Deciding to become a triathlete is a big decision, both physically and also, financially. You’re not only going to be putting your body through a lot, but also your pocket. Are you up to the challenge?
If so, you will find that the satisfaction of becoming a triathlete is actually worth all the effort put into it.
One of the things that you’ll definitely be paying more for is the bike you’ll use. A triathlon bike is important, as it is designed to provide you with a better experience and improved performance. To help you find the best one for your life as a triathlete, we have compiled some of the important things to look for, what to keep in mind, and the options that are available for you.
Why Use a Triathlon Bike?
Of course, you may be thinking why should you even buy a new bike if your old one is perfectly fine? While your normal bike may get you around and is even possibly quite new, will it stand up to the pressures and demands of a triathlon race?
The point of your race is to win, and your bike will be a big part of making this happen for you. Here are some ways why a triathlon bike is better than your one at home:
- A triathlon bike has been designed with a specific geometry in mind. Because the understanding of any triathlete is that they are in it to win it, the designers of these types of bikes have done what they can to aid you with the bike itself. The design allows you to have the best kind of posture for extra stamina and power in the race than what you can get from your normal road bike.
- You can expect more from a triathlon bike if you’re going to be racing as many triathlons as possible. If you are committed to becoming a triathlete for life, a triathlon bike is a big yes. If you’re only hoping to do one and keep up with your average trail biking otherwise, you could perhaps “pimp” up your bike for your triathlon race.
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Important Features In A Triathlon Bike
If you’re pretty serious about becoming a die-hard triathlete, you’ll want to make sure that you look for a bike that is going to last. You’ll want to make sure that it has some of the top features that will make a difference and worth your investment and time in spending money on a new triathlon bike.
Frame-Shape And Material
A big part of the triathlon bike’s success is the frame. If there is anything that you should pay attention to the most when shopping for your triathlon bike, it would be the frame.
You want to find one that has a steep seat tube. This kind of design ensures that you have the right posture for more power and a more sleek position for speed. It also helps to aid you in saving your muscles for the other parts of the race. As you look for this type of geometry in the bike, also consider the materials used.
There are different materials that are typically used in triathlon bikes. They are titanium, aluminum, carbon fiber, and steel. Aluminum is usually a favorite, because it is made from stiff material that holds up to a lot of pressure while also being lightweight, which is ideal for racing. Bigger cyclists usually love aluminum bikes as it balances the ride out. Steel bikes allow for more shock absorbency, making for a more comfortable ride. The downside to steel bikes is that they are typically quite heavy.
Carbon fiber is extremely stiff and is one of the lightest materials available. It is commonly used in motor sports for that very reason, and most of the professional bikes available would use this material for most parts.
Titanium is considered to be similar to steel but isn’t as heavy. It is also one of the more durable options around, so many long-term triathletes love it. It can be used both heavy and lightweight cyclists, making it a favorite for many. Because it’s so versatile, it’s also one of the more expensive materials on the market, making a titanium bike a costly bike.
Condition
You don’t always have to buy a bike new, right? When shopping around, you may find many used bikes available for decent prices. This is ideal, as you get a triathlon bike, but you won’t have to worry about paying the market cost.
What you want to be careful about is its condition. As you can imagine, there are a lot of small parts and pieces that pull together to make a triathlon bike a working piece of magic. If the bike that you want has faulty gears, brakes, etc., it could be rendered somewhat useless—or at least as useless as your road bike for a triathlon, so be careful when buying used bikes.
Size And Fit
This is, undoubtedly, a very important feature to pay attention to. You need to buy a bike that fits your size. The way that it extends your body is important, how you transfer power to the pedals is important, and the way it fits you has everything to do with this. If you need help looking for the right measurements, go to a triathlon bike store and shop around, asking the experts there for help. You don’t necessarily have to buy there, but you can get a good idea of sizing and fit so you can look for the perfect one for you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re taking your new life as a triathlete seriously, you’re going to want to consider the above tips before buying your bike. There are some great triathlon bikes available on the market, so take your time to ensure that you find the one that will make you go as fast as Flash. You’re in it to win it, right?
