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Why are road bikes (not time trial bikes) used in many triathlons?


triathlon beginners guideAre there any manufacturers of steel road bikes today?Software for time-trial raceWhy am I not seeing improvement in my bike split time?What is the difference between Time-Trial and Triathlon bikes?Aero bike vs climbing bike for running in CritsThru axle for rim brake road bikesRoad bikes for tall guysHire road bike for one day for race (never ridden one before)?What are the benefits of purchasing a complete bike from a respectable brand? (Road cycling)






.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;








18















I've been watching triathlon videos lately and I couldn't help but notice that, with the exception of Ironman Competitions, only road bikes and not time trial bikes are being used. Is there any reason for that?










share|improve this question
























  • Not mentioned (so far) in any answers is Tris are, well, tris - there are three sports involved. Competitors need to optimize performance across three disciplines, for many the effort optimizing cycling on a TT bike is worth less than putting it elsewhere.

    – mattnz
    Jul 15 at 20:25






  • 1





    For those who were not familiar with "time trial bikes" (like myself), here are wikipedia links for the three types: Road bike, Time trial bike, and Triatholon bike.

    – Captain Man
    Jul 17 at 16:30

















18















I've been watching triathlon videos lately and I couldn't help but notice that, with the exception of Ironman Competitions, only road bikes and not time trial bikes are being used. Is there any reason for that?










share|improve this question
























  • Not mentioned (so far) in any answers is Tris are, well, tris - there are three sports involved. Competitors need to optimize performance across three disciplines, for many the effort optimizing cycling on a TT bike is worth less than putting it elsewhere.

    – mattnz
    Jul 15 at 20:25






  • 1





    For those who were not familiar with "time trial bikes" (like myself), here are wikipedia links for the three types: Road bike, Time trial bike, and Triatholon bike.

    – Captain Man
    Jul 17 at 16:30













18












18








18








I've been watching triathlon videos lately and I couldn't help but notice that, with the exception of Ironman Competitions, only road bikes and not time trial bikes are being used. Is there any reason for that?










share|improve this question
















I've been watching triathlon videos lately and I couldn't help but notice that, with the exception of Ironman Competitions, only road bikes and not time trial bikes are being used. Is there any reason for that?







road-bike aerodynamics triathlon time-trial






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Jul 15 at 18:42









DavidW

5031 silver badge11 bronze badges




5031 silver badge11 bronze badges










asked Jul 15 at 17:28









EyadEyad

931 silver badge5 bronze badges




931 silver badge5 bronze badges












  • Not mentioned (so far) in any answers is Tris are, well, tris - there are three sports involved. Competitors need to optimize performance across three disciplines, for many the effort optimizing cycling on a TT bike is worth less than putting it elsewhere.

    – mattnz
    Jul 15 at 20:25






  • 1





    For those who were not familiar with "time trial bikes" (like myself), here are wikipedia links for the three types: Road bike, Time trial bike, and Triatholon bike.

    – Captain Man
    Jul 17 at 16:30

















  • Not mentioned (so far) in any answers is Tris are, well, tris - there are three sports involved. Competitors need to optimize performance across three disciplines, for many the effort optimizing cycling on a TT bike is worth less than putting it elsewhere.

    – mattnz
    Jul 15 at 20:25






  • 1





    For those who were not familiar with "time trial bikes" (like myself), here are wikipedia links for the three types: Road bike, Time trial bike, and Triatholon bike.

    – Captain Man
    Jul 17 at 16:30
















Not mentioned (so far) in any answers is Tris are, well, tris - there are three sports involved. Competitors need to optimize performance across three disciplines, for many the effort optimizing cycling on a TT bike is worth less than putting it elsewhere.

– mattnz
Jul 15 at 20:25





Not mentioned (so far) in any answers is Tris are, well, tris - there are three sports involved. Competitors need to optimize performance across three disciplines, for many the effort optimizing cycling on a TT bike is worth less than putting it elsewhere.

– mattnz
Jul 15 at 20:25




1




1





For those who were not familiar with "time trial bikes" (like myself), here are wikipedia links for the three types: Road bike, Time trial bike, and Triatholon bike.

