A TT bike, which is made specifically for time trials versus multisport races, must have the tip of the saddle nose within 5cm/1.97inches from the center of the bottom bracket. group rides vs individual time trialing), biomechanical needs (saddle and arm positioning, hip angle, comfort), and overall race goals (time trials and triathlon-specific events or a wide range of road riding). The Fuji Norcom Straight 2.1 goes for $5,999.99. But more importantly Im often reminding them about the tools thatll improve their training, things like bike computers, watches, and power meters. The relative wind vector takes into account both the riders speed and the ambient wind direction, so higher speed TT/triathlon bikes can benefit from a very narrow, tapered frame design. If theres any give at all, or if the frame feels a bit soft or squishy, then the frame is compromised. In other words, B is based on decades of aerodynamic innovation. In the case of buying online, you have far more options at your fingertips. For instance, the STA on most triathlon bikes exceeds 78 degrees, while on road bikes the STA is closer 72 degrees. Virtually synonymous with time trial bikes, or TT bikes, the geometry of triathlon bikes has distinct characteristics in frame design and rider positioning. Besides that, even on really old wheelsets, theres usually plenty of life left on the brake track so I wouldnt worry too much about that. Quintana Roo photography by Talbot Cox Media and Felt Bicycles photography provided by Felt. Its got this nasty way of bleeding down along the headset bolt and into the headset. While finding a used bike can be an economical option, new bikes can easily average $4,000-5,000+. Once you get beyond that ride volume, thats where the light weight, or plush frame characteristics of carbon start to shine. Youd think a few teeth wouldnt make a big difference, but when youre climbing a 3km, 6% grade hill, it does. For this discussion Id argue that theres less of a difference between Shimano and SRAM than with road bikes, since on triathlon bikes the bar end shifters between the two brands work essentially the same. The Ordu is used by professional triathletes as well as road racers who require a UCI-legal TT bike. It also offers an integrated food storage unit otherwise known as Giants AeroVault system. If youre shelling out a whole bunch of extra dollars for bougie Zipp or HED or Dura Ace wheels with deep dish carbon rims, thats a bit of a different story, but Ill leave that out of this post because its a whole other discussion. Well, first of all, if you havent figured it out already, youve chosen one of the most expensive, bougie sports known to man to take up. With Shimano 105 components, the Giant Trinity Advanced starts at $2,500, See more specifications and info at Giant-Bicycles.com. So that smoking deal on a 10 speed Dura Ace Di2 Trek Speed Concept may not be as much of a deal as you think (thats the last brand new triathlon bike I purchased and sold in 2015). Dont get me wrong, the Speed Concept is very likely faster, but were not talking about a difference in orders of magnitude, were talking incrementally faster. This angle on triathlon bikes often exceeds 78 degrees, while on road bikes its more like 72 degrees. When I decided to go back to Ironman Canada in 2020 I decided I wasnt going to spend all my hard earned money on a shiny new triathlon bike. Having ridden two generations of Shimano Dura Ace and Ultegra, and SRAM Rival and Force, I can honestly say Ive never based my decision on going this high end on my groupset. The starting price for the Canyon Speedmax CF 8.0 is $4,299, Take a closer look by visiting Canyon.com. On the other hand, the bike that fits you like a glove is going to allow you to get into an comfortable, slippery, aerodynamic position. 2. The frame and fork design around Kamm tails, which are truncated airfoils that outperform full airfoils, offering less drag at side wind/yaw angles. Road Bike vs Triathlon Bike: Whats the Difference? Its been updated in recent years to feature a full carbon frame set with aero shaping gleaned from the brands top-of-the-line and six-time Kona-winning IA collection. Built with the Specialized FACT 10r carbon fiber frame, the Shiv Sport is wind-tunnel tested and aerodynamically-optimized for straight-line speed. Use the quick links below to find the type of triathlon bike youre most interested in. The aerodynamically-optimized downtube design and TeXtreme carbon technology make for a top-end bike at an unbeatable price. The SuperSlice also has a 71.5-degree head angle that delivers controlled and confident handling in demanding situations. There are a ton of webpages and blog posts dedicated to this exact question (heres a good technical examination of the topic from Wheelworx) so Im not going to cut too deep into this here, but long story short, if youre a strong athlete with a background in other sports, chances are youre leaving a lot of