Watch the Ironman and you’ll see bikes with features like special elbow-rest style aero handlebars, carbon-fiber frames, angled seats and solid disc wheels zooming along the course. Triathlon-specific bikes cost anywhere from $1,800 to more than $8,000. If you are just starting out, however, a triathlon-specific bike is not necessary. In fact, it might not even be your best option – especially if you are signed up for a sprint-distance race.
Tri-Bike Considerations
Triathlon-specific bikes are designed with aerodynamics that promote speed and features like angled seats that decrease muscle fatigue and make it easier to transition to your run. While this may make you a bit faster, you sacrifice control on the bike leg along with comfort, according to “Triathlon Training for Dummies,” by Deirdre Pitney and Donna Dourney. Skip the tri-bike if you often ride routes with many curves and hills or you just signed up for your first race and don’t know whether you’ll want to continue in the sport. Other reasons to use a road bike include if you want to use your bike for other purposes than triathlons or you are a beginning rider who will be participating in group rides, the authors advise. If you are racing in a Tri-It first-timers triathlon, a sprint or even Olympic-distance triathlon, chances are you’ll actually see more competitors riding road bikes than tri-bikes.
Tri-Bike Buying
If you do want a tri-bike, make the quality of the components like gears and brakes among your top considerations. Entry-level components usually are not good for racing because they are not responsive enough in racing situations and are not very durable, according to “First Triathlon,” by Lance Watson and Jason Motz. Your best bet is to talk to a bike specialist about your needs and budget.
Road Bikes
An entry-level road-racing bike is a great choice if you are a beginner triathlete, advises “Triathlon 101” author John Mora. You can even pick one up at a garage sale. Just ensure that it’s the right size for you, the seat is comfortable and it is tuned up. A bike that is fitted properly will make a huge difference when you get to the run portion of the race. It also makes for more power and efficiency during the bike leg of the race and reduces your chance for an overuse injury. Visit a bike specialist to ensure you have a proper fit. Road bikes should have drop handlebars with gear shifters and brakes that are within easy reach. When buying a road bike, seek two to three chain rings in front to make hill riding easier, a compact wheel base coupled with a longer top tube to improve comfort and control, nine to 10 gears in the back, and wheels with 32 to 36 spokes, say Pitney and Dourney. A bike that accommodates tires that are 700c (622 mm) by 23 mm, 25 mm or 28 mm is a good bet too.
Other Bikes
If you have a mountain bike in your garage instead of a road bike, don’t despair. You can do your race on a mountain bike, but it’s best to have one that features 12 to 18 gears. That will make it possible for you to participate on a hilly course or truly change speeds, say “First Triathlon” authors Watson and Motz.
Pedals
No matter what type of bike you choose, consider using clipless pedals. With these, you wear special cycling shoes that lock into your pedals. These increase your power and speed because as you push down with one pedal you pull up with the other. They also provide more stability for your feet, which promotes riding efficiency. Locking into your clipless pedals is daunting at first, according to Pitney and Dourney, but gaining the ability to spin instead of pump is worth it.
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