Emma Jonson Is a triathlon bike worth it?
Triathlon bikes are almost worthless outside of triathlon and time trialing. They’re not as safe, as comfortable, or as easy to handle as a road bike. In fact, you can still be pretty competitive on a road bike with some solid training and coaching.
What is the advantage of a triathlon bike?
Tri bikes help on the run. Most road bikes have a relaxed seat tube angle while a tri bike have a steeper seat tube angle (near 80%). That steeper seat tube angle lets your hamstrings and calves rest a bit more than on a road bike, thus saving those important running muscles for when you leave T2.
What is the difference between a triathlon bike and a TT bike?
TT bikes and triathlon bikes can both be used for triathlon racing. Especially for shorter races. While TT bikes keep the rider in the absolute most aerodynamic position, triathlon bikes are the best way to stay aero while also preserving leg muscles for the run.
Can you ride a triathlon bike as a road bike?
Tri/time trial bikes aren’t allowed In road races and are shunned by anyone with a clue in charity rides/ organized road ride. You don’t have nearly enough control of your shifting or your breaking in any position, and you’ve got glorified skewers pointed into the ass if anybody in front of you.
Do triathletes use TT bikes?
Triathlon being a relatively new sport at the time did not have a rich history of tradition, nor did the sport have rules that dictated what type of bike could be used in races. And so aerobars became the norm and still are today. Triathlon bikes are used in road cycling events- but are limited to Time Trials.
Do triathlon bikes go faster?
Triathlon bikes are designed to make riders faster. The seat tube is closer to vertical than a road bike’s. This steeper geometry places the rider’s hips over the crankset which engages their quadriceps more for increased power.” Tri bikes are more aerodynamic and are “faster” than road bikes.
Why do you need a triathlon specific bike?
As a result, most people choose triathlon specific bikes for these events over road bikes to optimize aerodynamics, integration, comfort, and storage. The longer the event is, the more important storage and comfort become.
Is it cheaper to buy a road bike or a triathlon bike?
Adding extensions is obviously a cheaper alternative to buying a new triathlon bike (assuming you already have a road bike), but you do miss out on the triathlon specific geometry, aerodynamics, integration, and storage. Read our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Road Bike for more information on road bikes.
Why is drafting important in a triathlon?
The longer the event is, the more important storage and comfort become. Conversely, draft legal events, like ITU (International Triathlon Union – the sports governing body) races, World Championships, and the Olympics Games, allow athletes to gain an advantage on the bike by drafting.
How long does it take to ride a triathlon bike?
Depending on the format and distance of the event, it could take anywhere from under an hour to over 15 hours to complete, which includes anywhere from half an hour on the bike, to well over six hours in the saddle. The two formats are ‘drafting’ and ‘non-drafting’.