Do triathletes use TT bikes?

TT bikes and triathlon bikes can both be used for triathlon racing. Especially for shorter races. And some just like the look of the TT bike — simple, streamlined. But if the bike portion of the race is long, especially something like a 70.3 or full Ironman distance, a tri bike will be much more comfortable.

Why do triathletes use TT bikes?

Triathlon's are stand-out challenge's that require proper training and sharp focus. Triathlon's also require the proper bike to ride. From the geometry of the frame and its efficient aerodynamics, to the angles of the seat tube and aerodynamics, riding a triathlon bike will enhance your triathlon results.

Do you need a TT bike for Ironman?

You can upgrade any of the parts on a road bike to make them lighter and more aero (wheels are the best place to start), but as far as the bare minimum set-up is concerned, all you actually need is a bike (says Rob Banino).

What kind of bike do triathletes use?

Today's M30 is more of a road bike, but historically these were great tri bikes, with many, many M30 triathlon models still in their prime riding years. The M30 has been good triathlon frame with plenty of carbon fiber components, a full carbon frame, and 105 components like the Felts.

Do triathletes use road bikes?

There is a natural progression of bike ownership for most triathletes. When someone enters the sport they typically acquire a road bike, and do a few races on that bike. The next season, it's common to add a set of clip-on aerobars to the road bike to help reduce their drag and get a bit faster.

Aero Road Vs TT Bike | Which Bike For Triathlon?

How much faster is a TT bike vs road bike?

The BikeRadar website claims the advantage a TT bike gives you is 60-70 watts at 40 km/h, that is, it takes 270-280 watts to ride a road bike at that speed and 220 watts to ride a TT bike. Translated into seconds, a TT bike gives you 9 seconds per kilometre advantage. This is six minutes in a 40 km time trial. Insane.

Are tri bikes really faster?

It's generally known that triathlon bikes have aerodynamic and geometric advantages that make them faster than road bikes. With all variables remaining equal over the bike leg of a triathlon, the tri bike wins in speed.

What type of bike is best for Ironman?

Road bikes are comfortable to ride as long as you get the right fit. They handle better and give a rider more confidence. They also give the rider multiple positions on the handlebars, which is important when riding 112 miles in an Ironman.

Why is a triathlon bike different?

It's the frame geometry that makes a triathlon bike different to a road bike as the aim is to get your upper body lower and further forwards. This not only makes you more aero but also opens up your hip-leg angle to make it easier to run off the bike.

What bikes are used in Olympic triathlon?

The design has been applied to two bikes: the S-Works Tarmac SL7 road bike and the S-Works Epic cross country bike. It's also applied to S-Works 7 and Recon shoes, as well as the Evade aero helmet.

Can you climb with a TT bike?

There are three climbing positions that you can adopt on the bike. Each position comes with its own pros and cons, so it is important to understand when to adopt which position and why.

Can you do Ironman with a mountain bike?

One of the more common questions we get from beginner triathletes is if they can use their mountain bike, commuter bike, or hybrid bike in the triathlon. The answer is yes, absolutely – especially if you are doing a sprint or perhaps even an Olympic distance.

Can I do an Ironman with a road bike?

If you're looking for one bike to use in road training and racing, and triathlon, consider looking into an aero road bike. They share many of the same aerodynamic benefits of a triathlon bike, but have traditional drop bars. As you prepare for your IRONMAN event, install aerobars and adapt to the new position.

Are TT bikes comfortable?

Time trial bikes are usually less comfortable, considerably heavier (usually 1-2kg or 2.3-4.6lbs), with deeper tube sections that make the frame more aerodynamic. The cockpit will feature a flat base bar and some tribars with gear shifters on the extensions, which is much more aero than a drop handle bar.

Can you use a TT bike in a road race?

Triathlon bikes are used in road cycling events- but are limited to Time Trials. If road racers were able to use triathlon bikes during their road racing events they would most certainly average higher speeds, but at the sacrifice of safety to the riders around them.

Is a TT bike the same as a tri bike?

The most significant difference is comfort. By design, triathlon bikes are made to go the distance. Triathletes often ride through hilly terrain, cover distances up to 112 miles during races and must transition to running quickly and efficiently. In contrast, time trial riders get off the bike completely spent.

Is a tri bike more comfortable than a road bike?

A triathlon or time trial bike demands a fundamental change in body posture as compared to other styles of bikes. With the increase in aerodynamics comes a decrease in comfortability.

Do triathlon bikes have gears?

Your standard racing bike (triathlon or road) has 10 gears attached to the rear wheel, collectively known as the cassette. Each one of those gears is a cog.

Can you train on a tri bike?

Training is absolutely specific (Noakes, 1986). This would mean that training on a tri bike would be of great importance if you want to ride well in your race, on your tri bike. Another source showed that running off the tri bike showed huge gains in run speed.

Why do pro triathletes use road bikes?

Road bikes are super lightweight and great for climbing

If you live somewhere that has any sort of undulating terrain, a road bike is a great tool to be able to fly up the climbs. Often times when climbing, even if on a triathlon specific bike, you are not in the aero position.

Is 20 mph on a bike fast?

Average speed - indications

Beginner, short distance (say 10-15 miles): average speed 12 mph. Most cyclists can achieve 10-12 mph average very quickly with limited training. More experienced, short-medium distance (say 20-30 miles): average 15-16 mph. Reasonable experience, medium (say 40 miles): average around 16-19 ...

Why are triathlon bikes heavier?

A triathlon bike is heavier than a road bike by 2- 4 lbs or 1 to 2 kg. The reason is that the aim is to make a triathlon bike more aerodynamic rather than lightweight as it is in road bikes. The triathlon bikes come with bigger aerofoils and bigger frames than the road bike.

Why are TT bikes heavier?

A time trial bike is typically 1-2kg heavier than a road bike. This is because the main focus is making a time trial bike more aerodynamic rather than lightweight. TT frames tend to be heavier because of bigger 'aerofoils' and bigger frames. This can put a time trial bike at a disadvantage going up hill.