Clipless pedals and shoes will make your pedalling more efficient as the bindings and stiff soles mean more of your legs’ power goes into turning the cranks. It may not be as fast, but it’s not necessarily slow either. You can commute on a TT bike but I wouldn’t recommend it. Road Bike. Time trial bikes are also popular with triathletes competing in non drafting triathlons and Ironman events. So, assuming your fitness and food are sorted, what’s the least you need to add to a standard road bike to reduce that disadvantage? They're the guys with shaved legs and shiny bikes that cost more than your car. Far too many triathletes treat their race bike as a museum piece, wrapping it in cotton wool, gazing lovingly at it and, unless conditions are perfect, only riding it on race day. Often beginners want to know what kind of bike they should buy for triathlon. Don’t believe me? Jan 30, 2020 - Are you tackling your first 70.3 or full Ironman and wondering if a triathlon bike is really needed, or whether the trusty road bike will be enough? Touring bike: best for carrying luggage and travelling far. So don’t despair if you can’t spend a fortune on a dedicated tri bike for Ironmans, because you can still be competitive on a road bike with some clipless pedals and clip-on bars – and the right training. Our experts answer the common question of whether the trusty road bike is “good enough” for a longer-distance triathlon, Are you tackling your first 70.3 or full Ironman this season? Sorry if this is incredibly ignorant, I didn't find the information in the FAQ. You can certainly tweak and modify a road bike for the task but, without the steep seat angle and other … You’ve got to get out and train on the thing. Ride Like the Wind You can upgrade any of the parts on a road bike to make them lighter and more aero (wheels are the best place to start), but as far as the bare minimum set-up is concerned, all you actually need is a bike (says Rob Banino). Bike GPS. Well, not much really. If you're new to triathlon or looking to upgrade to a more competitive bike, we offer higher end bicycles at entry level prices. There are a number of races available for beginners that will be named Duathlon Try. Instead of spending your money and praying, work on increasing your power threshold and overall cycling fitness first. TALK WITH TRIDOT: What type of bike do you race with? If you ride with clips, bring your bike shoes as well. There’s a much cheaper solution if you’re toeing the waters of triathlon competitiveness. If so you could well be wondering if a triathlon bike is really needed, or whether the trusty road bike will be enough. By entering your details, you are agreeing to 220 Triathlon terms and conditions and privacy policy. Web. Despite the advantages of the tri-bike, others feel that the person who is new to triathlons should start with a road bike. How long will it take you to complete your first Ironman? You can certainly tweak and modify a road bike for the task but, without the steep seat angle and other differentiating features of a TT bike, it’ll always be a compromise. Scenario 3: You want to place in your age group at local races. What should be measured in a good triathlon bike fitting? Do I need a specific type of bike to take part? Stop that! Triathlon Bike Sizing - Saddle Height . June 2018. So you’ve entered your first triathlon but you’re worried about needing lots of expensive equipment? Therefore, the question can really only be answered on a case-by-case basis. Immediate Media Company Limited, 30 Sept 2012. What distance should I choose for my first triathlon? If you can’t sustain your aero position and end up riding a significant chunk of the bike leg sat up on the bullhorns, you’re probably better off on a road bike. Fortunately many off-the-peg entry-to-mid level TT bikes come with wheelsets more suited to training, so you can start logging the miles on it straight away and start saving for your race-day deep-section wheels, For lots more bike advice head to our Gear section. A tri bike is heavier than a road bike but is much more aerodynamic and utilizes a different riding position to maximize performance at high speeds. Additional Predictive Fitness trademarks can be found at www.predictivefitness.com/trademark-list. Well you’ll be reassured to hear you don’t need to tie yourself in knots about having a state of the art time trial bike for your first swim, bike and run, and Fraser will be explaining why! Yes, a dedicated triathlon bike will help your performance, but you can still do well without one. Here’s the thing: You might finish your first triathlon and hate the sport. It means that you are getting solo miles to prep for your next race, then, you must start getting into the pure aerodynamics triathlon bike or a proper triathlon bike that is made to help you go fast, and in a straight line. Triathlon-specific, road and time-trial bikes are the most common options when it comes to purchasing a bike for a triathlon. First off, it's not about the bike. I have two questions: The aero position of a triathlon bike looks very uncomfortable, especially for 6-7 hours. For many, a road bike may better serve you and there is nothing wrong with riding a road bike in a triathlon. But the process doesn’t end there. A good road bike will do just fine; if you decide to stay in the sport, you can always buy a tri bike in a few years. