It’s a common question I get through my website email from curious triathlon newbies: Should I get a road bike or tri bike? In anticipation of more such questions, I’ve decided to type my answer here so that I don’t have to repeat myself in future! :-)
Honestly, I’ve only ever used a road bike, never a tri bike.
Here’s my bike history: My first bike was the Fondriest Megalu aluminium frame with second hand Dura Ace parts (subsequently changed to Campagnolo Veloce parts) and lasted me over four years; my second bike was a Thorius aluminium frame (which didn’t fit me, unfortunately, and I only kept for a few months); my third bike was the Orbea Orca carbon frame with second hand Campy Record parts and lasted me a couple of years before it cracked at the top tube for no reason; my fourth bike was the Pinarello F4:13 carbon frame (which I used in IM Korea and Kona); my fifth and current bike is the Pinarello Paris carbon frame (which I got in Feb 2007 and rode at IM Langkawi). A couple of months back I finally replaced the old Campy Records with a new 11-speed Super Record. For all bikes I’ve used clip-on aerobars when necessary. Most of the time I like to use the good old road handlebars (at IM Korea I didn’t use any aerobars).
I’ve been told my many experienced triathletes that riding a tri bike makes a huge difference in a triathlon, especially the longer distances like the 70.3 or Ironman. I’ve never gotten the chance to find out, because I can’t afford to keep two expensive bikes. So I just stick with a road bike, which is definitely more comfortable on long training rides and more versatile than a tri bike. (You should see how some of the tri bike riders suffer uphill during our CycleWorx Saturday rides.)
If I did have the money I would definitely buy a tri bike for racing. I do believe it will make me a faster triathlete. You can get in a more aerodynamic position, the setup is much more aggressive, you use the right muscles to ride and leave the running muscles for the run leg (ideally).
As such I can’t give any pointers on what kind of tri bike to get. In a perfect world, you should have (at least) two bikes, a road bike for training and a tri bike for racing. If money is an issue then I think you should consider what kind of riding you plan to do (train alone? train in a pack? long, long rides? just for triathlons?) and select a bike accordingly.
And don’t be in a rush to buy a bike. Survey the market, do your research, equip yourself with as much knowledge as possible and make an informed decision, rather than let the colour of the frame, brand name or a shop owner’s views sway you.
7 Comments
Hey Jeanette, I am not a very good cyclist. Do you think I sld get an entry level road bike to practise or go for the good old MTB first? Thinking of joining the tri-factor in sep.
Hey charmaine, definitely get an entry level road bike if triathlons is your plan. MTBs have fatter tires and (typically) heavier frames and I feel you’ll be putting yourself at an instant disadvantage if you do a triathlon on a MTB rather than a road bike. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to keep up with roadies if you’re on an MTB. I don’t think there is a huge difference in cost in MTBs and road bikes so definitely go for a roadster….
Awesome, u just made my decision so much easier. Any recommendations for bike shops? Was looking at Tay’s and Bike Haus. :)
Hey Charmaine, with regards to recommendations for bike shops… actually I’ve only ever bought a bike from CycleWorx. But honestly you need a pretty big budget to buy a bike from there (at least $5,000 for a new complete bike, I think). Don’t forget you have all the other necessary accessories — helmet, bike shoes, pedals, bike shorts, jersey, gloves, cycle computer — that will contribute to the cost. And you also have to consider after service…. CycleWorx is great in that way. Any problems with your bike and the knowledgeable staff (former national cyclist Kenneth Tan) will fix it for you, usually at no cost. Of course there are people who say CycleWorx quite unfriendly… haha…. oh well. Tay Cycle and Bike Haus are pretty good I believe, based on what I’ve heard people say about the shops. Try Passione at Fong Seng? Run by national cyclist Daniel Loy and definitely good after service.
Hell yeah !! campy for life!
Entry level pina from CWX is $3k with ultegra SL.
Of cos, i changed mine to campy too =D
Hi Jeanette,
Great & realistic post! Maybe only Maccas & Crowies have any business riding full tri.
Shops should be getting u to ride their tri bike brand. Now, that’s marketing.
I used a tri bike at Aviva. With my training commitment & body fit, a road setup maybe more suitable.
Hi Ken,
Thanks for reading! Tri shop to get me to ride their bike? I’m still waiting for that…. I can’t afford to buy one but would like to try one for November’s 70.3 World Champs in Florida.
What’s holding you back from getting a road bike?
Jeanette