Understanding the differences between a road bike and a triathlon bike is important if you wish to maximize your investment in a triathlon bike. Frames come in various sizes. For the most part, the frame angles on road bikes remain consistent from one manufacture to the next. In other words the steepness on the seat tube remains relatively the same from one road bike manufacturer to another and from one size to the next. Not so for triathlon bikes.

From a triathlete’s perspective, a triathlon bike is to a road bike what a racing flat is to a running shoe. It is built with particular objectives in mind; aerodynamics, endurance, efficiency, speed, and most important (assuming proper use) the ability to run off the bike. This is not to say a road bikes are not fast or lacks similar attributes.

The steepness of triathlon bike seat tube is more aggressive (steeper) than a road bike; closer to 80 degrees. The result is a shorter top tub. This brings your torso forward on the bike allowing for aerodynamics and the use of aero bars. The difference is the seat tube angle various from one triathlon bike manufacture to the next. You can buy a 55cm Felt or a 55cm Canondale triathlon bike but their seat tube angle may vary. A comfortable, efficient fit includes selecting the bike frame that best meets your fit needs. Unfortunately, most of us buy the bike first and force our bodies to fit the bike.

Two key factors to keep in mind if you wish to optimize your triathlon bike; proper fit and proper use. A triathlon bike is a tool to accomplish a goal. If used properly, it is valuable. If used inappropriately, it’s a waist of time, money, effort, etc… Before you can use it properly, you must fit on it correctly.

A good bike fitter will first attempt to place you in the most optimal triathlon riding position; preferably using a bike fit tool (but those cost 3-5K). In other words, there is a position in which you should be in that is aerodynamic, efficient, powerful, comfortable, and safe. This position is independent of the bike. At this point you can go to www.slowtich.com and compare your fit dimensions to various triathlon bike makes and models to see which frames best meets your physiological needs. This is why it’s best to get fit before you purchase a triathlon bike. It makes the fitting easy.

Once this position is reached, a good bike fitter adjusts the bike to you and not you to the bike. There are 4 key components of a proper triathlon bike fit; seat selection, body angles, aggressive desire, leg alignment.