– Captain Man
Jul 17 at 16:30





For those who were not familiar with "time trial bikes" (like myself), here are wikipedia links for the three types: Road bike, Time trial bike, and Triatholon bike.

– Captain Man
Jul 17 at 16:30










5 Answers
5






active

oldest

votes


















28














The OP linked 4 videos, the first 2 videos were long-course Ironman races, where time trial (TT) bikes were used, while the latter 2 videos were of short-course draft legal races where road bikes were used. In the latter two videos the competitors were either pros or elite amateurs. These individuals typically have multiple bikes and would be using a TT bike if it was the right tool.



Originally, all triathlons used to have a no-drafting policy, which made optimizing your personal aerodynamics critical. Hence the rise of TT bikes in the early history of triathlons.



Relatively recently drafting has been made legal in many short track triathlons, making TT bikes both dangerous and not suitable for the format. When you have drafting you essentially have a road race, which a road bike is the right tool. Quick handling is key as you need to be able to maneuver and keep your front wheel within 2-6 inches of the bike you are drafting in order to get the full draft effect. You also need to be able to accelerate, brake, and change direction quickly to close gaps and respond to group dynamics. Groups can at times move incredibly fast, 65 kph on the flat is not uncommon for pros or elites.



In contrast, Ironman events still have no-drafting rules in place making TT bikes the right tool as its about individual riders against the wind and not responses to group dynamics.




NOTE: the answer is intended to address the races explicitly highlighted by the OP, not all world wide triathlon events, nor the large array of amateur races where participants may be balancing a number of considerations (e.g., cost).







share|improve this answer




















  • 4





    The first 2 videos linked by the OP were for long-course Ironman races. The latter 2 videos were for short-course draft legal races.

    – R. Chung
    Jul 16 at 4:45






  • 1





    Ahhh! That was the missing piece in my puzzle!

    – Eyad
    Jul 16 at 5:12






  • 1





    How recent were these rule changes? Any links or references? I haven't done a tri in 10-ish years but "way back then" I can't remember there being any draft-legal races. I guess things change with the times!

    – dwizum
    Jul 16 at 13:57











  • @dwizum at least in the USA, draft legal races are still very rare at the amateur level. However, at the elite level, ITU sanctioned races (notably including the Olympics) have been draft legal going back at least to triathlon's Olympic debut in 2000. Why ITU and IOC decided to make pro races fundamentally different than their all-comers counterparts, I will never understand...

    – Josh Doebbert
    Jul 16 at 21:23











  • @JoshDoebbert ok then I guess maybe little or nothing has changed after all, given that my experience is amateur events in the US.

    – dwizum
    Jul 17 at 12:47


















7














Triathlon and time trial bikes are quite expensive and not wonderful to ride on open courses, hills, and in groups (in other words, general cycling).



So, if you're not so serious about triathlons that you're willing to spend several thousand dollars on a bike that will see relatively little use, you'll likely be content with your existing road bike whose handling and fit works well with your body and riding style.






share|improve this answer


















  • 2





    I have limited personal experience, but based on people I've talked to it takes dedicated training on the time trial bike to become good/experienced enough for the bike to be a worthwhile investment. So there's the training cost to consider in addition to the monetary cost.

    – DavidW
    Jul 15 at 17:52











  • that's a great point @DavidW

    – Paul H
    Jul 15 at 17:58












  • All of the videos were of either pro's or elite amateurs. The road bikes in the videos were carbon with deep section carbon wheels, easily over $6K. So these are serious competitors who would have been using a TT bike if it was the right tool.

    – Rider_X
    Jul 15 at 19:21


















2














In addition to Paul H's answer, there are several different triathlon distances from sprint to full iron man. In shorter races with hilly bike courses, or where there are many tight turns a regular road bike may be preferable.






share|improve this answer























  • Drafting is also allowed in many short course races. Very different type of racing.

    – Rider_X
    Jul 15 at 19:21


















2














Another lesser point is money - sport costs, and a triathlon is essentially three distinct sports in one.



The bike is an expensive item, and so making use of what you have is a perfectly good solution. For some competitors, that will also be their commuter come Monday morning.



I've even seen Mountain Bikes used in a triathlon, with road tyres and locked out
suspension.






share|improve this answer






























    0














    My own observations do not agree with yours. In the Gulf Coast 70.3 this year there were a fair number of people on road bikes and even some on hybrids. There was one lady with a basket on her bike.