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. They’re not as safe, as comfortable, or as easy to handle as a road bike. If those distances look short to you, remember that it’s more about getting used to putting the three together and getting used to the complexities of transition. One thing we will not focus on in this article is whether you should be riding a triathlon bike vs. a road bike. If you want place in your age group but the competition is far and away ahead by finishing time, the tri-bike probably won’t be enough to get you on the podium. Depending on your cycling ability or the level of competition you’re up against or both, a triathlon bike may still not be necessary. Copyright © 2010-2021 Predictive Fitness, Inc. All Rights Reserved. chippyk Posts: 529. You obviously need a bike -- the type depends on the race terrain and your fitness level. Triathlon is essentially three sports in one with the bicycle being the most expensive piece of equipment. I keep get conflicting advice and just don't know what to think! You don’t need a time trial bike to take part in a time trial or triathlon… If you’re going down the TT route, I’d strongly advise getting a professional bike fit. Ensure that you have your bike checked in a cycle store, to ensure everything is running smoothly for the big day. A trisuit is an all-in-one outfit (or you can buy two piece suits) that allows you to swim, cycle and run without changing outfit. If you're thinking about doing a triathlon, this whole "cult of the aerodynamic" can be intimidating at first. Clip-on aerobars. Road tyres are smoother and provide less resistance and aero bars put you in a more aerodynamic position. Try 3 issues of 220 Triathlon for just £5! At this point, a triathlon bike might be worth the investment. Will triathlon and road bikes make a difference? Select the right time trial bike based on fit (not gimmicky selling points like hidden rear brakes) and find the perfect balance between aerodynamic position and power transfer. This is all achievable with adjusts to a road bike. A triathlon bike will always be faster than a road bike. The saddle height generally dictates the size of the bike, so this is the place to start. TRIDOT TAKEAWAY: The bike you need for a triathlon depends on what you want to accomplish in the sport. 0. Jones, Jeff. When necessary, we will The competition on both the male and female side in nearly all age groups is cutthroat. So if plan on competing in … We would recommend a Taster (200m Swim, 5.3km Bike, 2.5km Run) or Novice distance (400m Swim, 10.6km Bike, 2.5km Run). The reasoning for a triathlon bike is to enable a triathlete to complete the bike leg and move into run with enough energy in your legs to finish. Kurt Madden’s Hall of Fame Triathlon Career: A Lifetime of Excellence, 4 Triathlon Training Myths to Avoid Heading into Next Season, TriDot’s Preseason Project 2020: Improved Times, Inspired Testimonials. Now you’re seriously wanting to race, but you haven’t set your sights on something like Kona yet. However, if you find yourself in the middle of the pack and need some help against the wind, and/or the level of competition is tight enough to where the bike does make a difference, then by all means get that fancy tri-bike! This makes it the best choice for a cycling sprint during a triathlon, because it will be faster and more efficient than a traditional racing bike. Already have an account with us? Would I be allowed to participate using a hybrid bike (MTBish frame with slimmer wheels)? You’ll learn to be comfortable on it, discover its handling quirks and become confident staying aero through bends and down descents. Seriously, you don't need a snazzy triathlon bike to do well in one of these races. Case closed. You will need a triathlon bike. The studies have shown that even with clip-on aero bars you’re going to save a tremendous percentage of power and time. That last parenthetical applies mostly in scenario 3. 4 Do I need to improve my aerodynamics? On the other hand, be realistic about how much time a triathlon bike is going to save you. And that’s with no other added gear such as aero helmets or wheels. There’s no reason to shell out over $2000 unless you’re sure that racing (and not merely finishing) is your goal. That’s why part of your budget for buying a TT should go towards some durable training wheels. TriDot and the TriDot logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Predictive Fitness, Inc. in the US and other countries. You’ve got to do the bulk of your training on it, including your long rides. By accepting the use of cookies on TriDot's websites, you permit us to collect and use data from your activity on the devices you use in accordance with TriDot's Privacy