Triathlon Bikes for Beginners

Purchasing a triathlon bike can be an overwhelming experience. There are thousands of bikes to choose from both in stores and online. A triathlon bike is different than a road bike and it is very important to know the differences. For example, a triathlon bike has a smaller frame and geometry (a fancy term for frame design). This works specific leg muscles in a different way compared to riding a traditional road bike and keeps those leg muscles as fresh as possible for the running portion of a triathlon race.

  1. Get Fitted

    • Triathlons are now a major sport across the world and also in the Olympics. Many bike shops have a certified triathlon bike "fitter" available for customers. Contact a bike shop in your area and ask if a triathlon-bike fitter is available.

      Athletes range in different sizes and shapes. Some have a longer torso while others have longer legs and arms. A professional "fitter" will have you sit on various frames that are attached to a trainer (a stationary device that a bike attaches to that allows you to pedal indoors). Various measurements and adjustments are taken into consideration as you pedal.

      The fitter will then make recommendations based on your physical build.

    Triathlon Bike Brands

    • There are many triathlon bike brands available to consumers including: Cervelo, Trek, Cannondale, Kuota and many others. These are major brands that market to a broad base of consumers. Many usually have a "beginner's triathlon bike" which includes cables, cranks (the rotary device your pedals attach to), pedals, saddle and aero bars. A beginner's set will usually be priced cheaper then if each item was purchased separately, and they usually last for many seasons. Unless you're an advanced triathlete, a beginner's triathlon bike compared to an elite triathlon bike is relatively the same.

      Your local bike store will usually allow you to borrow bikes for test rides. Make sure the frame feels comfortable. Many bike frames use different materials to build their frames. For example, this affects the "feel" of the frame through stiffness (the frame will have less shock absorption). The weight of the bike is also a very important consideration and one that should not be overlooked.

    Components

    • Components are an important consideration when building your triathlon bike. A major difference of components between a traditional road bike and a triathlon bike are the handle bars.

      Triathlon bikes use "aero bars" which allow the rider to position themselves in an optimal aerodynamic position. A road bike uses conventional "drop bars" which positions the rider in an upright position which is less efficient.

      You will also need to decide on pedals. A road bike may use a "cage" pedal which allows the rider to wear athletic shoes, inserting them into a plastic cage-like holder. However, triathlon bikes are typically built with "clip" pedals. These pedals require specific cycling shoes that have a plastic peg attached at the bottom. The peg is clipped into the pedal. Research shows that clip pedals produce more power output for each pedal stroke.

    Pricing

    • Major triathlon bike brands sell a beginner's triathlon bike that includes all components at varying levels of price points. According to various online triathlon bike websites as of July 2010, the costs range from $900 to $3,000 for a major brand. The differences in pricing are usually associated with materials used in the design of the bike frame. Carbon fiber will always be more expensive than aluminum, for example.

    Purchasing

    • It is recommended that you try a bike first in a store that will allow a test ride before making a purchase online. The sizing of frames is the most critical factor in your purchase. Bike brands use various measurement factors when designing their bike frame which causes inconsistency in sizing.