Triathalon Bike or Road Bike? Which One is your Cup of Tea?

Triathlon bike or road bike? Which one is your cup of tea? The burning question among many aggressive road bike riders, concerns what the difference is between a triathlon bike and a road bike, and which one is better. This debatable topic doesn’t necessarily have a defined answer, but is more based on the preference of the rider.

Although the name Tri bike gives the bike the impression that it is only used of triathlons, this bike can and is used for many other road biking purposes. As seen in the time trail stages of some of the most competitive road races in the world a tri bike is used based on its cutting edge technology of aero dynamics which is taken advantage of in these individual races. Unlike regular road races a time trail is an individual event, which takes away the peloton and ability to draft, therefore giving the tri bikes aero dynamics the upper hand over a road bike in this situation. The reasoning for this precise aero dynamics can be seen greatly within the frame and riding position of the tri bikes. Some of these features include, thin carbon frame, aero seat post, aero wheels, a rear wheel frame cut out, aero bars and bladed spokes. This biking style then gives the rider the down low and aggressive riding style that cuts through the wind.

Although tri bikes may be very aero dynamic they are slightly heavier then most of the nicest road bikes including the Felt AR series or Felt F series. The road bikes made today may not be made as well aero dynamically, but they sure are light. Along with the light feel of a road bike, many road bikes give the rider a more up right position, which to some people is more comfortable.

So I would say if your competing in a team race that contains a peloton or are just wanting a comfortable fast bike, then a road bike may be the best option for you. But if you are looking more for speed and aggressive handling and performance then a tri bike may be a better alterative to a road bike. For these reasons I am going to sell my road my road bike and purchase a tri bike to replace it. To many people the only reason they may side to either way is just preference and comfort level, due to the fact that much of the components on the bikes including the gears are very similar.

Word Count 419