time on the table if you dont go to a triathlon specific bike. Every angle and component on the Timemachine One has been designed to slice through the wind as efficiently as possible. Now when you go to those wider ranges, the gaps in the number of teeth between gears becomes wider. This position enables athletes to achieve a more horizontal and aerodynamic position while also widening the athletes hip angle, which can have biomechanical efficiencies when getting off the bike to run. Below we highlight everything you need to know about triathlon bikes, including some of the best models to watch for in 2022. Heres a handful of them. On the fastest Ironman courses, the best bike splits can exceed an average speed of 27 mph / 44 kph. Trinity is the result of Giants refined aero frame geometry and a wider range of adjustability to allow for a TT-specific fit that can accommodate many different athletes. The Giant Trinity Advanced is an exceptionally high-quality and rigorously-tested triathlon bike that doesnt break the bank. The M10iLTD is primarily an upgrade in Shimano Dura-Ace components and Rotor ALDHU crankset. With subtle improvements made from the Plasma 5 design, the new hydration system on the Plasma 6 also makes it possible for athletes to remain in the aero position during hydration and nutrition intake. In addition to creating beautiful tri bikes, Quintana Roo is well regarded for its customer service and an overall great reputation for quality bikes. As Cannondale put it, the SuperSlice is savagely fast.. What that means to say is that many cassettes will have as few as 11 teeth on a cassette, and as many as 28 or even 32. In addition to various wheelset upgrades, these mods can quickly escalate the price tag over the $10k mark. Both routes have their advantages and disadvantages. Adding to the bikes aerodynamics and top-end speed is a set of Bontrager Aeolus Comp OCLV Carbon TLR wheels. Theres a really great piece in Triathlon Magazine that can be found here, that breaks down all the miniscule differences between bikes, helmets, position, etc, that I really encourage you to read. The Shiv Disc comes with Specialized Hydration and Nutrition Fuelcell systems, offering aerodynamically-optimized storage for over ten gels or five bars. The first and perhaps most obvious finding was that increasing seat tube angle positions the cyclist in a more forward inclination, thereby reducing drag and improving aerodynamics. First of all, carbon frames are very durable. A bike that doesnt fit properly is going to have you stretched out, crunched up, kinking your neck, sitting too upright, or all of the above, among other things. Manufacturers continue to push the limits with research and development, making bikes lighter, faster, more aero, and more comfortable for triathletes. According to Specialized, the frame comes in four sizes all based on 1k Retl fits with actual athletes. In fact, some online stores have certification stamps and performance guarantees that ensure used bikes have been fully inspected and damaged parts are replaced prior to putting them up for sale. Its stocked with disc brakes, top tube storage, Shimano 105 components, and a spectrum of color options. The Specialized Shiv Sport is one of the best entry-level triathlon bikes for the price. Trinity Advanced is also engineered around AeroSystem Shaping Technology, which is Giants way of saying every tube shape is designed to minimize drag and maximize aerodynamics no matter which direction the wind is coming from. This model can be found in the $4-6k+ range, depending on the build. So take heed if youre in the market for any used bike. The difference between triathlon bikes and time trial bikes is largely based on subtle differences in seat tube angle, fit, and whether the bike must adhere to the International Cycling Union (UCI) regulations. Watches that act as fitness monitors can measure your heart rate and heart rate variability and tell you if youre in the zone, if youre overtrained, if youre underperforming, and all the like. Its very possible that the cables have just stretched and the bike just needs a tune up, but since its new to you, Id also say this could be a good time to replace the shifter and brake cables. Now, if theres damage to the paint, and you can see exposed carbon, thats not the end of the world. The Ordu is a harmonious balance in maximizing all of these qualities. Its also more common to witness sub-8-hour Ironman finishes which are largely based on a fast and economical bike split. Unscrewing the bolt at the top of the headset and removing the headset cap will reveal the condition of the steerer tube. Orbea does not mention the weight of the Ordu build, but its elongated OMX frame and fork are both full carbon, totally about 1,570 grams or 3.4 pounds combined. J Strength Cond Res. The first and perhaps most obvious finding was that increasing seat tube angle positions the cyclist in a more forward