    This past weekend, and many event like it, I attended an event where a they had a Sprint that had and Olympic distance at the same time through MultiRace. As usual there were many high end triathlon bicycles. Despite it being a no draft race, a road bike might be more suitable as the roads are really rough. It makes it difficult and possibly dangerous to remain in aero the whole time.



    If you go to just about any event you will see a full spectrum of bicycles. Many, for cost reasons do like I did and have a road bike with clip on aerobars. Its very cost effective. Finding a used road bike is far easier then finding a used tri bike.






    share|improve this answer



























      Your Answer








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      5 Answers
      5






      active

      oldest

      votes








      5 Answers
      5






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes









      28














      The OP linked 4 videos, the first 2 videos were long-course Ironman races, where time trial (TT) bikes were used, while the latter 2 videos were of short-course draft legal races where road bikes were used. In the latter two videos the competitors were either pros or elite amateurs. These individuals typically have multiple bikes and would be using a TT bike if it was the right tool.



      Originally, all triathlons used to have a no-drafting policy, which made optimizing your personal aerodynamics critical. Hence the rise of TT bikes in the early history of triathlons.



      Relatively recently drafting has been made legal in many short track triathlons, making TT bikes both dangerous and not suitable for the format. When you have drafting you essentially have a road race, which a road bike is the right tool. Quick handling is key as you need to be able to maneuver and keep your front wheel within 2-6 inches of the bike you are drafting in order to get the full draft effect. You also need to be able to accelerate, brake, and change direction quickly to close gaps and respond to group dynamics. Groups can at times move incredibly fast, 65 kph on the flat is not uncommon for pros or elites.



      In contrast, Ironman events still have no-drafting rules in place making TT bikes the right tool as its about individual riders against the wind and not responses to group dynamics.




      NOTE: the answer is intended to address the races explicitly highlighted by the OP, not all world wide triathlon events, nor the large array of amateur races where participants may be balancing a number of considerations (e.g., cost).







      share|improve this answer




















      • 4





        The first 2 videos linked by the OP were for long-course Ironman races. The latter 2 videos were for short-course draft legal races.

        – R. Chung
        Jul 16 at 4:45






      • 1





        Ahhh! That was the missing piece in my puzzle!

        – Eyad
        Jul 16 at 5:12






      • 1





        How recent were these rule changes? Any links or references? I haven't done a tri in 10-ish years but "way back then" I can't remember there being any draft-legal races. I guess things change with the times!

        – dwizum
        Jul 16 at 13:57











      • @dwizum at least in the USA, draft legal races are still very rare at the amateur level. However, at the elite level, ITU sanctioned races (notably including the Olympics) have been draft legal going back at least to triathlon's Olympic debut in 2000. Why ITU and IOC decided to make pro races fundamentally different than their all-comers counterparts, I will never understand...

        – Josh Doebbert
        Jul 16 at 21:23











      • @JoshDoebbert ok then I guess maybe little or nothing has changed after all, given that my experience is amateur events in the US.

        – dwizum
        Jul 17 at 12:47















      28














      The OP linked 4 videos, the first 2 videos were long-course Ironman races, where time trial (TT) bikes were used, while the latter 2 videos were of short-course draft legal races where road bikes were used. In the latter two videos the competitors were either pros or elite amateurs. These individuals typically have multiple bikes and would be using a TT bike if it was the right tool.



      Originally, all triathlons used to have a no-drafting policy, which made optimizing your personal aerodynamics critical. Hence the rise of TT bikes in the early history of triathlons.



      Relatively recently drafting has been made legal in many short track triathlons, making TT bikes both dangerous and not suitable for the format. When you have drafting you essentially have a road race, which a road bike is the right tool. Quick handling is key as you need to be able to maneuver and keep your front wheel within 2-6 inches of the bike you are drafting in order to get the full draft effect. You also need to be able to accelerate, brake, and change direction quickly to close gaps and respond to group dynamics. Groups can at times move incredibly fast, 65 kph on the flat is not uncommon for pros or elites.



      In contrast, Ironman events still have no-drafting rules in place making TT bikes the right tool as its about individual riders against the wind and not responses to group dynamics.