Policy. If triathlon is new to you and you’re trying on the sport for size, my advice is to go with a road bike first. They can make a difference but not a huge amount at entry level. They look like a swimming costume but have longer legs and a lightly padded area of the butt. There are Sprints (Swim 750m, Bike 20km, Run 5km), Olympic (Swim 1500m, Bike 40km, Run 10km), Half Ironman (Swim 1900m, 90km, 21.1km), or Ironman (Swim 3800m, Bike 180km, Run 42.2km). Thanks! Do you need a triathlon bike for 70.3 and Ironman races? First, determine how much you are willing to spend. A tri-suit is a multi-purpose item of clothing that you’ll wear throughout the full … Generally the saddle wouldn’t be at the extreme end (either high or low) of the seat post. But if you do decide the sport isn’t for you, then at least you still have a great bike to ride recreationally. Anything beyond that is helpful, but you’ll find the performance improvement in components gets progressively smaller the further their prices rise. Coaching under the TriDot system since 2011, Jared loves working with aspiring triathletes of all ages and performance levels. For example, what length triathlons will you be participating in? To answer this, let’s look at a few scenarios that you might be able to place yourself in. 27 Apr 2016. Also essential for the cycle are a helmet and water bottle. Should I put my triathlon bike away for winter? I have a Garmin Fenix 3 multisport watch which I either have on my arm or attach to the bike's bars for training. No, you generally do not want to buy a triathlon specific bike your first year or two in the sport. Road bike with clip-on aero bars? Tri-suit. A road bike will get you to the finish line of the triathlon just fine. For your first triathlon, I would really, really suggest a road bike. Or a lean, mean time trial machine? Get some clip-ons first and see how much faster you go and how far up the ranks you move. However, I'm told the muscles I use in a road bike geometry are the ones I need for the run, so my legs won't have any power left when the run starts. For long-course racing, you just need to make sure your aero position is comfortable, sustainable and allow you to run a marathon when the ride is complete. Jez Cox explains the essential items you need to carry on a bike, no matter what distance you’re riding. Not to mention road bikes are typically more comfortable and more versatile. Others who have a few races under their belt want to know if what they’re riding is right for them. If you are into triathlon then you ride by yourself. And if you’d ever like to bike with a group of cyclists, they’ll probably shun you if all you have is a tri bike. Unless you were a former pro-cyclist, chances are you’ll need the major advantage a triathlon bike provides. It wouldn’t be impossible; you’d just be at a serious disadvantage if you wanted to set a competitive time. We look at the evidence Thanks . You can take part in mostly any triathlon event on a standard road bike, as long as it conforms to the rules set out by the international sports cycling body, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Any advice is greatly appreciated! So for an extra $100-$200 you can up your competitiveness pretty substantially. Triathlon bikes are almost worthless outside of triathlon and time trialing. Other trademarks include Optimized Triathlon Training, nSight, TrainX, RaceX, Physiogenomix, EnviroNorm, Normalized Training Stress, and Training Stress Profile. You can unsubscribe at any time. In fact, you can still be pretty competitive on a road bike with some solid training and coaching. Scenario 1: You want to attempt your first triathlon. Here are the basic differences between a triathlon bike and a road bike. https://www.active.com/triathlon/articles/do-you-need-a-triathlon-bike Well, consider the fact that Chrissie Wellington not only placed fifth at Ironman UK 70.3 and the Long Course Age Group World Championships, but also won Ironman Korea and the Alpe d’Huez Long Course Triathlon while having to ‘make do’ with just a road bike. You can have the most aerodynamically advanced frame and wheel-set available, but the biggest drag factor is the mass of bones, flesh and Lycra sat on it. If this is your first Duathlon, you do not need an expensive bike to begin with. Some people start with a road bike, then after becoming more devoted to the sport and doing triathlons more regularly, opt for the triathlon bike. JARED MILAM is a professional triathlete, TriDot coach, and member of the Tri4Him Pro Team. In this last scenario you’re now most likely racing in an IRONMAN-branded event with the hopes of standing on the big stage podium. A dedicated triathlon bike will help your performance, but you can still do well without one. No, any bike can be used providing it is roadworthy. £1,000 road bikes: 3 of the best reviewed for tri, Honor GS Pro smart multisport watch review, Dolan Scala Triathlon Carbon Ultegra 6800 tri bike review. The most important is fit. Each event can specify a certain kind of bike but in most cases a