Triathlon Bikes Vs Road Bikes

But don t put off the road bikes yet.

Triathlon bikes vs road bikes. See diagram below why are there specific bikes for triathlons. Before you even ask the road bike vs. The steeper angle of the the tri bike can create a much more aero position. Triathlon bikes have been carefully engineered to ensure that there s a lot of rolling resistance on the ground and the drag is kept at minimal.

Tri bike question you should have a couple sprint triathlons or duathlons under your belt. For a triathlon bike the seat tube angle is typically 76 78 degrees. Although road bikes are commonly used in road cycling competition the more specialized triathlon or time trial bike may give you the edge in shorter races. A good bit steeper than the 72 degree angle found on most traditional road bikes.

To sum up this part all four distances sprint olympic half ironman and full ironman can be non drafting races where triathlon bikes can be used. The tri bike vs. In draft legal races time trial bikes are not allowed and road bikes must meet the uci road bike regulations. These bikes have more aggressive geometry to keep your riding position aerodynamic with shorter top tubes and wheelbases to minimize your profile to help you squeeze precious seconds off your time.

For your first couple go rounds use whatever you have available to you. The steeper angle places the rider further forward on the bike creating a more aerodynamic body position. Greater aerodynamics comes with speed and you can expect the triathlon to perform better than the road bikes.