Like most Specialized bikes, the thoughtful details in the Shiv Sport lend to a high-performance triathlon bike that doesnt cripple your savings account. It also offers a top tube fuel box for nutrition, rear-mount equipment storage, and dual water bottle mounts in the aero front triangle. Adding to the bikes aerodynamics and top-end speed is a set of Bontrager Aeolus Comp OCLV Carbon TLR wheels. As to be expected with a professional-grade TT bike, the SuperSlice weighs a mere 18 lbs. If youre doing an Ironman next year, or a couple half IMs, this will get the job done no problem. Use the quick links below to find the type of triathlon bike youre most interested in. With three primary models extending from the PRfour to the PRsix, QR offers a premium tri bike for all levels. The major benefit to an electronic drivetrain on a triathlon bike is the ability to shift gears from the brake levers. If you have the money in the budget, Id say that electronic drivetrains (Shimano Di2 or SRAM Red eTap) on triathlon bikes actually do make a lot of sense. What Im getting at is that were starting to split hairs if were talking about how aero a 2011 Cervelo P3 is versus a 2019 Trek Speed Concept. Based on a long-standing legacy of the Cervlo P2 and P3, the P-series triathlon bike advances air economy and overall aerodynamics, infusing the long-distance race requirement features available in higher-end models like the P5X. group rides vs individual time trialing), biomechanical needs (saddle and arm positioning, hip angle, comfort), and overall race goals (time trials and triathlon-specific events or a wide range of road riding). And crashes can obviously wreck any bikes. In general, mid-range triathlon bikes are priced between$3-5k, but can easily escalate to $6+ with certain performance upgrades. Below you can learn more about the science and defining characteristics of triathlon bikes and common questions that often come up. Influence of hip orientation on Wingate power output and cycling technique. At first blush the may seem similar, but look closely and youll see integrated water bottles and top tube storage, internally routed cables, out of the box support for electronic shifting, disc brakes, etc. A carbon frame will dampen road noise from the pavement making your ride more comfortable. Featuring classic rims brakes and a Shimano Ultegra group, the B is a great option for beginner and experienced triathletes, alike, providing terrific performance and value. Two different courses, two different days. In the world of bicycle racing, triathlon bikes are a different breed. At the end of the day, the goal is a healthier, happier lifestyle, and which bike gets you there is totally up to you. Below we highlight everything you need to know about triathlon bikes, including some of the best models to watch for in 2022. This section can just as easily apply to used road bikes as well as used triathlon bikes. Once you get beyond that ride volume, thats where the light weight, or plush frame characteristics of carbon start to shine. The visual test is whether or not there are any threads of carbon protruding from the blemish. A TT bike, which is made specifically for time trials versus multisport races, must have the tip of the saddle nose within 5cm/1.97inches from the center of the bottom bracket. This is where having that one extra gear to help space out the gaps really helps. So, here Im going to get in to why go with a triathlon bike, where and how to find a good used triathlon bike, what to look for, and that perfect balance of how to spend your money to get geared up for the ride. Fine-tuned to be faster and more efficient than its predecessor, the Norcom Straight 2.1 is a progression of Fujis performance-focused premise and ultra-modern aesthetic. Regardless, bike fit is the first and foremost, more important than whether the bike is Dura Ace or 105, or red or blue, or Giant or Pinarello. For instance, the STA on most triathlon bikes exceeds 78 degrees, while on road bikes the STA is closer 72 degrees. Add on top of that the fact that 10 speed and 11 speed chains, cassettes, shifters, and even some cranks arent interchangeable, and which groupset youre opting for matters a little more. The Fuji Norcom Straight 2.1 goes for $5,999.99. Manufacturers continue to push the limits with research and development, making bikes lighter, faster, more aero, and more comfortable for triathletes. The Speed Concept is a unique blend of Shimano Ultegra 11-speed componentry with Dura-Ace bar-end shifters, and Bontrager Speed Limit brakes. Its also the perfect foundation for performance upgrades and future customization. Ive seen professional athletes riding this stuff, and pro tour teams even using high wear items such as cassettes and chains from these groupsets to save money of pricier Dura Ace or SRAM Red components. These triathlon bikes are also some of the lightest, with some weighing less than 20 pounds. Triathlon bikes can be prohibitively expensive for all but the most dedicated of athletes. Fortunately, there are several high-end tri bikes that come with more affordable price tags. For triathletes looking to invest in their first triathlon bike, but one that holds lasting value and growth, Speed Phreak doesnt hold back on maximizing an athletes potential. So lets say now youre sold on a used triathlon bike. Chains and cassettes wear together, so you cant really replace one without the other. Now this may not sound like a ton of time but think about what you run specialists would do to take 15 minutes off of your half marathon time, or extrapolate that out to a full Ironman and were talking about a 30 minute time difference. Its equipped with Shimano components and comes with Vision TC55 carbon tubeless rims. The Trek Speed Concept is a lightweight triathlon bike thats been a pack leader for the last decade, and the 2022 model is a testament to the bikes