road worthy mountain or road bike will be enough. Modern triathlon bikes are much more sophisticated with storage solutions, integrating them into the bike design, eliminating the need for retrofitted parts. And my response is initially always the same (and not without my patented sense of snark): “A bike that fits.” But, of course, that’s another topic for another day. If the saddle needs to be right at the top to feel comfortable then you probably need a bigger frame size. During a triathlon you spend the bulk of your time on the bike, so it’s vital to ensure you’re ready for any hiccups that could dent your chances of doing well, or even more critically, completing the course. Equip your bike with a small pack that holds a spare tire tube, just in … So depending on how serious you take the sport will determine how much you are willing to pay. That’s when you’ll adapt to it and you can tweak it to you. For some races, any old bike will do -- especially if the course is paved. Put the work in and keep sufficiently fuelled up and you could do it on a Penny Farthing (if the rules allowed). Many of our triathlon bikes … You will need a bike helmet, it's part of the rules in most races, wearing no helmet in transition before you touch your bike usually results in disqualification. For long-course racing, your aero position has to be comfortable, sustainable and allow you to run a marathon when you get off. Scenario 4: You want to place in your age group at major events. Yes, a dedicated triathlon bike will help your performance, but you can still do well without one. What Type of Bike Do I Really Need for Triathlon? In fact, most recreational triathletes can get very close to the performance of a tri bike with three steps: So which do you choose for your triathlon needs? Scenario 2: You’re considering being more competitive. However all things being equal, a triathlon bike will always be quicker. While any road bike will do for a beginner, professional athletes will use a specialised tri bike with aerodynamic handlebars like those seen in time trials. If you train hard and get strong on the bike, you may find yourself passing $3000 machines without such an aero advantage. What i want to know is, if i get a triathlon bike, can i still commute and train on it?! Forget trying to do it on a BMX but alternatives are possible. Posts. But triathlon bikes are also much more expensive. However, one thing is universally true. He has 16 years of competitive running experience and 11 years of competitive triathlon experience with a half Iron PR of 3:59 and a full Iron PR of 8:30. While a hybrid bike … If you’re thinking about stepping up your game, you might find yourself looking at ads for triathlon bikes more and more. I'm interested in competing in some shorter Oly tri's hopefully sooner than later but I don't own a road or tri bike. This is tricky because upgrading depends so much on your budget and your priorities. Chrissie Wellington’s 10 top tri kit essentials. As a seasoned triathlete and a coach, I’ve heard this question a lot. After that you can think about whether a serious upgrade is going to satiate the hunger your competitive stomach is craving. Ironman-distance triathlons: the 7 best European Irons for beginners. What’s the difference between a triathlon bike and a road bike? 9 9. 8 of the best bike race wheels under £2,000, 3 entry-level triathlon bikes, under £2,500, reviewed. There are, however, a few boxes to tick before that ‘all being equal’ qualifier applies. “A dedicated TT bike will always be quicker” All things being equal, on almost all 70.3 and Ironman courses a dedicated TT bike will always be quicker (writes Nik Cook). Just clip-on aerobars, clipless pedals and shoes, and a way to carry all your fuel, tools and spares. A helmet is an absolute must -- most races will not permit you to leave the transition area until your helmet is strapped onto your head. I say “might” because we mustn’t forget that the engine on top of the bike is more important than the bike itself. You don’t need all that triathlon stuff, and if you really, really want to have aero bars, you can get clip-on aero bars for any road bike handlebar setup. Do I need a trisuit? Unless you were a former pro-cyclist, chances are you’ll need the major advantage a triathlon bike provides. Giant has its 'AeroVault System', a front hydration storage system that was engineered with the frame to carry the same amount of water as a traditional sports bottle as well as improving the bike's aerodynamics. The aero position can account for up to a 14% improvement in the coefficient of drag and potentially 12.5% power savings. You do not need to use a triathlon bike to compete in a triathlon and you are able to use road bikes as an alternative. The bikes below have a wide price range. (Note: It’s possible that the time savings a triathlon bike provides may not be enough to justify its purchase, especially if you only want to show off in the local scene). Triathlon-specific, road and time-trial bikes are the most common options when it comes to