Road Bike Versus Tri Bike

The major difference between the triathlon bike and the traditional road bike lies in the geometry of the bicycle frame.

Road bike versus tri bike. For your first couple go rounds use whatever you have available to you. Road bike frames for competition are usually made from carbon fiber to reduce weight. The major differences between a triathlon bike and a road bike is the geometry of the frame more specifically the seat tube angle. The angle of the seat tube on a triathlon bike forces the hips to sit forward which gives the rider less tension on their quadriceps and hamstrings.

While a triathlon bike starts with 76 78 degree seat tube angle. A road bike balances lightness stiffness handling and comfort with just a little focus on aerodynamics thrown in. The bikes were an aluminium trek road bike with 50mm carbon race wheels a trek madone aero road bike with 60mm carbon race wheels set up in the normal road position without tri bars and the third bike was a trek speed concept triathlon bike in full race also set up with 60mm carbon race wheels. Road bikes are outfitted with drop bars which allow the rider to make use of multiple hand positions to suit sprinting climbing and everything in between.

Road bikes are often less job specific than a tri bike with its aerodynamic speed and run adaptability focus. A triathlon bike has a much larger seat tube angle 76 to 78 degrees than that of a road bike 72 degrees for a typical road bike. The steeper angle of the the tri bike can create a much more aero position. On a traditional road bike you ll have a 72 degree seat tube angle.

Road bikes typically have around a 72 degree seat tube angle where a triathlon bike will have an angle closer to 78 degrees. The seat tube is the long tube extending from the bottom bracket upward towards the seat. The most relaxed handlebar positions make them more comfortable than tri bikes over long distances. Ride your kid s bmx borrow a bike buy a 20 garage sale bike.

In reality tri bikes are a lot heavier than road bikes and it takes a seasoned rider to handle a triathlon bike. In terms of being prepared for a triathlon there s no doubt that a ready made tri bike is going to have almost everything you need but it does come with quite an increased cost. Before you even ask the road bike vs. Specifically i am referring to the seat tube angle.

The tri bike vs. As a rule of thumb the steeper the seat tube angle the further it places the rider on the bike and thus forces the rider into a more aerodynamic position.