How to choose the right time trial or triathlon bike?

With the growing success of time trials and triathlons, the range of bikes on offer has expanded considerably. Recognizable at first glance by their more or less streamlined profile and extension with remote shifter, bikes adapted for this type of activity cover very different realities. Your choice of bike will depend on your level of riding ability and your budget.

What is a time trial / triathlon?

Increasingly popular, the time trial and triathlon are two disciplines in their own right, with one thing in common: a solitary effort, usually on a fairly flat course, where you fight against your fellow competitors as much as against the stopwatch.

Bikes designed for this type of activity are highly streamlined and aerodynamic. They are conceived and designed to maximize air penetration through the position, and thus translate every watt into pure speed. Your choice of bike will depend on your riding style, level and budget.

CLM/Triathlon bike features

In time trials and triathlons, carbon is the dominant material, and rightly so. The various manufacturing processes used make it possible to create high-performance, aerodynamic and lightweight frames, even if these bikes are heavier than conventional racing bikes. Above all, these models are much stiffer.

The behavior and air penetration of these bikes are systematically studied in wind tunnels. Oversized tubes and wider forks reduce turbulence. The tube angle of seat tube angle is more pronounced, while the seat post and the handlebars are lower. The top tube is often plunging, and extension tubes complete the package to accentuate the rider's aerodynamic position. The integration of components is pushed to the limit: stem, seatpost, brake calipers...

It should be noted that certain models with fairings, or with a position that is too far forward, or with extensions that are too long, are reserved for Triathlon use, and therefore cannot be used in Time Trials as they do not meet UCI standards.

Which frame is right for me?

For occasional use or for beginners, we recommend an aluminum frame. Equipment has evolved in such a way as to offer affordable, high-performance bikes in this material.
More assiduous competitors will opt for a lighter, stiffer carbon frame in their quest for performance.

Whatever the material, you'll need to pay particular attention to the size of your frame, as the horizontal tube is shorter than on a racing bike, and the bottom bracket is raised, reducing the size of the seat tube.

Finally, if you plan to take part in competitions with a hilly or mountainous profile, it's best to opt for a less exclusive model, at the risk of experiencing a real nightmare on the climbs. A racing bike with an Aero or Mountain profile would be a much more appropriate choice, even if you have to install separate extenders to benefit from the performance of the recumbent position on the most rolling sections.

The importance of wheels

In these disciplines, the choice of wheels is crucial to optimize the overall package and take full advantage of the frame's features. The choice of wheels depends essentially on the route to be taken and the weather conditions.

Most time-trialists and triathletes have several pairs of wheels. wheels to adapt to these two elements.

• Low rim: opt for a low, lightweight rim for responsive climbing and lightning acceleration in the mountains.
• Taller, streamlined rim: a taller, streamlined rim is preferable for flat or hilly courses, for its performance in terms of kinetic energy and aerodynamics.
• Lenticular wheel: the most ambitious riders can use a lenticular wheel, weather conditions permitting (absence of wind). However, these wheels are demanding to ride, both physically and technically, and require a good deal of skill.