How to choose a triathlon bike?

As indispensable as it is costly, the bike is the piece of triathlon equipment that raises the most questions. Among these, one question obsesses all aspiring triathletes in particular: which type of bike to choose:
A traditional Road model or a specific Triathlon / Time Trial model? Here are a few tips to help you make an informed choice.

Key points

• The different types of bikes: Road (Mountain, Endurance, Aero), time trial (TT/Triathlon);
• The characteristics of a time trial bike;
• Specific equipment: seatpost, saddle, aero bars, drivetrain;
• The importance of wheels.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRIATHLON BIKES

Have you decided to take triathlon (seriously) and are therefore looking to invest in a machine worthy of your ambitions? Many beginners immediately want to acquire a triathlon-specific bike, but as we shall see, this is not necessarily the wisest choice. Before going any further, let us first recap what a triathlon bike actually is.

Bikes designed for this type of discipline are conceived and built to maximise air penetration, translating every watt into pure speed. They are therefore highly profiled and aerodynamic, with a characteristic low, stretched-out position. Indeed, the cockpit differs considerably from that of traditional bikes, combining a flat handlebar known as a base bar fitted with brake levers, and aero extensions integrating the gear shifters at their ends.

Beyond the cockpit, these bikes are distinguished by oversized tubes, or even fairings, and a wider fork to reduce turbulence. The seat tube angle is more pronounced, whilst the seatpost is positioned lower and the top tube very often slopes downward. Component integration is taken to its maximum: stem, seatpost, brake callipers… Finally, these models often feature storage compartments to carry your tools as well as all your nutrition, allowing you to go the distance without compromising the aerodynamics of the whole setup.

It should be noted that faired models with compartments, displaying an excessively forward position or overly long aero extensions, are reserved for Triathlon use only and cannot therefore be used in Time Trials as they do not comply with UCI regulations.

Which bike for my riding style?

The choice of a bike will depend above all on the type of events you are planning to enter and your level of experience.

The traditional Road bike, easy to get to grips with in terms of position and versatile, will be the ideal solution for beginners and those who take part in triathlon occasionally. It is possible to find bikes of this type that are both comfortable and high-performing at reasonable prices. An aluminium model can be perfectly adequate.
A carbon model of this type may in turn suit the more experienced triathlete wishing to compete in very hilly or even mountainous events, as these bikes are lighter, more manoeuvrable and more responsive.

Traditional bikes are also the only ones permitted in races where drafting is allowed.

Conversely, a time trial bike (TT or Triathlon) comes into its own on a triathlon with a flat profile and especially over long distances, thanks to its exceptional rigidity and maximum aerodynamics, given that 20 to 30% of aerodynamic drag comes from the bike, with the remaining 70 to 80% attributable to the rider themselves.

Bear in mind, however, that these bikes require more power and technique to deliver their full potential. It often takes several years of practice to maintain an aerodynamic position whilst pedalling efficiently for several hours at a time. Not to mention that corners, particularly on descents, are far more challenging to handle, and these bikes are generally heavier.

It is therefore difficult to consider training exclusively on a bike of this type. On the other hand, as a second bike dedicated to specific training sessions and competitions, it is fully justified.

If your project involves a first bike purchase, a traditional road bike will allow you to progress more easily and enjoy your riding, varying your positions and making the most of the scenery, all with a greater sense of safety.

For those seeking an aerodynamic bike and position without sacrificing versatility and handling comfort, an interesting intermediate solution is to adapt a traditional model to the specific demands of triathlon by adjusting the equipment. This is what we will look at now.

What equipment for my riding style?

For a minimal investment compared to the purchase of a triathlon bike, it is possible to transform a traditional bike into a model perfectly suited to triathlon without losing the versatility of a road racing bike.

In terms of seating position, this involves fitting a straight seatpost and a triathlon-specific saddle with a shortened nose in order to position the hips directly above the bottom bracket. In addition to a very efficient pedalling action, this position also aids the transition to running.

In terms of the cockpit, this involves adding aero extensions to benefit from the performance of the low position on the fastest sections. The result is a bike ready to tackle all types of rides and events, with greater aerodynamics but without compromising safety on descents and when braking.

In terms of the drivetrain, gear changes are generally less frequent in triathlon than in road cycling. The importance of the groupset is therefore somewhat reduced.
However, an electronic drivetrain represents a genuine advantage for a Triathlon bike, as, depending on the drivetrain brand, you can add more or fewer additional controls positioned wherever you like, avoiding the need to constantly reach for the shifters at the end of the aero extensions. Ideal especially during acceleration phases or on climbs.

WHICH WHEELS FOR MY RIDING STYLE?

In triathlon, the choice of wheels is crucial to optimise the overall setup and make the most of the frame's characteristics. This choice will be made primarily based on the courses ridden and the weather conditions.

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

• Shallow rim
  A shallow, lightweight rim is the preferred choice, guaranteeing nimble climbing and lightning-fast accelerations for use in the mountains.
  An entry-level model will also be perfect for training on poor-quality roads and during the winter months when equipment is put through its paces.

• Higher and profiled rim
  A higher, more profiled rim is preferable on flat or rolling terrain for its performance in terms of kinetic energy and aerodynamics.
  The essential complement to a Triathlon / TT-oriented bike.

• Disc wheel
  The most ambitious riders may use a disc wheel if weather conditions permit (no wind). These wheels are, however, demanding to ride, both physically and technically, and therefore require a high level of skill. Reserved for experienced and high-level triathletes.