This can be a confusing topic for many people. What’s the difference between a triathlon bike and a road bike, and which should I buy?

Here’s a quick video to explain the differences.

And here’s a chart to guide you on which to buy:

A few key differences:

• A tri bike places the cyclist further forward, and more weight on the arms
• The geometry of a tri bike can help preserve the athlete’s leg muscles for the run, later
• Tri bikes often have storage for things like water, food, tools, spare tubes
• Tri bikes put aerodynamics above weight
• The bike position on a tri bike may take considerable adjustments in order to get right (aero + comfortable)
• Tri bikes are typically not known for climbing due to their weight and position where you have little arm leverage
• Some regard tri bikes as being dangerous – the handling is often twitchy
• TT bikes, or time trial bikes, are pretty much the same thing, but are designed for bike-only races, not multisport races (no swim, no run) and thus are often shorter and don’t have hydration or food storage
• Tri bikes, unlike TT bikes, do not all have to be UCI legal

You may be interested in

• Read more tips and tricks to a faster race
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• Browse to our Triathlon for Beginners page