Difference Between Triathlon Bikes & Road Bikes
Triathlon bikes and road bikes have two different purposes. Triathlon bikes were developed to perform in triathlon events where the rider is using the bike for high speed short distances (for example: 6 miles) and transitioning to another event in a race (such as running or swimming). Road bikes were created for pack riding and longer lengths that occur in bicycle only events (such as Tour De France). Additionally, there are a number of other differences about these two bikes, such as geometry, shifting, front-end structure, price and the purpose for buying the bike. Carefully make your decision after knowing the facts about each bike.
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Geometry
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A triathlon bike is created with a steeper seat tube, which is the middle bar of the bike. This bar is angled at 80 degrees forcing you to ride the bike with your forearms resting on the handle bars (also called aero bars). By putting your weight forward, this relieves the pressure on your hamstrings allowing you to ride in a very aerodynamic position. This type of position has been known to allow you to increase speed more efficiently during a race.
A road bike has a steeper bar in the middle of the bike than a triathlon bike. Also, it uses wider front handle bars, which puts most of your weight on your hands and out to your side. This type of positioning allows for relatively easy shifting and braking, especially in a pack of riders.
Shifting
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Shifting of the gears is an important difference between a triathlon bike and road bike. The shifting mechanism in a triathlon bike is at the end of the handle bars allowing riders to shift with little movement of their body for optimum speed. The road bike is built with the shifting on the handle bars, but it is more in the middle of the bars, meaning that hand positioning on the bars would need to move in order to shift gears. This would bring a rider out of position losing the best aerodynamic position.
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Front-End
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The front-end structure of each bike is also a significant difference between these two bikes. The front end of a triathlon bike is very clean. This means the bike has less weight and is more aerodynamic than a road bike. A road bike is designed for more upfront positioning options for the rider, such as lower hunched over position, standing up position, or sitting position. This type of bike is heavier on the front end due to the shifting and braking equipment that is on the front of the bike
Price
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Triathlon bikes are typically more expensive than a road bike. On average, a triathlon bike can cost anywhere from a $100 to over $2,000 more than a road bike. Additionally, you will need to factor in any extra items needed for your triathlon or road bike, such as helmet, cycling shoes, bike computers, pumps, tools and any other accessories.
Decision
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When making your decision, the biggest factor to determine is the purpose for the bike. If you are using it for bicycle races, exercise or recreation, a road bike is your best choice. It is cheaper and will allow you to get the workout you desire. Additionally, you can purchase aero bars if you do decide to race in a triathlon.
However, if you are going to be entering more than three triathlons throughout a year, a triathlon bike is your best choice. You will get the best speed positioning on the bike to help you obtain the fastest time in your race.
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References
- Photo Credit bike image by Dubravko Grakalic from Fotolia.com
