Triathlon bikes: How do you choose the right one for your needs?

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 your way 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. 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:

• It has a curved hanger
• It adopts a geometry intended for prolonged effort
• The gears used are generally adaptable to many terrains

1. The endurance road bike

Designed with flexible and comfortable frames to meet the demands of those who “limit,” endurance bikes are not very suitable for competitive triathlons. However, for those who want to prioritize comfort over performance, this will be a wise choice.

Manufacturers, therefore, 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 the desired comfort on these mounts.

For beginners, this type of machine is a coherent choice before moving on to a racing model. The endurance bike will allow you to take the kilometers while sparing your body, still not used to this type of effort.

1. The aerodynamic road bike

At the opposite extreme of the endurance bike, the specifications here impose the search for speed and efficiency. Rigidity and airflow are the only words that count for this type of bicycle.

Aerodynamic bikes are recognized by the shape of their tubes, which are often very wide and profiled, and by the maximum search for integration of components. It is a bike that 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 relaunches to regain speed quickly. With a pair of aerobars, you can also make it an excellent bike for races without drafting.

1. Mountain road biking

It is intended to be light and hyper-reactive. It is designed to respond to changes in rhythm and to face the most terrible percentages. The integration of the components is generally less present than on aerodynamic bikes, and the tubes adopt thinner and more traditional sections. It will prove to be a good short-distance triathlon bike where the relaunches are often numerous.

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 accumulate hours quite easily! Intended (as their name indicates) 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 99.99% of us, the bike will never be the limiting factor in performance.

The time trial bike: a racing machine for triathlon?

The time trial bike, the CLM, the Chrono, 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 handlebar and integrated extensions.
• Bike bases are often very short, 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 a CLM bike is aerodynamics. The body position returned to the front thanks to the vertical seat post, and the extensions will improve the CX (Coefficient of penetration into the air). Thus, we 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 reduces the power developed by the rider. In other words, you will ride faster despite a deficit in maximum power development. This is why a triathlete perfectly positioned on their high-end CLM will certainly 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 put higher wheels for aerodynamics. You can ride with your “normal” wheels a little less well in training and put “better” higher wheels during competitions. By using them occasionally, for competitions, or on a few outings to please yourself, you will wear them out less, and they will last longer. In addition, if you ride, for example, with aluminum wheels in training and you put carbon wheels for competitions, you will feel like you are flying and like a real machine on the 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: small and large. The small ones do not go beyond the gear levers while the large ones go further. For a more comfortable position, choose large extensions.

Finally, investing in a triathlon bike is valid 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 can 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.