inclination, thereby reducing drag and improving aerodynamics. First and foremost when youre buying a new bike, you should be looking for a bike that fits. A more kinematic analysis of the study identified greater hip extension and ankle plantarflexion at a steeper seat tube angle. If theres a dent in the paint or some spot where the person selling the bike suspects there may be an issue, a quick test is to pinch or squeeze the spot in question. In general, mid-range triathlon bikes are priced between$3-5k, but can easily escalate to $6+ with certain performance upgrades. The Scott Plasma 6 is a versatile bike, enabling just about any athlete to find their most efficient aero position on the bike. When Im talking to people about aluminum bikes I generally ask them one main question, how much are you planning on riding the bike and how long are your rides? In fact, some manufacturers offer a triathlon model and a TT model of the bike, just different build. Int J Exerc Sci. At a wider seat tube and hip angle, kinematic relationships in the force-velocity and length-tension of these powerful muscle groups are enhanced. Keep in mind, triathlon bikes and TT bikes are so similar that theyre often treated as the same. Maybe it is, maybe it isnt. Bottom line, if youre getting into the sports of cycling or triathlon, or buying a new or used road bike or triathlon bike, youre going to spend a bit of money, so its best to spend it wisely and get the most bang for your buck. Your options for frame material for most modern road and triathlon bikes is aluminium or carbon. Compare the Cervelo P3 of a few years ago versus the Cervelo P-Series of today and youll see a lot of differences. While Ultegra models may be more affordable, expect the Cannondale SuperSlice RED eTap to be priced between $9,000-$10,000. Although the bikes low price and direct-to-consumer model make it appear like an entry-level tri bike, Speed Phreak is a top-rate carbon bike thats well equipped for any caliber athlete. Among these considerations is the yaw angle, which is is the angle between a riders direction of motion and the relative wind direction vector. And when are you most likely to be shifting gears? And crashes can obviously wreck any bikes. Ill break this down a little bit more. One more word of warning though, Shimano stopped manufacturing 10 speed Di2 parts in 2015. The brand has taken claim in the invention of the first triathlon-specific bike back in 1987. Things like shoes, helmet, pedals, bike pumps, etc, add up. And this is where youre a little bit at the mercy of whats out there, because unlike your local bike shop your selection is sadly limited to whatever you find on Kijiji or Pinkbike or whatever. You can find the link to my Strava activity here, you can find the link to Ians Strava activity here, blog.bikefit.com (aptly named) has some great resources and content to get you started. All that being said, you may be asking why even bother with a new triathlon bike then? Ill just gloss over this one because its worth mentioning. Unless the previous owner of the bike specifically indicates that they just replaced those parts, assume that youre going to spend about $150-$200 replacing them. Its a subtle but noticeable difference that cyclists, especially cyclists that need easier gears, have learned to appreciate (whether they realize it or not). 2017; 10(8): 11451156. Ive anticipated this question so heres my response. Its not about the bike. If the crack is obvious, then nope, thats it, youre done, dont buy. The Shiv Sport is designed around a Control Tower fit system that enables athletes to optimize stack and reach to achieve the most comfortable and powerful position based on their body composition. Most beginner cyclists and triathletes are often best suited for a road bike. Add to that lighter frame, and thats where the value proposition of the higher end material starts to make sense. But a watch like the Garmin fenix 6 will easily run you upwards of $700, a powermeter will run you over $500, and a bike computer will set you back another $300. Where Canyon goes above and beyond is by integrating top-end parts and components. When Im chatting with newcomers to the sport one of the question I get asked most often is whether or not to buy a triathlon bike. Additional research(2)on hip orientation suggests that increasing hip angle improves power from these muscles widely known as the primary quads and hamstrings. In ascending order, the level or quality of the respective group sets from SRAM and Shimano are; This is where you need to be a bit more careful. I cant really talk about used triathlon bikes without talking about carbon frames and durability for a second. Weve compiled a comprehensive list of 2022 triathlon bikes that covers the full spectrum of performance and price point, whether youre privy to entry-level tri bikes or top-tier technology. The Quintana Roo PRfour can be found for around $3,000, Learn more from the