A triathlon bike is the most expensive and the most important piece of equipment a triathlete owns. With the bike portion of the course offering the most time savings in a race, it is critical that triathletes choose the best bike for their budget and racing style. Two national triathlon specialty shops, Nytro Multisport in Ecintas, California, and All3Sports in Atlanta, were surveyed to rate their top picks for stock bicycles based on value, reliability, and the quality of the frame, components and wheels.
Cervelo P3
The P3 carries the Cervelo pedigree, but with a lower price tag and the highest aftermarket value. Features include a two-position seat post, curved seat tube cutout, and a narrow head tube to improve aerodynamics. Comes with Shimano Ultegra 6700 or Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 components.
Felt B2R
The B2R features a carbon fiber frame, bayonet steering system, chainstay-mounted rear brake, Zipp flashpoint wheels, full aero tubeset with front and rear wheel recesses, internal cable routing, and forged horizontal dropouts. Components are SRAM Red.
Cannondale Slice 4
Considered to be a top entry-level triathlon bike, the Cannondale Slice 4 features SAVE technology in the rear chain stays to improve road shock absorption, Fulcrum Racing 7 rims and Profile T2 Wing handlebars. Components are SRAM Rival.
Quintana Roo CD.01
Rated by Triathlete Magazine as "the most innovative in the past decade from any brand," the CD.01 is available with Dura-Ace or Ultegra componentry. The bike features a carbon frame set, ALX320 Tri wheels and Vision Trimax Carbon handlebar and aerobars.
Scott Plasma 20
The Scott Plasma 20 features a Shimano 6700 kit, Carbon T2+ aerobars and an integrated carbon front fork. The bike is highly rated for comfort and stiffness for power transfer. The fit, however, was deemed best for those triathletes under 6-foot-3.
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