When just starting out with triathlon, you can use your old bike without problems. However, once you decide to commit yourself to this sport, you will need to get something more appropriate in order to stay competitive and have at least a fighting chance. This review aims at helping you select your first triathlon bike, but before we start, there are several things to consider.
First, you need to decide how much you want to spend. This will be largely determined by your budget of course, but the type of triathlon you are participating in will also play a role. Depending on the length of the race, you will need a different bike.
For Sprints (Swim 750m, Bike 20km, Run 5km) and Olympics (Swim 1500m, Bike 40km, Run 10km) you can probably get away with cheaper bikes, but for Half Ironman (Swim 1900m, 90km, 21.1km), or Ironman (Swim 3800m, Bike 180km, Run 42.2km) you will need something sturdier and more expensive.
Comfort is another important issue to consider when buying a bike. Yes, having a cool-looking bike is important, but having a bike you are actually comfortable on if far more important. Make sure you sit on a bike and see how it feels before buying.
Pay attention to parts of the bike you are buying. Aluminum and steel frames are cheaper and more resilient, but carbon ones are lighter and more absorbent, hence ensuring the smoother ride. This ties into the price of the bike, so you need to find a balance between your needs and means. Other parts that you need to pay attention are gear shifters, handlebars, and saddle.
Safety on bike primarily means that your brakes are in working order. Here also you have several options. Traditional brakes are what we all grew up with, while newer disc brakes will take some time to adjust.
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1. Stradalli Black TT Full Carbon Time Trial Triathlon TTR-8 Bike
Features: Custom parts built on order, 85mmx50mm Carbon Clincher Wheelset, Shimano Dura Ace 900
2. Eagle T Series Carbon Fiber Triathlon Bike
Features: No upgrades needed, Eagle Carbon Wheels, Japanese 700 Carbon Technology
3. Kestrel 4000 Shimano Ultegra Bicycle
Features: Shimano Ultegra derailleurs and cassettes, Pro Stick 700 23c tires, Good entry level tri bike pricing
4. Diamondback Bicycles Serios F
Features: Designed by aerospace engineers for maximum aero performance, generates 50% less drag than most competitors
5. Kestrel Talon Tri Shimano 105 Bicycle
Features: Most popular entry level tri bike, Wind Tunnel Tested quality standards, Affordable pricing