      NOTE: the answer is intended to address the races explicitly highlighted by the OP, not all world wide triathlon events, nor the large array of amateur races where participants may be balancing a number of considerations (e.g., cost).







      share|improve this answer




















      • 4





        The first 2 videos linked by the OP were for long-course Ironman races. The latter 2 videos were for short-course draft legal races.

        – R. Chung
        Jul 16 at 4:45






      • 1





        Ahhh! That was the missing piece in my puzzle!

        – Eyad
        Jul 16 at 5:12






      • 1





        How recent were these rule changes? Any links or references? I haven't done a tri in 10-ish years but "way back then" I can't remember there being any draft-legal races. I guess things change with the times!

        – dwizum
        Jul 16 at 13:57











      • @dwizum at least in the USA, draft legal races are still very rare at the amateur level. However, at the elite level, ITU sanctioned races (notably including the Olympics) have been draft legal going back at least to triathlon's Olympic debut in 2000. Why ITU and IOC decided to make pro races fundamentally different than their all-comers counterparts, I will never understand...

        – Josh Doebbert
        Jul 16 at 21:23











      • @JoshDoebbert ok then I guess maybe little or nothing has changed after all, given that my experience is amateur events in the US.

        – dwizum
        Jul 17 at 12:47













      28












      28








      28







      The OP linked 4 videos, the first 2 videos were long-course Ironman races, where time trial (TT) bikes were used, while the latter 2 videos were of short-course draft legal races where road bikes were used. In the latter two videos the competitors were either pros or elite amateurs. These individuals typically have multiple bikes and would be using a TT bike if it was the right tool.



      Originally, all triathlons used to have a no-drafting policy, which made optimizing your personal aerodynamics critical. Hence the rise of TT bikes in the early history of triathlons.



      Relatively recently drafting has been made legal in many short track triathlons, making TT bikes both dangerous and not suitable for the format. When you have drafting you essentially have a road race, which a road bike is the right tool. Quick handling is key as you need to be able to maneuver and keep your front wheel within 2-6 inches of the bike you are drafting in order to get the full draft effect. You also need to be able to accelerate, brake, and change direction quickly to close gaps and respond to group dynamics. Groups can at times move incredibly fast, 65 kph on the flat is not uncommon for pros or elites.



      In contrast, Ironman events still have no-drafting rules in place making TT bikes the right tool as its about individual riders against the wind and not responses to group dynamics.




      NOTE: the answer is intended to address the races explicitly highlighted by the OP, not all world wide triathlon events, nor the large array of amateur races where participants may be balancing a number of considerations (e.g., cost).







      share|improve this answer















      The OP linked 4 videos, the first 2 videos were long-course Ironman races, where time trial (TT) bikes were used, while the latter 2 videos were of short-course draft legal races where road bikes were used. In the latter two videos the competitors were either pros or elite amateurs. These individuals typically have multiple bikes and would be using a TT bike if it was the right tool.



      Originally, all triathlons used to have a no-drafting policy, which made optimizing your personal aerodynamics critical. Hence the rise of TT bikes in the early history of triathlons.



      Relatively recently drafting has been made legal in many short track triathlons, making TT bikes both dangerous and not suitable for the format. When you have drafting you essentially have a road race, which a road bike is the right tool. Quick handling is key as you need to be able to maneuver and keep your front wheel within 2-6 inches of the bike you are drafting in order to get the full draft effect. You also need to be able to accelerate, brake, and change direction quickly to close gaps and respond to group dynamics. Groups can at times move incredibly fast, 65 kph on the flat is not uncommon for pros or elites.



      In contrast, Ironman events still have no-drafting rules in place making TT bikes the right tool as its about individual riders against the wind and not responses to group dynamics.




      NOTE: the answer is intended to address the races explicitly highlighted by the OP, not all world wide triathlon events, nor the large array of amateur races where participants may be balancing a number of considerations (e.g., cost).








      share|improve this answer














      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer








      edited Jul 17 at 23:06

























      answered Jul 15 at 19:04









      Rider_XRider_X

      25.9k1 gold badge49 silver badges101 bronze badges




      25.9k1 gold badge49 silver badges101 bronze badges







      • 4





        The first 2 videos linked by the OP were for long-course Ironman races. The latter 2 videos were for short-course draft legal races.

