Best Triathlon Bikes: Beginner/Entry-Level & Best/Most-Expensive

Making the decision to undergo a triathlon is a massive one and one that typically requires a great deal of thought, consideration, and planning. This includes mapping out a training program, getting to grips with the routes and requirements, and, of course, purchasing and breaking in new equipment. 

While new gear may be essential for your training in the running and swimming elements, there is one activity where this will make the biggest difference: the triathlon.

Choosing the right bike in this section can make or break your whole triathlon, and so is a decision that needs to be taken seriously.

The issue is that there are a huge number of triathlon bikes on the market, and they all claim to be the best. With so many options, making the right decision for your event can be a challenge, especially for beginners, or those seeking an entry-level option.

Fortunately for you, we have decided to take the hard work out of your hands and put together a list of the very best triathlon bikes for both beginners and more experienced riders.

Whether this is your first triathlon, or you are looking to break a personal best, read on for everything you need to know to make a smart, informed decision, and choose from our premier picks. All you have to do is focus on your success!

Beginner/Entry Level

When you are just starting out on your triathlon journey, the chances are that you will be prioritizing ease and comfort over speed - in the early days, you are mostly getting used to the sensation and experience of a triathlon and, as you will soon learn, comfort is key!

Experienced Riders/The Best of the Best

Whether you have been training for a while and want to upgrade your existing bike, or are simply keen to grab the best model from the outset - and have the budget to do so - let’s take a look at the bikes at the higher end of the budget, aimed at more experienced competitors.

Best Triathlon Bikes Buying Guide

So, now that we have taken the time to consider the very best bikes on the market, just how do you go about finding the perfect model for your race? Fortunately for you, we have put together the ultimate guide to help you make a smart, confident, and informed decision.

There are a number of factors to consider when making your purchase, and we will explore these in greater detail below.

Geometry and Seat Angle

Geometry plays a major part in helping any bike to fulfill its intended purpose - and this is particularly important for triathlon bikes, which need to play a number of roles.

They need to be comfortable enough for riders to stay on for lengthy, extended periods of time while remaining in an aerodynamic position.

In addition, the bike needs to be comfortable enough to allow the rider to run comfortably when they dismount.

The seat tube angle is one of the most important considerations here; this refers to the angle that the seat tube is at, in relation to the ground. 

Place an imaginary straight line between the front and rear dropouts, and measure the seat tube angle against this.

Seat angles will not change much and, as a general rule, will sit at between 71 and 74 degrees, depending on the model.

As a rule, triathlon bikes will have a steeper seat tube angle compared to road bikes, and will typically be between 74 degrees. Some models may even reach 80 degrees or even higher.

You can adjust and influence the seat tube angle by changing the saddle set back position, making it steeper or slacker, so make sure that you have plenty of options if this is important to you.

The more intense the seat angle, the more the hamstrings and glutes are engaged through each pedal stroke.

This not only offers greater power but saves the quadriceps for the running portion of the triathlon, increasing your chance of success overall. 

As an added bonus, the seat angle also allows riders to maintain an optimum aerodynamic position, as well as reduce their frontal profile - this can reduce the surface area that is meeting the wind, and shave precious seconds off your time.

While it is relatively easy to adopt this position, it can be tricky to maintain over an extended period, especially if your hips and lower back are not particularly flexible.

Many triathlon bikes will also come with longer top tubes, and elongated reach, and, once again, this can be advantageous for your posture.

Both features stretch the rider out further, allowing you to achieve a more aggressive, horizontal position.

There are two benefits here - the first is that you will be more aerodynamic - more on this later - and the second is that your weight will be more evenly distributed between the two wheels, allowing for better balance and a more comfortable ride.

Crank Length

As we mentioned, seat angle makes a large difference in your chances of success when competing in a triathlon, and has an impact on your posture.

In order to help you attain and maintain the right posture while racing, many triathlon bikes will have slightly shorter crank lengths than road bikes. 

This, in turn, impacts their ability to use and adopt specific types of saddles, which can better cater for and support the more pronounced anterior pelvic tilt that comes when you bend forward on the bike.

When the saddle is adapted, the angle of the hips can open up more widely, and this makes it more comfortable to retain the position for an extended period of time - such as a triathlon race.