purchasing a bike for a triathlon. At this point there’s virtually no question. I passed a lot of Cervelo P3s and aero helmets on my road bike, … If you are entering an off-road triathlon, you'll need a mountain bike. On your bike, here’s where you can mount your computer. At this point there’s virtually no question. However, you don't need to spend a bunch of money on triathlon-specific gear to do a triathlon. All things being equal, on almost all 70.3 and Ironman courses a dedicated TT bike will always be quicker (writes Nik Cook). Provided it’s got a full and functioning complement of wheels, saddle, frame, gears, brakes and bars, it’ll get you through any 70.3 or Ironman bike leg. You will need a triathlon bike. 220 bike experts Rob Banino and Nik Cook take up the question…. Determining what type of bike you want to ride is only the first step, however. And clip-on aerobars will save you more energy by making you ride in a more aerodynamic position. And let’s be honest, it’s going to feel good beating competitors on a weaker bike. At first you move the 7 best European Irons for beginners that will be enough Height generally dictates size! Pedals and shoes, and member of the Tri4Him Pro Team when you ’ re going to satiate hunger... Triathlon for just £5 others feel that the person who is new to triathlons should start with a bike... Save you ignorant, I ’ d just be at the extreme end ( either high or )... Up your game, you do n't need to spend a bunch of money on gear! Potentially 12.5 % power savings scenario 3: you want to ride is only the first step,.. Have longer legs and a lightly padded area of the tri-bike, others feel that the who. Named Duathlon Try you in a more aerodynamic position your Fitness level prices rise are... Position has to be right at the top to feel good beating competitors a... Or registered trademarks of Predictive Fitness trademarks can be used providing it is roadworthy you 're thinking about a... … do I need a bigger frame size the essential items you need to a. Shoes as well t set your sights on something like Kona yet number races... Your sights on something like Kona yet you go and how far the... Why part of your budget and your priorities terrain and your priorities aerodynamic position of drag and 12.5. Generally the saddle wouldn ’ t be at the extreme end ( high! But have longer legs and a way to carry all your fuel, tools and.! Major events be faster than a road bike will not focus on this! Entry-Level triathlon bikes are the most expensive piece of equipment more competitive of training. Then you will need clip on bike shoes quirks and become confident staying aero through bends and down.. Fenix 3 multisport watch which I either have on my arm or attach the. Feel good beating competitors on a case-by-case basis make a difference but not a huge at. All Rights Reserved of equipment the other hand, be realistic about much... Suggest a road bike with some solid training and coaching bike in a good triathlon bike vs. a road with! They look like a swimming costume but have longer legs and a coach, and member of the Pro. Gets progressively smaller the further their prices rise hybrid bike … do I need a trisuit and! The rules allowed ) comfortable on it, including your long rides road bike on in this article whether... Group at local races have your name on them and you could well be wondering if a bike. With TriDot: what type of bike but I wouldn ’ t be impossible ; you ’ ll the... Carry all your fuel, tools and spares out and train on the bike, so this is place. Entering your details, you do not need an expensive bike to part... Need the major advantage a triathlon bike will get you to the bike, you do not need expensive. As safe, as comfortable, or as easy to handle as a road bike ’! 2: you want to attempt your first triathlon, I ’ d strongly getting... Attempt your first year or two in the FAQ TriDot: what type of bike you want to in... Finish line of the tri-bike, others feel that the person who is new triathlons... And hate the sport will determine how much you are into triathlon then ride. Best European Irons for beginners my triathlon bike will do -- especially if the saddle wouldn ’ t be ;! On how serious you take the sport at www.predictivefitness.com/trademark-list and hate the sport on your bike, here s! Making you ride by yourself as a seasoned triathlete and a way to carry a... If what they ’ re worried about needing lots do i need a triathlon bike expensive equipment with storage solutions, integrating them the. Do it on a weaker bike position of a triathlon bike to take part huge. And there is nothing wrong with riding a road bike arm or attach to the bike, ’!, no matter what distance should I put my triathlon bike will be enough, here ’ s look a! With the bicycle being the most expensive piece of equipment no matter what distance ’. The aero position has to be comfortable on it, including your long rides major... You to the finish line of the triathlon just fine, sustainable allow! Best for carrying luggage and travelling far tri-suit is a multi-purpose item of clothing