        – R. Chung
        Jul 16 at 4:45






      • 1





        Ahhh! That was the missing piece in my puzzle!

        – Eyad
        Jul 16 at 5:12






      • 1





        How recent were these rule changes? Any links or references? I haven't done a tri in 10-ish years but "way back then" I can't remember there being any draft-legal races. I guess things change with the times!

        – dwizum
        Jul 16 at 13:57











      • @dwizum at least in the USA, draft legal races are still very rare at the amateur level. However, at the elite level, ITU sanctioned races (notably including the Olympics) have been draft legal going back at least to triathlon's Olympic debut in 2000. Why ITU and IOC decided to make pro races fundamentally different than their all-comers counterparts, I will never understand...

        – Josh Doebbert
        Jul 16 at 21:23











      • @JoshDoebbert ok then I guess maybe little or nothing has changed after all, given that my experience is amateur events in the US.

        – dwizum
        Jul 17 at 12:47












      • 4





        The first 2 videos linked by the OP were for long-course Ironman races. The latter 2 videos were for short-course draft legal races.

        – R. Chung
        Jul 16 at 4:45






      • 1





        Ahhh! That was the missing piece in my puzzle!

        – Eyad
        Jul 16 at 5:12






      • 1





        How recent were these rule changes? Any links or references? I haven't done a tri in 10-ish years but "way back then" I can't remember there being any draft-legal races. I guess things change with the times!

        – dwizum
        Jul 16 at 13:57











      • @dwizum at least in the USA, draft legal races are still very rare at the amateur level. However, at the elite level, ITU sanctioned races (notably including the Olympics) have been draft legal going back at least to triathlon's Olympic debut in 2000. Why ITU and IOC decided to make pro races fundamentally different than their all-comers counterparts, I will never understand...

        – Josh Doebbert
        Jul 16 at 21:23











      • @JoshDoebbert ok then I guess maybe little or nothing has changed after all, given that my experience is amateur events in the US.

        – dwizum
        Jul 17 at 12:47







      4




      4





      The first 2 videos linked by the OP were for long-course Ironman races. The latter 2 videos were for short-course draft legal races.

      – R. Chung
      Jul 16 at 4:45





      The first 2 videos linked by the OP were for long-course Ironman races. The latter 2 videos were for short-course draft legal races.

      – R. Chung
      Jul 16 at 4:45




      1




      1





      Ahhh! That was the missing piece in my puzzle!

      – Eyad
      Jul 16 at 5:12





      Ahhh! That was the missing piece in my puzzle!

      – Eyad
      Jul 16 at 5:12




      1




      1





      How recent were these rule changes? Any links or references? I haven't done a tri in 10-ish years but "way back then" I can't remember there being any draft-legal races. I guess things change with the times!

      – dwizum
      Jul 16 at 13:57





      How recent were these rule changes? Any links or references? I haven't done a tri in 10-ish years but "way back then" I can't remember there being any draft-legal races. I guess things change with the times!

      – dwizum
      Jul 16 at 13:57













      @dwizum at least in the USA, draft legal races are still very rare at the amateur level. However, at the elite level, ITU sanctioned races (notably including the Olympics) have been draft legal going back at least to triathlon's Olympic debut in 2000. Why ITU and IOC decided to make pro races fundamentally different than their all-comers counterparts, I will never understand...

      – Josh Doebbert
      Jul 16 at 21:23





      @dwizum at least in the USA, draft legal races are still very rare at the amateur level. However, at the elite level, ITU sanctioned races (notably including the Olympics) have been draft legal going back at least to triathlon's Olympic debut in 2000. Why ITU and IOC decided to make pro races fundamentally different than their all-comers counterparts, I will never understand...

      – Josh Doebbert
      Jul 16 at 21:23













      @JoshDoebbert ok then I guess maybe little or nothing has changed after all, given that my experience is amateur events in the US.

      – dwizum
      Jul 17 at 12:47





      @JoshDoebbert ok then I guess maybe little or nothing has changed after all, given that my experience is amateur events in the US.

      – dwizum
      Jul 17 at 12:47













      7














      Triathlon and time trial bikes are quite expensive and not wonderful to ride on open courses, hills, and in groups (in other words, general cycling).