As a result, it is a good idea to opt for a bike that offers a shorter crank length, as this will improve your comfort during the race.

Aerodynamics

As we have mentioned elsewhere, aerodynamics are a crucial element of triathlon bikes.

In some races, being able to gain a seemingly tiny advantage will add up once you have clocked up the hours and miles in the saddle.

In many models, aerodynamics are enhanced by making the most of oversized tube profiles on the front forks, seat tube, and down tube, which help the wind to pass alongside the bike more smoothly, and with less deviation - this can otherwise slow you down and hold you back by causing turbulent air flow and increasing your overall drag.

Some manufacturers may also cut the “tail” from an oversized tube profile to reduce the overall weight of the bike - this also creates a stiffer, sturdier structure, and mimics the look, feel, and experience of an oversized tube profile.

If you are looking to maximize your chances of a win, then it is a good idea to consider aerodynamics as a matter of priority, and opt for a model which makes the most of oversized tube profiles.

A small advantage in the type of bike could see you enjoying huge gains on race day, so choose wisely.

Storage

Storage is another important and interesting element to consider when choosing your bike, as it needs to be carefully implemented and designed in order to maintain a focus on advantageous aerodynamics.

Due to the nature of the races, triathlon bikes will need to incorporate more significant amounts of storage, while still making sure that the bike gives you an advantage in the competition.

Many models will “hide” or integrate a number of key elements, including storage, as well as cables and brakes.

When you buy a triathlon bike, you will generally notice that brakes at the front of the bike are located inside the forks, behind the forks, or hidden behind the fairings.

Those brakes at the back of the bike will be placed out of the way of the wind, underneath the bottom bracket area, or in partial tube cutouts located on the seat stays.

In some cases, the cables may also be placed internally - this not only helps to aid aerodynamics and keeps you flying along, but it also reduces the risk of the cables becoming damaged by environmental factors - this can be particularly important if you are competing on unforgiving terrain.

In addition to considering the integration of cables and brakes, you also need to consider the integration of storage systems for other essentials, including fluid, nutrition, and tools - these can make or break your triathlon experience.

The design of triathlon bikes has come a long way from the days of rear water bottle holders, located awkwardly behind the seat, extra saddle bags located on the sides, or chunky storage cases placed on the top tube for food.

These days, designers and manufacturers have more sophisticated options, and this mainly involves integrating storage solutions into the bike design.

As an example, there are models available that allow you to carry water in the actual frame of the bike - this eliminates the need for a water bottle and can be incredible for improving your aerodynamics.

Integrated food storage is also an option, with clever slots designed to fit nicely between the front and rear wheels, or the seat tube and rear wheel. 

When you are looking for your bike, take some time to consider how important storage is for you.

While grabbing all the bells and whistles can be exciting, this is also likely to come with a high price tag, and this can be intimidating for newbies.

Most entry levels will be able to give you what you need, including steerer tube, traditional fork, stem, and handlebar combination, but are unlikely to offer more sophisticated storage solutions.

While this can put you at a disadvantage in terms of aerodynamics, it does mean that such models are easier to maintain and adjust, and this is important when you are still learning, or new to the sport.

The more expensive bikes, however, are likely to come with complex storage setups - this boosts aerodynamics, but can make maintaining and adjusting your bike trickier. Ultimately, the best option here will depend on your own personal preferences.

Frame Shape and Size

Bike manufacturers may also enhance the aerodynamics of the bike by altering and adjusting the frame shape for the best results, focusing on dropping downtubes to reduce the space between the front wheel and the downtube - this helps to improve airflow.

Other models may use dropped seat stays, which helps to limit the extent to which the frontal area contracts the wind, and reduces the drag on the bike, allowing you to maintain your speed. In some models, the seat stay has been eliminated to give you the ultimate edge.

Wheels

The wheels of your bike will also play a part in your decision, especially if aerodynamics and speed are your main concerns.

As a general rule, the deeper the wheel profile, the more aerodynamic the bike.

There is a flip side to this, however - deeper wheel profiles also make the bike a little trickier to handle, as side wind will have a greater impact compared to a shallower rim.