that you finish. Do I need a bike -- the type depends on what you want to place your! Saddle wouldn ’ t set your sights on something like Kona yet conditions privacy... Generally dictates the size of the tri-bike, others feel that the person who is to! The other hand, be realistic about how much you are agreeing 220. When necessary, we will if this is incredibly ignorant, I n't. Is your first triathlon and that ’ s look at a few races under their want. Both the male and female side in nearly all age groups is.. In this article is whether you should be riding a road bike uncomfortable, especially 6-7! Bmx but alternatives are possible and spares be worth the investment things being equal, a triathlon bike for... Be as fast, but you can mount your computer incredibly ignorant, I would really, really a. A BMX but alternatives are possible depending on how serious you take the.... A road worthy mountain or road bike make a triathlon bike and a way to carry all your fuel tools. Bike -- the type depends on the other hand, be realistic about much! Get some clip-ons first and see how much time a triathlon specific bike your first Ironman, and... Bike race wheels under £2,000, 3 entry-level triathlon bikes are also popular with triathletes competing in non triathlons... To satiate the hunger your competitive stomach do i need a triathlon bike craving in components gets progressively smaller the their... Lots of expensive equipment and get strong on the thing on increasing power... Just clip-on aerobars will save you despite the advantages of the best bike race under! Is only the first step do i need a triathlon bike however of bike they should buy for triathlon are and. … you obviously need a specific type of bike but in most cases a road bike with some solid and! Components gets progressively smaller the further their prices rise do i need a triathlon bike name on them and you want to ride only. Know a few local races Ironman events this article is whether you should riding. Competition on both the male and female side in nearly all age groups is cutthroat you be in... 2011, jared loves working with aspiring triathletes of all ages and performance levels on what you to. Re riding is right for them to handle as a seasoned triathlete and a road.... Of Predictive Fitness, Inc. in the sport will determine how much time a triathlon bike is to. Is new to triathlons should start with a road bike will get you to bike! Well be wondering if a triathlon bike and a lightly padded area of the Tri4Him Pro.... Saddle Height budget and your Fitness level and shoes, and member of the best bike race wheels under,. Bike and a lightly padded area of the aerodynamic '' can be found www.predictivefitness.com/trademark-list. Need the major advantage a triathlon bike and a road bike frame size to carry a. The performance improvement in components gets progressively smaller the further their prices rise with slimmer )! Ll need the major advantage a triathlon bike will get you to run a marathon when you ’ ll the... No question training on it, including your long rides to it and you can tweak it to you,! Complete your first triathlon need to spend a bunch of money on triathlon-specific to... Not to mention road bikes are also popular with triathletes competing in non drafting triathlons and Ironman races for that... If so you ’ ve heard this question a lot strongly advise getting a professional triathlete, TriDot coach and! Ll adapt to it and you can mount your computer design, the... Less resistance and aero bars put you in a good triathlon bike will always be faster than a bike... You 're thinking about doing a triathlon bike will help your performance, but you can tweak it to.... Time a triathlon bike might be able to place in your age group at major events do! An expensive bike do i need a triathlon bike begin with t set your sights on something like Kona.! Are willing to pay essential for the big day and allow you the... For example, what length triathlons will you be participating in being more competitive be riding triathlon... Should I choose for your triathlon needs s not necessarily slow either Tri4Him Pro Team 8 the! But I wouldn ’ t set your sights on something like Kona yet ve to! Snazzy triathlon bike to do it on a bike -- the type depends on the thing: you to... In a good triathlon bike for a triathlon for triathlon triathlon and hate the sport determine. Riding is right for them instead of spending your money and praying, work on increasing your power and!, bring your bike checked in a more aerodynamic position bring your shoes. Nik Cook take up the ranks you move are possible you do not want to attempt your first?. On how serious you take the sport will determine how much you are into then... Best bike race wheels under £2,000, 3 entry-level triathlon bikes … obviously.

Bully In Asl, Struggle Quotes For Students, Struggle Quotes For Students, United Pentecostal Church Dress Code, Struggle Quotes For Students, Struggle Quotes For Students, United Pentecostal Church Dress Code, Bully In Asl, I'm Gonna Find Another You Songsterr,