official site QuintanaRooTri.com. Reiser R, Peterson M, Broker J. Winner of six consecutive Kona World Championships in the womens pro division, the IA features a finely tuned balance of cutting-edge aerodynamics, superb handling, and stellar ride quality. This is a problem so prevalent with triathlon and time trial bikes that yes, Ive decided to dedicate a whole sub-section to it. Getting into triathlon youre going to be paying for race entries, travel expenses, countless visits to the pool, a wetsuit and goggles and all that stuff, shoes, funny looking triathlon suits, and maybe even a coach. The Speedmax CF 8.0 Di2 is equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2, as well as a Fizik Mistica wide nose saddle, highly-adjustable Profile Subsonic aero bars, and DT Swiss ARC 1400 wheels (with performance upgrades available). For me, the simple fact of the matter is that I really enjoy riding my road bike and mountain bike as well, and to put all my chips into a triathlon bike would mean that Id be sacrificing time and money spent on other types of cycling that I really enjoy (and lets face it, mountain biking and road biking are far more fun that staring at the pavement in a TT position). Not only does the Norcom Straight 2.1 deliver superior aerodynamics and top-end acceleration, but it also provides optimal comfort and control while in the time trial position. SRAM Red / Shimano Dura Ace This is the good stuff. Making sure that everything is in good working order is key to not getting ripped off. But is it worth maybe $1500 to you? As much as there is to learn about the different makes and models of triathlon bikes, there are still a lot of questions that arise. In addition to a steeper seat tube angle, triathlon bikes often look different due to their unique frame designs. Based on the differences mentioned above, seat tube angle and fit are what make triathlon bike designs special. Equipped with SRAM RED disc brakes and components, SuperSlice doesnt cut short on the build. Influence of hip orientation on Wingate power output and cycling technique. The base build of the Ordu M20LTD model starts at $4,999. Together these devices work to optimize your output to the best possible outcome. The two primary options when buying used triathlon bikes is to shop locally or online. Check that the wheels are spinning true, and if there are any wobbles in the wheel, that could be a pretty big red flag that either the bike hasnt really been well loved, or even worse, its been in a bit of a fender bender. There are several models available, with the Ultegra 105 entry-level version of the P-series starting at $3,200. As a result, world records seem to be broken every couple of years. Fine-tuned to be faster and more efficient than its predecessor, the Norcom Straight 2.1 is a progression of Fujis performance-focused premise and ultra-modern aesthetic. You can find the link to my Strava activity here, and you can find the link to Ians Strava activity here. defining time trial bikes are often considered the primary difference between triathlon bikes and TT bikes. With several more premium options available, the Ultegra 105 version is priced at $1,899. There are a lot of compelling reasons to buy a triathlon bike. Whats notable about the Speedmax CF 8.0 is its superior design. Stiff, responsive, and aero, Speed Phreak is an ideal TT bike for short course racing and bike-dominant triathletes. Here you can expect to invest in a highly aerodynamic time trial machine with quality componentry. ts also common for the saddle height on triathlon bikes to be positioned slightly higher, which promote a horizontal, low-drag position while also widening the athletes hip angle. SRAM Rival / Shimano 105 This is your good value pick journeyman level stuff. Regarding the faster part of the question, the majority of the drag generated by a cyclist moving through air is generated by the rider, not the bike. When youre going up or down a hill. Its a fully-equipped aero machine that offers a 10% lighter and 11% stiffer frame from the base PRsix model thus the hike in price. As a notable Swiss manufacturer recognized for quality, BMCs Timemachine series is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, as its been the bike of choice for countless Ironman victories and Tour de France time trial wins. Most notable is a steeper seat tube angle that puts athletes in a more aggressive and aerodynamic position. Because triathlon bikes naturally have a steeper seat tube angle, thereby minimizing the saddle nose to bottom bracket distance, this rule is rarely a disadvantage or limitation. As for the entry-level model, the PRfour is a triathlon bike that delivers all-out race performance at the $3k price point. Packing the punches with premium parts, the Shiv Disc is built with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 components and Roval CLX 64 Disc rims. In any case, always be sure to thoroughly check the frame