What kind of bike should I get for a triathlon?

One of the more common questions we get from beginner triathletes is if they can use their mountain bike, commuter bike, or hybrid bike in the triathlon. The answer is yes, absolutely – especially if you are doing a sprint or perhaps even an Olympic distance.

Is it worth buying a triathlon bike?

Budget. Just like most other bikes, spending more money on a triathlon bike will typically (but not always) result in a reduction of weight, improved shift quality, increased durability and greater comfort. For triathlon bikes specifically, you can also expect greater integration and aerodynamics too.

Can you use a triathlon bike as a road bike?

While both road bikes and tri bikes are both used in a road cycling competition, the specialized triathlon bikes will give you an edge in shorter distances. Road bikes are designed with comfort from the ground up and are ideal for longer distances. They’re also lighter, making them suitably adapted for hill climbing.

Do triathletes Pee on the bike?

On to the matter at hand – yes, some triathletes do, in fact, pee on their bikes. If it’s not obvious, triathletes pee while riding their bike so they don’t have to stop – saving precious time for competitive races.

How much should I spend on a triathlon bike?

Still, it is pretty easy to spend $1,500 to $2,000 on a quality starter triathlon bike and end up with a very good ride. Here are a few things to look for in your entry-level tri bike, along with a few recommendations.

Why are triathlon bikes so expensive?

However, why triathlon bikes seem more expensive is because there is no viable low-end market for triathlon bikes. The thing is, there is no such thing as a casual triathlete rider. If they are casual, they use a road bike. Road bikes are more versatile and comfortable.

Why do triathletes use TT bikes?

Triathlon’s are stand-out challenge’s that require proper training and sharp focus. Triathlon’s also require the proper bike to ride. From the geometry of the frame and its efficient aerodynamics, to the angles of the seat tube and aerodynamics, riding a triathlon bike will enhance your triathlon results.

Why do triathletes use time trial bikes?

By design, triathlon bikes are made to go the distance. Triathletes often ride through hilly terrain, cover distances up to 112 miles during races and must transition to running quickly and efficiently. In contrast, time trial riders get off the bike completely spent. Their bikes are designed for only one thing—speed.

How much faster is a tri bike than a road bike?

Speed difference came out to almost exactly one mph in favor of the tri bike. Comparing the speed profiles, I was slower climbing on the tri bike, but several miles per hour faster on any sort of descent.

Is it hard to ride a triathlon bike?

Triathlon bikes are squirrelly aerodynamic beasts. They are great for speed, but frame geometry, riding down on aerobars and weight distribution (especially with bento boxes and bar-mounted hydration systems) can make tri bikes especially difficult to handle as compared to road bikes.

How much faster is a TT bike vs road bike?

The BikeRadar website claims the advantage a TT bike gives you is 60-70 watts at 40 km/h, that is, it takes 270-280 watts to ride a road bike at that speed and 220 watts to ride a TT bike. Translated into seconds, a TT bike gives you 9 seconds per kilometre advantage. This is six minutes in a 40 km time trial.

How do you size a tri bike?

TT bikes are measured (in cm) from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube (centre of the top of seat tube). Some manufacturers will measure centre of the BB to the top of the top tube (centre to top) or centre of the BB to the centre of the top tube (centre to centre).