What makes a Triathlon bike a Triathlon bike?

If you're new to the sport of triathlon or considering making the switch from a standard road bike to full blown speed machine, this breakdown of the differences between a road bike and triathlon specific bike might help you....

First, since you'll want to be as aerodynamic as possible many triathlon bikes will come with a more aero tubeset - oval and oblong as opposed to cylindrical - in order to slide through the wind.

Below, we show the Cervelo Dual. A great valued complete triathlon bike with an aero tubeset, aero fork and reverseable seatpost for a wide range of sizing options. The Dual's frame looks like a standard road bike 'double-diamond' design...and while this is true, what is distinctly different about this, and most other triathlon specific bikes, is that the seattube is much steeper (more closely to being perpendicular to the ground) and that makes the rider of the bike much more likely to find a comfortable and more powerful aerodynamic position.

Here is a close-up of the seattube angle. Cervelo models offer something unique - a seatpost that actually allows you to switch from a more shallow 74 degree to a much steeper (aggressive) 80 degree seat angle. Again, notice the aero tubing on the bike, combined with an aggressive riding position - this all means a faster bike split and more comfort on the bike.

Probably the biggest, and most noticeable, difference between a road and triathlon bike is the front end set-up. The handlebars on a road bike are designed to be ridden a more relaxed position and offer the rider the ability to get in the 'drops' of the handlebars or ride on the hoods of the shifters. On a triathlon bike, the front end is set-up to keep the rider in the aero position and has brakes in a position that allows the rider to stay forward and brake without having shift too much. You can also see the shifters are placed at the ends of the handlebars - again, this allows the rider to stay aero and control the bike at the same time. Speed is key in a time trial situation - we want to make you as fast as possible!

If you aren't sure what bike to buy - chances are you aren't ready for a specific triathlon bike, yet. At Emery's, we will only sell bikes that fit our customer's needs and budget - rest assured that you'll leave here ready to ride. Stop in and talk to Brent, Ben or any of our well-trained staff - we're comitted to triathlon!