Should I Buy a Tri Bike?

by Dana-Susan Crews

One of the most frequently asked questions from beginner triathletes is, "What's the difference between a road bike and a tri bike?" followed by "Should I invest in an expensive tri bike?".

TRI BIKES vs. ROAD BIKES:

Simply put, a triathlon bike is designed to be ridden in the aerodynamic position. Tri bikes help facilitate the transition from bike to run better than road bikes by providing two specific benefits:

1. Improved aerodynamics with better comfort and efficiency.
2. Easier transitions from bike to run.

Aero handlebars allow the rider to sit a bit lower on the bike. From the front, you can see that the rider's body is narrower than having their arms spread out on road bike handlebars. Their upper body is better supported while their elbows rest on the bars because on a road bike, the rider must rely on upper body muscles to support their body.

Another difference between a road bike and tri bike is the seat tube angle (the angle that the tube supporting your saddle makes in relation to the ground). A road bike seat tube angle typically ranges from 73-75 degrees. Tri bikes have steeper seat tube angles that typically range from 75-80 degrees. Check out the bikes below to see these differences:

SHOULD I INVEST IN A TRI BIKE?

Maybe. Think about your goals. If you're about to do your very first triathlon, do you really want to go out and spend a lot of money on a bike? Probably not. Sure, you will likely fall in love with this fun sport, but it's your first race, so why not try to tri first and make absolutely sure you want to continue to race before making a big purchase.

For your first triathlon, most coaches recommend borrowing a road bike or tri bike from a friend. You can even use a mountain bike if that's what you already have at home (although please note, these are heavy and the tires are big which makes them a lot slower out on the road).

Once you finish your first triathlon and have decided to continue in the sport, racing in long distance events like 70.3 and iron distance triathlons, investing in a nice triathlon bike is very important. Always talk to your coach first. Get yourself fitted properly by a professional at a reputable bike shop. Your bike is the most expensive piece of equipment in this sport, so choose wisely.