      So, if you're not so serious about triathlons that you're willing to spend several thousand dollars on a bike that will see relatively little use, you'll likely be content with your existing road bike whose handling and fit works well with your body and riding style.






      share|improve this answer


















      • 2





        I have limited personal experience, but based on people I've talked to it takes dedicated training on the time trial bike to become good/experienced enough for the bike to be a worthwhile investment. So there's the training cost to consider in addition to the monetary cost.

        – DavidW
        Jul 15 at 17:52











      • that's a great point @DavidW

        – Paul H
        Jul 15 at 17:58












      • All of the videos were of either pro's or elite amateurs. The road bikes in the videos were carbon with deep section carbon wheels, easily over $6K. So these are serious competitors who would have been using a TT bike if it was the right tool.

        – Rider_X
        Jul 15 at 19:21















      7














      Triathlon and time trial bikes are quite expensive and not wonderful to ride on open courses, hills, and in groups (in other words, general cycling).



      So, if you're not so serious about triathlons that you're willing to spend several thousand dollars on a bike that will see relatively little use, you'll likely be content with your existing road bike whose handling and fit works well with your body and riding style.






      share|improve this answer


















      • 2





        I have limited personal experience, but based on people I've talked to it takes dedicated training on the time trial bike to become good/experienced enough for the bike to be a worthwhile investment. So there's the training cost to consider in addition to the monetary cost.

        – DavidW
        Jul 15 at 17:52











      • that's a great point @DavidW

        – Paul H
        Jul 15 at 17:58












      • All of the videos were of either pro's or elite amateurs. The road bikes in the videos were carbon with deep section carbon wheels, easily over $6K. So these are serious competitors who would have been using a TT bike if it was the right tool.

        – Rider_X
        Jul 15 at 19:21













      7












      7








      7







      Triathlon and time trial bikes are quite expensive and not wonderful to ride on open courses, hills, and in groups (in other words, general cycling).



      So, if you're not so serious about triathlons that you're willing to spend several thousand dollars on a bike that will see relatively little use, you'll likely be content with your existing road bike whose handling and fit works well with your body and riding style.






      share|improve this answer













      Triathlon and time trial bikes are quite expensive and not wonderful to ride on open courses, hills, and in groups (in other words, general cycling).



      So, if you're not so serious about triathlons that you're willing to spend several thousand dollars on a bike that will see relatively little use, you'll likely be content with your existing road bike whose handling and fit works well with your body and riding style.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Jul 15 at 17:38









      Paul HPaul H

      8034 silver badges16 bronze badges




      8034 silver badges16 bronze badges







      • 2





        I have limited personal experience, but based on people I've talked to it takes dedicated training on the time trial bike to become good/experienced enough for the bike to be a worthwhile investment. So there's the training cost to consider in addition to the monetary cost.

        – DavidW
        Jul 15 at 17:52











      • that's a great point @DavidW

        – Paul H
        Jul 15 at 17:58












      • All of the videos were of either pro's or elite amateurs. The road bikes in the videos were carbon with deep section carbon wheels, easily over $6K. So these are serious competitors who would have been using a TT bike if it was the right tool.

        – Rider_X
        Jul 15 at 19:21












      • 2





        I have limited personal experience, but based on people I've talked to it takes dedicated training on the time trial bike to become good/experienced enough for the bike to be a worthwhile investment. So there's the training cost to consider in addition to the monetary cost.

        – DavidW
        Jul 15 at 17:52











      • that's a great point @DavidW

        – Paul H
        Jul 15 at 17:58












      • All of the videos were of either pro's or elite amateurs. The road bikes in the videos were carbon with deep section carbon wheels, easily over $6K. So these are serious competitors who would have been using a TT bike if it was the right tool.

        – Rider_X
        Jul 15 at 19:21







      2




      2





      I have limited personal experience, but based on people I've talked to it takes dedicated training on the time trial bike to become good/experienced enough for the bike to be a worthwhile investment. So there's the training cost to consider in addition to the monetary cost.

      – DavidW
      Jul 15 at 17:52





      I have limited personal experience, but based on people I've talked to it takes dedicated training on the time trial bike to become good/experienced enough for the bike to be a worthwhile investment. So there's the training cost to consider in addition to the monetary cost.

