Road Bike Vs Tri Bike Geometry
Generally tri bikes have anywhere from 76 to 78 degree seat tube angle.
Road bike vs tri bike geometry. Although road bikes are commonly used in road cycling competition the more specialized triathlon or time trial bike may give you the edge in shorter races. A triathlon bike has a much larger seat tube angle 76 to 78 degrees than that of a road bike 72 degrees for a typical road bike. Bontrager launch new road wheels for 2018 and feature huge price drops. Ride your kid s bmx borrow a bike buy a 20 garage sale bike.
The main difference is that the seat angle the yellow line below is at a much steeper angle z than on a road bike. This steeper geometry places the rider s hips over the crankset which engages their quadriceps more for increased power. On a tri bike the seat tube is steeper. These bikes have more aggressive geometry to keep your riding position aerodynamic with shorter top tubes and wheelbases to minimize your profile to help you squeeze precious seconds off your time.
For your first couple go rounds use whatever you have available to you. The tri bike vs. The steeper angle of the the tri bike can create a much more aero position. Gear west a minnesota bike and tri shop explained it best by stating a triathlon bike has a steeper seat tube angle.
The steeper seat tube angle places you further from the bike allowing you to achieve an aerodynamic stance. To begin with let us take a look at the differences between a triathlon bike and a road bike. Before you even ask the road bike vs. The major difference between the triathlon bike and the traditional road bike lies in the geometry of the bicycle frame.
It mainly has to do with the geometry of the bike s frame specifically the seat tube angle. The steeper seat angle helps the rider s hip remain open as they ride in the lower aerobar position while also facilitating more hamstring activation to preserve the quadricep power for the run portion of the. Differences between a triathlon bike and a road bike. The seat tube is closer to vertical than a road bike s.
Aeolus comp 5 tlr. The geometry of the frame especially in relation to the seat tube angle forms a stark basis between road and tri bike. A correct bike fit and a tri bike allows you get into a much faster position than a road bike due to it s geometry. One geometry aspect that changes is that the seat angle on a triathlon specific bike will usually be steeper 76 to 78 degrees than the 73 degree angle often found on a road geometry.
Time trial tt bike one of the most frequent questions is what is the difference between a road triathlon and time trial bikes. The major differences between a triathlon bike and a road bike is the geometry of the frame more specifically the seat tube angle. Tri bike question you should have a couple sprint triathlons or duathlons under your belt.