and fork for cracks and chips, and firmly test the steering for any play near the head tube. This is where having that one extra gear to help space out the gaps really helps. Of the latest models to reflect QRs pioneering innovation in TT bike technology is the PRseries. I opted to go to a 2011ish Cervelo P3. As a result, world records seem to be broken every couple of years. The price for the Specialized Shiv Sport is set at $3,000. Sure, you could throw a new Trek Speed Concept on to the credit card as well, or foresake your kids college savings for a new Cervelo P5X, or you could hit up Facebook Marketplace or Pinkbike and find a bike thats got 95% of the speed at 25% of the cost. I rode my first Ironman on a 2011 Cervelo P2 and at the time, the Cervelo P3 was the next best bike that Id be riding if I could somehow level up. The Canyon Speedmax CF 8.0 is a perfect bike for triathletes who need a high-performance time trial machine but at a price that doesnt cost 6 months of rent. The cockpit has a forward offset position which maximizes vertical compliance. Triathlon bikes can be prohibitively expensive for all but the most dedicated of athletes. In the world of bicycle racing, triathlon bikes are a different breed. Look for these kinds of issues on top tubs, seat stays, seat posts, etc. Was I faster on the Speed Concept than the Cervelo? Its also extremely customizable for a wide range of aero position fits. Largely made of carbon, its one of the most lightweight triathlon bikes on the market. Its light, its shiny, and its expensive. Although sold separately, a Fuelcell can be integrated to store nutrition and tools for flat repairs. The result, almost all triathlon bikes that youll find today are carbon fibre frames. Featuring a uniquely-optimized frame design with a down tube positioned directly behind the front wheel, the Plasma has been rigorously refined and tested for enhanced aerodynamics. Theyre also slightly heavier and more brittle than carbon fibre bikes. Also, assess the quality of the drivetrain, brakes, and wheels. Bikes like the Felt S32, B16, and B12 were among some of the original legends of the late 2000s. What do you look for? Now this may not sound like a ton of time but think about what you run specialists would do to take 15 minutes off of your half marathon time, or extrapolate that out to a full Ironman and were talking about a 30 minute time difference. Theyre made to see action and they arent the fragile, delicate matters that they were twenty years ago. See related triathlon content on clipless pedals, training books, triathlon podcasts, multisport coaching, triathlon distances, and types of triathlon. At first blush the may seem similar, but look closely and youll see integrated water bottles and top tube storage, internally routed cables, out of the box support for electronic shifting, disc brakes, etc. These triathlon bikes are also some of the lightest, with some weighing less than 20 pounds. There are several pros and cons to using a triathlon bike vs road bike. If you asked me at the end of the day would I prefer to have a $3000 bike with no watch, no powermeter, and no bike computer, or a $1500 bike with all those goodies, Id pick the budget bike every day of the week and twice on Sunday. So here are my thoughts on buying a used triathlon bike, or a used road bike (if youre just looking for information on what to look for with a used road bike, feel free to skip waaaaay ahead to the What To Look for Section). Ill say it one more time, the most important part of buying a bike that you love and that will work for you, is buying a bike that fits you. If youre doing an Ironman next year, or a couple half IMs, this will get the job done no problem. But the caveat to that is whether or not its worth it, because if you limit your options for a tri specific bike to just new triathlon bikes, then the value proposition for that bike can quickly erode. The Speed Concept is a unique blend of Shimano Ultegra 11-speed componentry with Dura-Ace bar-end shifters, and Bontrager Speed Limit brakes. Theres a lot that goes into this and if youre unsure of where to start with bike fit, blog.bikefit.com (aptly named) has some great resources and content to get you started. Its touted for its T47 bottom bracket, built-in hydration system, invisible cable routing, and integrated enhancements that maximize power from every angle. The Felt B triathlon bike starts at $2,299. That being said if the thought of a used bike just doesnt excite you, thats fine too, get a new bike because you should get a bike youre excited about. The PRsix2 Disc from Quintana Roo is a substantial level-up from the previously mentioned PRfour. Athletes can leverage highly-responsive power transfer and receptive handling, all while enjoying smooth, compliant comfort in the saddle over the course of long miles. A TT bike, which is made specifically for time trials versus multisport races, must have the tip of the