There’s already an abundance of choice of bicycles. Maybe you’re looking to compete in a triathlon, or maybe you just want to change up your usual ride and are unsure of any actual differences between triathlon bikes and road bikes. Believe me, they’re different.
Today, we’re going to dive deeper into the key features that differentiate a road bike and a triathlon bike, and their own distinct features.
Table of Contents
Understanding The Road Bike
Road bikes are fitting for a cycling competition. However, road bikes are intended for a longer route competition. They are reasonably more comfortable, lighter, and great for pedaling uphill. They usually set a road bike at around 72-degree angle, that’s why they are more comfortable to ride, especially over longer distances. They are also light, versatile, and overall a great fit for road riders.
The Need For A Triathlon Bike
Even though a triathlon is still a “marathon” race, we now see the cycling part as more of a sprint. That’s why the design of a triathlon bike prioritizes speed above all else. They adopt an aerodynamic form and will keep your posture that way.
They set a triathlon bike at around 76 up to 79-degree angles, which makes it steeper than a road bike.
The need for a triathlon bike arose when triathletes struggled to complete running and swimming after the cycling portion. Triathletes are looking for less pressure on their quad muscles during the ride in order to perform better during the other sections of the race. By sitting in a more forward position, the angle that a triathlon bike is, it was theorized that you will be faster and still give less impact to your quads.
Differences Between Road & Triathlon Bikes
A road bike and a triathlon bike are distinctly different. The fundamental difference is their frame geometry, seat position, suitability to terrain, speed, and muscle impact. Even so, we can still use a road bike for a triathlon.
A triathlon bike is said to be faster, heavier, less versatile, more expensive, and less comfortable when compared to a road bike.
Frame Geometry
A tri bike has a higher front end in order to support their aerodynamic nature. Their materials also support this goal. Some road bikes now claim to be more aerodynamic while maintaining their more comfortable structure. When you sit on a tri bike, all of your body will lean forward.
Road bikes come with drop handlebars. Essentially, it will provide more control and comfort for steering and braking. A tri bike does not offer this option, and everything will be slightly less comfortable.
Besides everything, a tri bike comes with a flat oval tube, which will help it reduce drag and easily cut the air.
Seat Position
The seat tube is steeper on a tri bike, it forces the hip to sit towards the front, and therefore allows less tension into the quadriceps. On a road bike, it’s more of a slacker position. Allows more work for the larger muscle group and gives more comfort on the rest of the body.
Terrain Suitability
The road bike is built to better deal with the terrain. The drop bars give riders extra comfort to steer, brake, and generally control the bike over all types of road. Even though you can still steer a tri bike, it’s just more difficult to do so with ease.
If you’re tackling a more distant route, you really want to avoid a tri bike. A tri bike is good for shorter bike races or a triathlon. With a longer distance, you’ll be much better off with a road bike.
Speed Support
They changed the rule of the game. Now, the cycling portion of a triathlon is made to be short and quick. That’s how the tri bike design came about. They exist for riding short, riding fast, and riding with little effort. From the handle bars, tubing, and their carbon fiber wheels, a tri bike is designed with speed in mind.
All that being said, a road bike is still quick, just not as fast as a tri bike. But then again, if you try to put a tri bike and a road bike in competition over longer distances, the tri bike might fall behind because of fatigue catching up with the rider. A road bike is built light and prioritizes comfort and speed.
How They Affect Your Muscles
A road bike works your bigger muscle groups. Make for more power on each pedal. Your quads and your hamstring are at its optimized riding position. And you are bound to go fast and be comfortable riding over a longer period of time. But if you had to run after the ride, it might not turn out so great.
A tri bike doesn’t use your quads, only your smaller muscles. Saves up your energy for that run.
Triathlon Vs. Road Bike – Which One Is For You?
Whichever you need. If you’re going to compete in a triathlon and are debating whether it’s worth it to get a triathlon bike. It is, get that bike. But if you’re just looking around, experimenting. There’s also nothing wrong with getting a triathlon bike. But if it’s your first bike, to be used daily or weekly, you might be better off with a road bike.
