Choosing a triathlon bike can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the sport. There are many different brands, models, and styles to choose from, and it’s important to find a bike that fits your needs, budget and body dimensions. Head Coach Steve Davis from Davey Black Triathlon Club in Melbourne offers us his basic tips to help a newer athlete choose the right triathlon bike:
Determine your budget
Triathlon specific bikes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Before you start shopping, it’s important to determine how much you’re willing to spend. This will help narrow down your options and ensure that you don’t overspend.
Consider your experience level
If you’re a beginner triathlete, you may want to start with a less expensive, entry-level bike. As you gain experience and improve your skills, you can start adding accessories to make it more aerodynamic, or upgrade to a higher-end model or Time Trial (TT) style bike.
If you do choose to upgrade, you can then either keep your old bike and use it as a ‘commuter’, or sell it on for a lucky new beginner to start their triathlon journey on.
On the other hand, if you’re a more experienced triathlete, you may want to invest in a high-performance TT bike that can help you compete at a higher level.
What is Your Race Goal?
Different triathlon events require different types of bikes. For example, a sprint triathlon may require more speed and agility around corners as compared to an Ironman triathlon that requires comfort and aerodynamics for spending long periods of time riding in a straight line. Consider the type of triathlon you’ll be participating in and choose a bike that’s suited for that event.
Test ride the bike
It’s important to test ride the bike before you make a purchase. This will give you a feel for the bike and help you determine whether it’s the right fit for you. Most bike shops will allow you to test ride a bike before you buy it, so take advantage of this opportunity.
Consider the fit
The fit of the bike is crucial for your comfort and performance. A poorly-fitted bike can cause discomfort and even injury. Make sure the bike is properly adjusted to your body, and that you’re comfortable in the riding position. To help improve your cycling efficiency and comfort and avoid the risk of injury, the best thing to do is to get a bike fit by a professional bike fitter. If you are located in Melbourne then the best bike fit you’ll get is at the Davey Black Tri Clubrooms by the crew at Just Pedal on Fitzroy St, St Kilda.
In summary, the options are endless and are really only limited by your budget. Knowing how and when you will be using the bike are the main factors in the choice you will need to make within your budget requirements.