Triathlon Bike Vs Road Bike

Within road cycling there are a number of different disciplines, and although the bikes do have some similiarities, there are also some pretty huge differences, which make a specialised bike perform much better than a more general-purpose bike. Here, we are going to look at the similarities and differences between a road bike and a dedicated Triathlon bike.

Similarities Between Triathlon Bikes and Road Bikes

At first glance, there are some obvious similarities between the two. Both bikes have speed and efficiency in mind, and achieve this in part by implementing narrow tyres, when compared to the likes of a hybrid bike or mountain bike. Top end Carbon road bikes are usually produced in the same way to tri bikes, using the same carbon fibre moulding techniques and materials to create more intricate shapes than traditional techniques and materials would allow.

Aerodynamics also play a part in both disciplines, with an aero road bike often benefitting from trickle-down technology that has come as a result of research and development done on Time Trial and Tri bikes.

Key Differences Between Triathlon Bikes and Road Bikes

Although they can share a number of similarities, Triathlon bikes focus almost entirely on being aerodynamic, often resulting in quite an extreme look. The riding position is particularly aggressive, with the aim to make the rider as small as possible in order to efficiently cut through the air. Whilst some road bikes do allow for an aerodynamic position to be acheived, it is a far cry from what a Tri bike can achieve.

Wheels are often much deeper rim sections, or even completely covered, on a Tri bike, to maximise the aerodynamic properties of the wheel. Less consideration is given to the weight of the wheels, whereas most road bikes will benefit more from a lighter wheelset, which will allow for better handling and easier climbing of hills.

Road bikes often offer more versatile features, with a lot of endurance road bikes having mounts on the frame to allow pannier racks and mudguards to be attached, making them ideal for commuting through the week, before going on the club run on the weekend. Nobody is saying that you can't commute on a Triathlon bike if you want to, but it certainly isn't a scenario considered in the design brief for these speed machines!

All of the best Triathlon bikes now take into account nutrition and hydration during racing, and feature clever solutions to allow riders to refuel with minimal disruption to their aero position on the bike. Hidden storage compartments for food, drink and even tools are commonplace on modern Tri bikes, whereas road bikes generally rely on more traditional methods of carrying sustenance, such as water bottles and jersey pockets for energy gels.

Perhaps the most obvious difference when looking at a Triathlon bike vs road bike is the handlebars. Road bikes mainly use a drop bar design, that aside from tweaks to tube profiles and the materials used, have remained a very similar shape for decades. They allow for a more upright position with a number of hand positions when on the "tops" and can aid a more aerodynamic position for sprinting and descending when held in the "drops". A Tri bike will have a handlebar that comprises of two parts, a base bar and extensions. The base bar will be relatively flat, and is used to get the bike moving, or when turning tightly. For the majority of the time, the bike will be ridden with the rider's elbows resting on pads and hands being directly out in front, to provide the most aerodynamic position.

The last difference we'll look at is more subtle, and is to do with the gearing the bikes run. Road bikes will have a wider range of gearing and almost always use two chainrings on the chainset, which are selected with a front derailleur. Tri bikes use a range of gears that is more commonly optimised to flat terrain, with smaller steps in between each gear, and can often only have one chainring and no front derailleur, in order to absolutely maximise the aero properties of the bike.

Horses for Courses

Ultimately a Triathlon bike picks one element of road cycling, aerodynamics, and focuses on pushing it to the limits. If you are looking to compete in a Triathlon event, then a dedicated Triathlon bike is definitely a much better choice than a road bike, offering speed and efficiency that are second to none. However, given the extreme nature of the Tri bikes design, Triathlon racing is realistically the only time that these bikes will be a better choice. The best road bikes provide much more versatility, comfort and practicality, making them a much more sensible choice for the majority of roadies.