legacy. Maybe, maybe not. If youre riding a particularly hilly triathlon course, youre going to want a wider gear range, which means rather than an 11-25 cassette, you may opt for an 11-28 or 11-32. It also offers an integrated food storage unit otherwise known as Giants AeroVault system. So is this difference worth a new $5000 triathlon bike to you? The choice between a triathlon or time trial bike over a road bike depends on an athletes riding preferences (i.e. At the end of the day, its not about the bike. )that looked at several performance markers points to many reasons why TT and triathlon bikes have many benefits. Besides that, even on really old wheelsets, theres usually plenty of life left on the brake track so I wouldnt worry too much about that. The going rate for the Speed Concept is $4,199, Have a closer look and visit TrekBikes.com. The relative wind vector takes into account both the riders speed and the ambient wind direction, so higher speed TT/triathlon bikes can benefit from a very narrow, tapered frame design. 3. If the crack is obvious, then nope, thats it, youre done, dont buy. With subtle improvements made from the Plasma 5 design, the new hydration system on the Plasma 6 also makes it possible for athletes to remain in the aero position during hydration and nutrition intake. Designed around Treks 500 Series OCLV Carbon frame, Speed Concept full foil carbon fork, and highly-aerodynamic Kammtail Virtual Foil (KVF) tube shaping, the Speed Concept is a byproduct of Treks impressive engineering in time trial machines. At a wider seat tube and hip angle, kinematic relationships in the force-velocity and length-tension of these powerful muscle groups are enhanced. Its got this nasty way of bleeding down along the headset bolt and into the headset. Weve compiled a comprehensive list of 2022 triathlon bikes that covers the full spectrum of performance and price point, whether youre privy to entry-level tri bikes or top-tier technology. In any case, always be sure to thoroughly check the frame and fork for cracks and chips, and firmly test the steering for any play near the head tube. Quintana Roo photography by Talbot Cox Media and Felt Bicycles photography provided by Felt. Watches that act as fitness monitors can measure your heart rate and heart rate variability and tell you if youre in the zone, if youre overtrained, if youre underperforming, and all the like. Featuring a uniquely-optimized frame design with a down tube positioned directly behind the front wheel, the Plasma has been rigorously refined and tested for enhanced aerodynamics. BMC Timemachine One is a time trial superbike that provides an impressive balance of aerodynamics, stability, and integration. Compared to road bikes, the geometry of standard triathlon bikes is the most significant difference, which is apparent in frame design and aerodynamic positioning (see the graphic below). This popular frame design delivers aerodynamic advantages that are magnified at higher speeds. Less critical, but still worth noting is sweat and corrosion on the bolts along the handlebars and aerobars. Getting into triathlon youre going to be paying for race entries, travel expenses, countless visits to the pool, a wetsuit and goggles and all that stuff, shoes, funny looking triathlon suits, and maybe even a coach. The Orbea Ordu is designed for serious triathletes looking to upgrade their triathlon bike to something faster and more ergonomic. The Shiv Disc comes with Specialized Hydration and Nutrition Fuelcell systems, offering aerodynamically-optimized storage for over ten gels or five bars. Check that the wheels are spinning true, and if there are any wobbles in the wheel, that could be a pretty big red flag that either the bike hasnt really been well loved, or even worse, its been in a bit of a fender bender. UCI regulations defining time trial bikes are often considered the primary difference between triathlon bikes and TT bikes. While Ultegra models may be more affordable, expect the Cannondale SuperSlice RED eTap to be priced between $9,000-$10,000. With Shimano 105 components, the Giant Trinity Advanced starts at $2,500, See more specifications and info at Giant-Bicycles.com. The result, almost all triathlon bikes that youll find today are carbon fibre frames. Its a fully-equipped aero machine that offers a 10% lighter and 11% stiffer frame from the base PRsix model thus the hike in price. The PRsix2 is a beautiful blend of top-tier performance and design simplicity. Bikes like the Felt S32, B16, and B12 were among some of the original legends of the late 2000s. If youre riding your bike 3 or 4 times a week but for twenty to forty or fifty kilometres a ride or less, Id suggest an aluminum bike. Typically this can be remedied by dropping the bolts into Coke, which is a powerful solvent (makes you wonder about what youre putting in you) for a couple of days, and then scrubbing them clean. ts also common for the saddle height on triathlon bikes to be positioned slightly higher, which promote a horizontal, low-drag position while also widening the athletes hip angle. Whether youre in the market for a used triathlon bike or a used road bike, there are a lot of important things to know to make sure that youre making a good purchase decision. Composed of an ultra-high modulous carbon material, the Norcom Straight 2.1 is incredibly light, highly rigid, and ultimately designed to be the fastest bike on the course. Unless the previous owner of the bike specifically indicates that they just replaced those parts, assume that youre going to spend about $150-$200 replacing them. Your options for frame material for most modern road and triathlon bikes is aluminium or carbon. J Strength Cond Res. For example, cervelos are notorious for dropping chains, and on some of them you may see a spot behind the crank where the chain jammed in between the crank and the frame, taking away a layer of paint.