your individual size. There are various drinking systems and food boxes that can be attached to your bike to keep your bike as refreshing as possible. In some cases, depending on the model and manufacturer, the mentioned water bottles and the holder for bars and gels are already fully integrated into the bicycle.
Which triathlon bike is the best for you?
First of all, it should be clarified whether there is a ban on slipstream at the competition you want to start. You can also use a normal road bike without a slip ban. A regular road bike convinces with smoother handling thanks to a balanced weight distribution, and the geometry of the triathlon bike is also rather unfavorable or in the way of mountain rides. If a triathlon bike is the right choice, there are different models to choose from, such as Cube with Cube Aerium C, Cervelo with Cervelo P5, Specialized, Canyon with Canyon Speedmax, BMC with BMC Timemachine or Trek with Trek Speed Concept.
Summary
Triathlon Bikes are highly specialized machines and can be expensive. Before you decide on your new triathlon bike, assess your skills first, then establish your budget and then look for a bike that will meet your expectations while allowing you to improve your skills and maybe win some competitions.