Road cyclists and triathletes have never seen eye-to-eye. Perhaps it is the sleeveless jerseys or the lack of socks. But when you dig a little deeper it is not just the clothes that are different, the bikes are too. There are lots of subtle differences but the main one can be found in the frame geometry.
On triathlon bikes, the seat tube angle is usually between 76 and 78 degrees compared to 72 degrees on an average road bike. The steeper angle puts the triathlete in a more aerodynamic position. Triathlon bikes are more comparable to time-trial machines used against the clock in the pro-peloton but even then there are some slight variations.
Roadies and triathletes are very different beasts, especially as you move up the ranks to the professional level and the bikes they use reflect this. Aside from the obvious difference of having to contend with a swim and a run ruining a nice day on the bike, triathlons are much more of an individual sport than road cycling.
Road cycling is more of a team sport where winning a race is as much about tactical prowess as it is about having the legs on the day. It stands to reason then that the machines should be different. With no teammates to shelter you from the wind, triathletes need to reduce the effects of aerodynamic drag to stand any chance of standing on the podium.
They are designed to carry riders as far as possible on, as the name suggests, roads. Compared to triathlon bikes, the frame geometry puts the rider in a more upright position that can be sustained comfortably for hours in the saddle without requiring a deep massage after a ride. If you want speed, the drop style handlebars allow riders to tuck into a more aerodynamic position for sprinting to the nearest street sign. Read more: Flat Vs.
Drop bars — the differences. Triathlon bikes are built for the demands of the triathlon. Since drafting behind other riders is illegal in most triathlons every rider has to be as aerodynamic as possible.
With a steeper seat tube angle, aero bars, and deep carbon wheels, triathlon bikes can eke out significant time by cutting more efficiently through the wind. In a cycling time trial, the best ride is one where the rider crosses the line without an extra drop of energy in the tank.
Tri bikes are designed to help you become streamlined by positioning your torso level with the ground. Manufacturers give tri bikes a steeper seat angle angle between seat tube and an imaginary straight line where the top tube meets the seat tube than a road bike.
Essentially, they move the saddle further forward in relation to the bottom bracket. Why are deep-section aero wheels faster? You can subscribe to the print magazine here or if you prefer a digital issue, or live overseas, click here. The best road bikes for triathlon. Triathlon bike versus road bike. Typically triathlon bikes are not very well received on group rides and same for road races.
Are you typically riding on flat terrain, or though mountains with steep climbs and descents? Most people also tend to find road bikes more comfortable over longer distances.
As a coach, for the average newbie athlete I almost always recommend purchasing a road bike before purchasing a tri bike. My motto is always comfort over everything else. Since most people are much more comfortable on a road bike, if you have to choose between the two, I say road bike all the way.
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