saddle nose within 5cm/1.97inches from the center of the bottom bracket. As for geometry, a 72-degree head angle gives athletes more responsive, direct control, and the bottom bracket is positioned lower for better weight distribution and balance. But I will share a quick anecdote that lines up pretty well with the link shared above from Wheelworx, two years ago my friend Ian Jeffery and I went head to head at the Havana Half Ironman. As to be expected with a professional-grade TT bike, the SuperSlice weighs a mere 18 lbs. If there are, then yes, the carbon has been compromised, it may not be catastrophic like a frame crack, but there could be an issue. Its not entirely their fault, the position of a triathlete on a bike places them such that sweat will drop straight from the head, into the head tube (the part that connects the stem and handlebars to the frame). If you ask me, racing an Ironman without a powermeter and a proper computer is akin to driving down the highway with the dashboard all covered up, you can do it, but youre going to make a lot of mistakes thatll cost you. Unlike other TT bikes in this price range, the SuperSlice offers a clean, elegant design that doesnt look like it was dropped-off from outer space. For many of us, the cost of buying a triathlon bike is not far from a full months income. Its a well-crafted triathlon bike that combines exceptional aerodynamics and acceleration with versatile adjustability and ergonomics. Regardless, bike fit is the first and foremost, more important than whether the bike is Dura Ace or 105, or red or blue, or Giant or Pinarello. The PRsix offers a high modulous carbon composition, making the frame lighter and stiffer than the PRfour and PRfive. If youre riding a particularly hilly triathlon course, youre going to want a wider gear range, which means rather than an 11-25 cassette, you may opt for an 11-28 or 11-32. Very possibly. But 11 speed cassettes gave riders more options within that range. The way to tell if the carbon has been compromised is to look for obvious things like cracks in the frame or breaks in the paint. Perhaps most popularized by Sebastian Kienle, the bike-dominant German whos seen multiple Kona podiums and a first-place victory in 2014, the Scott Plasma series has proven itself worthy of the best triathletes in the world. In the progression of todays top triathlon bikes, aerodynamics, weight, and stiffness have always been a focus for improved performance. Him on a Specialized Shiv with 80mm wheels, and me on a Trek Madone SL6 with 48mm wheels. That being said, carbon frames are most commonly damaged in one of two ways. For triathletes looking to invest in their first triathlon bike, but one that holds lasting value and growth, Speed Phreak doesnt hold back on maximizing an athletes potential. And like most Quintana Roo triathlon bikes, the array of base and decal color combinations offer over seventy variations. But if youre looking at the tires on the bike and they are looking pretty smooth and flat down the middle, youll probably want to replace them sooner rather than later, unless you really love changing flats. The PRsix2 is a beautiful blend of top-tier performance and design simplicity. The Scott Plasma 6 triathlon bike is the epitome of a top-speed time trial machine. Ultimately, TT bikes can yield biomechanical gains in power. ) Well bikes have gotten a lot better over the years and the compelling argument for todays triathlon bikes versus those of years gone by is probably the level of integration that goes into them, making the ride better for the cyclist. It also features meticulously-engineered airfoils that minimize side force amid heavy crosswinds. The Orbea Ordu is designed for serious triathletes looking to upgrade their triathlon bike to something faster and more ergonomic. Ian put 15 minutes into me on 90km the bike course. Even on days when Im selling new bikes at the Ridleys Cycle Im often advocating for guests serious about training to spend a little less on the bike and a little more on the accessories. Whether youre in the market for a used triathlon bike or a used road bike, there are a lot of important things to know to make sure that youre making a good purchase decision. Its also more common to witness sub-8-hour Ironman finishes which are largely based on a fast and economical bike split. Ian and I were nearly pound for pound the same weight, and we each put down ~193 watts for the 90km. Bs designed around a carbon frame and fork and the bike weighs in at 20 lbs. This will get you to the finish line just as fast as the higher end groupset and will have a little better long term durability than the entry level components. The B marque has long graced the entry-level model in Felts range of triathlon bikes, and at price ranges well under $3k (some even less than $2k). Below we highlight everything you need to know about triathlon bikes, including some of the best models to watch for in 2022.