Rider Position
Triathlon bikes have a notably aggressive rider position. It's frame encourages riders to lean forward in an aerodynamic racing position.
Aerobars
Triathlon bikes commonly feature aerobars, handlebars that protrude out in front of the bike, rather than the sides, allowing the rider to rest his elbow on it and ride with a narrow profile.
Frame Shape
Most triathlon bike frames have an oval or teardrop shaped tube instead of a round one in order to minimize air resistance.
Components
High-end triathlon bicycles are composed of stiff, lightweight material (such as carbon fiber) that minimizes weight, provides support and absorbs road vibration.
Comfort
Many riders find the aggressive rider position of triathlon bikes to be uncomfortable, so many racers tend to use road bikes for training and for longer races in which comfort can be an important factor.
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