In addition, the extra material required for a deeper wheel profile can make the ride harsher and less comfortable, due to the lack of comfort offered by the deeper wheel.

As a result, this may not be the best option for beginners, or those who seek to prioritize comfort over everything else during their ride.

Comfort

As we have mentioned, comfort is key when you are competing in a triathlon, and you need to find a bike that you are happy to ride for miles at a time.

During these competitions, you can expect to be riding for anything upwards of 90km, and this can take a few hours for hardened pros, or over six hours for ultimate events such as an Ironman - you need to make sure that you are comfortable in the saddle, and not exerting too much energy.

In addition, you will need to hop straight off your bike and into a minimum run of 20km, so staying comfortable is crucial.

For this reason, a test ride is an essential part of buying a new bike -this is the only way that you will really get a feel for the model.

Try and get the bike for more than just a quick spin; ideally, you will need a few hours, or a weekend if possible, to try and stimulate the types of conditions you will be facing on the race.

Event expos are a great chance to try out different bikes; demonstrators and sponsors will typically have a range of models to try, allowing you to make the best decision.

Alternatively, try and call up the places you are interested in purchasing from - they may have demo models available to try.

Adjustability

No two competitors or cyclists are made the same - every human comes with unique body composition, shape, type, and size, not to mention a range of mobility and flexibility.

As a result of this, you need to ensure that the bike you choose can be adjusted quickly and easily, allowing you to adjust your position as and when required.

The most important element here is to start off with a bike that is the perfect size, to allow you to adjust as needed.

The best triathlon bikes offer a range of levels for cockpit adjustment (not merely forward and back), and will allow for the front pads to be moved forward, backward, further apart, or closer together, as well as up and down as your needs change.

When making your purchase, check that you are happy with how the adjustability works and that there is enough “give” for you to be comfortable.

Saddle

We have briefly touched upon the importance of the right saddle, and this cannot be overestimated - you will need a triathlon-specific saddle for optimum results.

While this is not quite so critical for newbies and beginners, experienced riders will find that a triathlon-specific saddle offers a more bent, aggressive posture when on the bike, as well as a more prominent anterior pelvic tilt for the optimum position.

In addition, these saddles tend to be shorter than those for traditional bikes and offer greater comfort thanks to a cutout section in the middle.

This works to alleviate pressure on the softer tissue of the pelvis - this is compressed when using a standard saddle on a non-specialist bike.

Shape of Extensions

Another point of consideration is the shape of the TT extensions - this can play a large role in how comfortable you are on the bike.

Extensions come in a variety of shapes, including pointing upwards, straight, or curved, and the best option here is really personal preference - the priority is to keep the wrist in a neutral position, with right angles at the shoulders and elbows. 

In this position, you will have more than adequate support for the upper body, and can cycle without worrying about restricting your blood flow, or impinging any nerves - this can be very painful.

Gear System

When you are purchasing a standard bike, your “gear talk” will focus on ranges and ratios. For a triathlon bike, however, you will be focusing on whether you opt for a mechanical or electronic - and the latter tends to be the best option for a triathlon bike.

This frees up your hands - there is no need to move your hands to the bar ends to shift gears - and also removes the lengthy cable routing process, as the cabling is all internal.

Electronic gearing also offers sharper bends and longer tube lengths, and some have extras, including offering the chance to change gear from the brake bars and the TT extension.

New innovations and ideas are constantly growing and evolving, and for experienced riders who are looking to win, the gearing and gear system will be a major consideration.

Budget

Perhaps one of the largest factors in your decision will be budget. As a rule, those who are new to triathlons, or entering their first race, can afford to opt for a lower-end model.

Here, the focus is often on simply completing the race, and so you will not see much benefit from the extras that come with top-end models.

For those at the top of their game, however, or who are chasing a win, remember that it can all come down to quarter seconds in the final event, so opting for the best bike you can afford may be a smart move - especially if this promises to help with your aerodynamics, speed, and power.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right bike for your triathlon can be tricky, but will ultimately depend on your goals, the level of experience, and the budget that you have to spend.

Remember when it comes to a triathlon, comfort is key, so take the time to make sure that you find the perfect bike for your needs, and you will be well on your way to success!