What kind of bike do I need for a triathlon?

Yes, you will need a bike. No, it does not need to be expensive. We see people do triathlons on their old mountain bikes, hybrids, or other slower bikes — and especially with a couple simple modifications these bikes can do very well. If you can, try to use a road bike, even if you simply borrow one from a friend.

Do triathletes use road bikes?

The most common bicycles found in a typical race transition area include triathlon, road, mountain and hybrid. As the race becomes more competitive, such as USA Triathlon National Championships or IRONMAN, the majority of bicycles in the transition area are triathlon bikes and perhaps a few road bikes.

Is a triathlon bike the same as a road bike?

One main difference is simply the way the seat is positioned. On a triathlon bike, the seat tube is steeper than a road bike. Road bikes typically have around a 72 degree seat tube angle, where a triathlon bike will have an angle closer to 78+ degrees.

Can you do a triathlon on a hybrid bike?

The advantage of a hybrid bike is that you can use it for so many things, so if you only plan on doing one triathlon, then this may be a good option for you (although if your one and only triathlon is longer than an olympic distance, I would consider moving up in the bike World, and try a road bike instead).

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.

Is it worth getting a TT bike?

When comparing the average and normalised power of both athletes we can definitively say we have an answer to our question – forgoing a severe lack of bike skills or huge gusting winds, yes it is worth riding a TT bike in a non-draft race and although we at JT Multisport specialise in finding every free watt possible

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.

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.

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.

What is the best road bike for triathlon?

The best triathlon bikes

1. Canyon Speedmax CF 8.0. A super light speedster coupled with a great groupset.
2. Ribble Ultra Tri Shimano 105. Pro-grade frame in its full carbon glory.
3. Cervelo 105 Disc. Affordable tt bike from an Ironman favourite brand.
4. Felt IA | Advanced, Rim Brake | 105 | 2020.
5. BMC Timemachine 02 Two 2020.

Are tri bikes really faster?

Triathlon bikes are designed to make riders faster. The seat tube is closer to vertical than a road bike’s. This steeper geometry places the rider’s hips over the crankset which engages their quadriceps more for increased power.” Tri bikes are more aerodynamic and are “faster” than road bikes.

Can you use a gravel bike for a triathlon?

The 700c gravel wheelset is the same dimension as to what you usually ride on your tri bike. Triathletes can use gravel riding as a great opportunity to grab some friends and go exploring without worrying about your pace or power- just enjoy the ride!

What is the best hybrid bike brand?

Best hybrid bikes

• Cannondale Quick 4.
• Giant ToughRoad SLR 2.
• Cannondale Bad Boy Alfine 8.
• Cannondale Treadwell.
• Specialized Sirrus 2.0.
• Octane Kode Commuter.
• Bombtrack Arise Geared.
• BMC Alpenchallenge 01 One. Rides like a road bike, looks like a hybrid from the future.

Can you train for a triathlon on a stationary bike?

Using a stationary bike, for example, can be a very effective way to train for the cycling segment of the race. Like using a treadmill to prepare for the run segment, countless workouts for the stationary bike can help prepare you for your next triathlon.