How to choose a triathlon bike

As an essential and costly part of the triathlete's kit, the bike is the focus of many questions. One question in particular obsesses all future triathletes: what type of bike to choose:
A classic road bike or one specifically designed for triathlons and time trials? Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.

Key points

• The different types of bike: Racing (Mountain, Endurance, Aero), Time Trial (CLM/Triathlon);
• Characteristics of a time trial bike;
• Specific equipment: seatpost, saddle, extenders, transmission;
• The importance of wheels.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRIATHLON BIKES

So you've decided to take up triathlon (seriously), and are looking to invest in a machine to match your ambitions? Many beginners are keen to acquire a triathlon bike from the outset. triathlon bikeBut as we shall see, this is not necessarily a wise decision. Before going any further, let's start by reminding ourselves what a triathlon bike is.

Triathlon bikes are designed to maximize air penetration and translate every watt into pure speed. They are therefore highly streamlined and aerodynamic, with a typical recumbent position. Indeed, the cockpit differs considerably from conventional bicycles, in that combines a flat handlebar, called a base bar, with brake levers, and extension bars incorporating gear controls at the ends..

In addition to the cockpit, these bikes feature oversized tubesor even fairings, and a wider forks to reduce turbulence. L'seat tube angle is steeper while the seatpost is lower and the top tube is often plunging. The integration of components is pushed to the limit: stem, seatpost, brake calipers... Finally, these models often feature compartments for carrying your tools, as well as all your nutrition, in order to go the distance without hindering the aerodynamics of the whole.

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

Which bike is right for me?

Your choice of bike will depend above all on the type of events you plan to take part in and your level of experience.

Visit traditional racing bikeeasy to tackle in terms of position, and versatile will be the ideal solution for beginners and occasional triathletes.. It's possible to find comfortable, high-performance bikes of this type at reasonable prices. An aluminum model will do the trick.
A carbon model of this type will be suitable for the more experienced triathletes wishing to compete in very hilly or even mountainous events as these bikes are lighter, easier to handle and more responsive.

Classic bikes, on the other hand, are only permitted in races where drafting is allowed.

Conversely, a time trial bike (CLM or Triathlon) will make the most sense on a triathlon with a less hilly profile, and even more so on long distances thanks to its exceptional rigidity and its maximum aerodynamics20-30% of aerodynamic resistance comes from the bike, with the remaining 70-80% attributable to the rider.

Bear in mind, however, that these bikes require more power and technique to deliver their full potential. It often takes years of practice to maintain an aerodynamic position while pedaling efficiently for several hours at a time. Not to mention the fact that corners, especially downhill, are much trickier to negotiate, and are generally heavier.

So it's hard to imagine training with just this type of bike. On the other hand, a second bike dedicated to specific training and competitions is fully justified.

If your project involves a first purchase of a bike, a classic road bike will make it easier for you to make progress and have fun.by varying your riding positions and taking full advantage of the scenery, all with a greater sense of security.

For those looking for an aerodynamic bike and position, but without losing versatility and riding comfort, a an interesting intermediate solution is to adapt a traditional model to the specificities of triathlon by modifying the equipment.. That's what we're going to look at now.

What equipment do I need?

For a minimal investment compared with the purchase of a triathlon bike, you can thus transform your classic bike into a model perfectly suited to triathlon, without losing the versatility of a racing bike.

In terms ofseatIn terms of seating, this means installing a straight seatpost and a triathlon-style saddle with a shortened beak to position the pelvis just above the bottom bracket. In addition to pedaling very efficiently, this position favors the transition to running.

At the cockpitIn the cockpit, this is achieved by the addition of extenders that allow you to benefit from the performance of the recumbent position on the most rolling sections. The result is a bike that's ready to take on all types of outings and events, with greater aerodynamics but no loss of safety when descending or braking.

In terms of transmissiongear changes are generally less frequent in triathlon than in road cycling. The importance of the group is therefore somewhat less.
However, a transmission represents a real plus because, depending on the transmission brand, you can add more or less power to your triathlon bike. additional controls that can be positioned as required, avoiding the need to systematically reach for the levers at the end of the extender.s. This is ideal, especially when you're revving up or climbing.

WHICH WHEELS FOR MY RIDING?

When it comes to triathlon, the choice of wheels is crucial to optimizing the overall package and getting the most out of the frame's features. Your choice will depend on the routes you'll be taking and the weather conditions.

Most triathletes have at least two pairs of wheels, including a basic low rim pair for training and one or more pairs for competition.

• Low rim
  A lightweight, low-profile rim guarantees responsive climbing and lightning acceleration for mountain use.
  An entry-level model will also be perfect for training on poor-quality roads and during the winter months, when the equipment is put to the test.

• Higher-profile rim
  A taller, streamlined rim is preferable on flat or hilly courses for its performance in terms of kinetic energy and aerodynamics.
  The essential complement to a triathlon / CLM bike.

• Lenticular wheel
  The more ambitious can use a lenticular wheel, weather conditions permitting (absence of wind). However, these wheels are demanding to ride, both physically and technically, and therefore require a good level of control. To be reserved for experienced, high-level triathletes.