The longest event in a triathlon is cycling. For beginners, choosing the right bike can be a complex mission because there are a lot of different bikes to choose from. Having the right type of bike is essential for success so, before you decide, make sure you take the following factors into account:
Road Bikes versus Triathlon Bikes
It is important to understand the difference between road bikes and triathlon bikes. Know each bike’s pros and cons in order to find the bike that best suits the purpose of the rider.
A road bike is built for comfort and not for speed, but they are easier to handle and much cheaper than triathlon bikes. For beginners, a road bike is recommended, especially for those who are not yet fully committed to the sport.
A triathlon bike is designed for speed and not for comfort. It is more aerodynamic and it is biomechanically designed to minimize the energy exerted by the rider during cycling. Triathlon bikes are more expensive than road bikes, so if the rider decides to take the sport seriously, then he should consider investing on a good triathlon bike.
It is important to determine the rider’s long term goal. If the goal of the rider is not to compete but to complete the triathlon, a road bike will serve this purpose. But if the goal of the rider is to have a competitive edge during the event, a triathlon bike is the right choice.
Frame Materials
The more lightweight the bike is, the faster it is. In choosing the materials for bike frames and components, there are some factors to be considered.First is your budget. For a high quality bike frame, a rider must prioritize and spend a fair portion of his budget. The rider’s center of attention must be on the bike frame first, and then decide on which components he wishes to upgrade later on.
The three most common frame materials are: aluminum, carbon and titanium. Aluminum bike frames are lightweight, stiff and cheap, while carbon bike frames are lightweight, comfortable and has good shock-absorbency. Titanium bike frames are the best, because titanium frames possess all the best qualities of both aluminum and carbon frames. But be warned, titanium frames are the most expensive ones.
Fit
A rider can own the most expensive and highly upgraded bicycle money can buy, but if the bike doesn’t fit, then he cannot gain any advantage over a rider with a normal bicycle. For triathletes, a perfect fitting bike means comfort, satisfaction, and high performance.
A rider must test drive the bike before purchasing it. A test drive is crucial for the rider to know if he is biomechanically synchronized with the bike that he wants to purchase. A rider must seek the assistance of a trained professional bike fitter to be able to find the best fitting bike that will be suitable for his intended purpose.
Having a sturdy and reliable bike is essential in competing in a triathlon. So for beginners, it is advisable to invest on a good quality bike. A good bike will help the rider gain more confidence and assurance during the cycling event, helping him achieve his goals.
