Road Bike versus Triathlon Bike?

Question

I plan on getting a road bike for casual riding and some time next year, when I get fitter and faster, I will want to join some local competition.

I was looking at some road bike for a long time and now, I saw this triathlon bike which I really like but my local bike shop and friends advised me against it as we do casual ridings uphill, downhill, slopes, straight roads, etc. I was told that road-bike are more suitable for all types of terrain, meanwhile triathlon bikes are only for straight road, for speeds.

Is it really that much of a difference between a tri-bike and road-bike? Can I get a tri-bike and set it up with a road-bike handlebar for regular rides and then the aero-bar for competition races.

What's your advise? Is a tri-bike a real no-no for casual riding? Please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

Good Good Question that alot of bikers is always asking themself when buying or upgrading a bike. I hope i dont answer you too long on this question,

A triathlon bike has a steeper seat tube angle, or, the seat tube is closer to vertical than a road bike seat tube. This geometry allows the rider to be more comfortable riding in the aerobars and achieve a more athletic position. A triathlon bike is outfitted with aero bars and bar end shifters. The steep seat tube places the saddle over the crankset and pedals, allowing optimum comfort in the aerobars. Additionally, a triathlon bike allows the rider to transition more easily to the run leg of a triathlon, as it’s geometry requires less use of the muscles at the back of the leg.

A road bike has a less steep seat tube angle. This is a traditional bicycle geometry which puts the rider in a position for climbing, sprinting, cornering and group riding. A road bike comes equipped with “drop” handlebars, and integrated brake and shift levers giving the rider more confidence with their hands on the brakes at all times. A road bike offers versatility and comfort for a variety of uses, from recreational riding to all types of racing. So let me ask you this?

1) Do you want to compete in local competition such as ROAD RACE or TRI RACE ? and is time a factor to you ?

2) Will you be commuting, touring, doing century or group rides with other riders?

If you have answered the first one, the Get a TRI BIKE.
If you answered the second wan get a ROAD BIKE.

remember no helmet no ride, i hope you get what you are looking for ! CHEERS

Answer 2

I would say that if you are doing some road racing next year, you should get the road bike. It can be set up for TTs or triathlons but the tri-bike can't be set up like the road.
It has to do with the geometry. Triathletes try to not kick during the swim and not to used their hamstrings during the bike this leaves them fairly fresh for the run. To achieve this they have a bike set up for the seat to be forward enough to emphasize the quads and take it easy on the hams.
If you're not running afterwards you should pedal using the quads and the hams for the best efficiency - thus road bike geometry is better.
Bottom line - tri bike if you're racing tri's, road bike if you're racing road.
I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Tri bikes are set up differently from road bikes and they can be uncomfortable. Look at the way a rider sits on them, tucked in. That is how they are designed. A road bike will give you a better ride and better gearing. You can always buy aero bars to attach to your road bike for any flat riding, time trials or triathlons.

Answer 4

The angles on the frame make it a lousy riding bike basically.
And as far as switching the bars, it can run into money depending on what is there now and needed to be changed and of course the quality of what you add on.