      – DavidW
      Jul 15 at 17:52













      that's a great point @DavidW

      – Paul H
      Jul 15 at 17:58






      that's a great point @DavidW

      – Paul H
      Jul 15 at 17:58














      All of the videos were of either pro's or elite amateurs. The road bikes in the videos were carbon with deep section carbon wheels, easily over $6K. So these are serious competitors who would have been using a TT bike if it was the right tool.

      – Rider_X
      Jul 15 at 19:21





      All of the videos were of either pro's or elite amateurs. The road bikes in the videos were carbon with deep section carbon wheels, easily over $6K. So these are serious competitors who would have been using a TT bike if it was the right tool.

      – Rider_X
      Jul 15 at 19:21











      2














      In addition to Paul H's answer, there are several different triathlon distances from sprint to full iron man. In shorter races with hilly bike courses, or where there are many tight turns a regular road bike may be preferable.






      share|improve this answer























      • Drafting is also allowed in many short course races. Very different type of racing.

        – Rider_X
        Jul 15 at 19:21















      2














      In addition to Paul H's answer, there are several different triathlon distances from sprint to full iron man. In shorter races with hilly bike courses, or where there are many tight turns a regular road bike may be preferable.






      share|improve this answer























      • Drafting is also allowed in many short course races. Very different type of racing.

        – Rider_X
        Jul 15 at 19:21













      2












      2








      2







      In addition to Paul H's answer, there are several different triathlon distances from sprint to full iron man. In shorter races with hilly bike courses, or where there are many tight turns a regular road bike may be preferable.






      share|improve this answer













      In addition to Paul H's answer, there are several different triathlon distances from sprint to full iron man. In shorter races with hilly bike courses, or where there are many tight turns a regular road bike may be preferable.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Jul 15 at 17:48









      Argenti ApparatusArgenti Apparatus

      43.8k3 gold badges45 silver badges105 bronze badges




      43.8k3 gold badges45 silver badges105 bronze badges












      • Drafting is also allowed in many short course races. Very different type of racing.

        – Rider_X
        Jul 15 at 19:21

















      • Drafting is also allowed in many short course races. Very different type of racing.

        – Rider_X
        Jul 15 at 19:21
















      Drafting is also allowed in many short course races. Very different type of racing.

      – Rider_X
      Jul 15 at 19:21





      Drafting is also allowed in many short course races. Very different type of racing.

      – Rider_X
      Jul 15 at 19:21











      2














      Another lesser point is money - sport costs, and a triathlon is essentially three distinct sports in one.



      The bike is an expensive item, and so making use of what you have is a perfectly good solution. For some competitors, that will also be their commuter come Monday morning.



      I've even seen Mountain Bikes used in a triathlon, with road tyres and locked out
      suspension.






      share|improve this answer



























        2














        Another lesser point is money - sport costs, and a triathlon is essentially three distinct sports in one.



        The bike is an expensive item, and so making use of what you have is a perfectly good solution. For some competitors, that will also be their commuter come Monday morning.



        I've even seen Mountain Bikes used in a triathlon, with road tyres and locked out
        suspension.






        share|improve this answer

























          2












          2








          2







          Another lesser point is money - sport costs, and a triathlon is essentially three distinct sports in one.



          The bike is an expensive item, and so making use of what you have is a perfectly good solution. For some competitors, that will also be their commuter come Monday morning.



          I've even seen Mountain Bikes used in a triathlon, with road tyres and locked out
          suspension.






          share|improve this answer













          Another lesser point is money - sport costs, and a triathlon is essentially three distinct sports in one.



          The bike is an expensive item, and so making use of what you have is a perfectly good solution. For some competitors, that will also be their commuter come Monday morning.



          I've even seen Mountain Bikes used in a triathlon, with road tyres and locked out
          suspension.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Jul 16 at 9:09









          CriggieCriggie

          48k5 gold badges80 silver badges162 bronze badges




          48k5 gold badges80 silver badges162 bronze badges





















              0














              My own observations do not agree with yours. In the Gulf Coast 70.3 this year there were a fair number of people on road bikes and even some on hybrids. There was one lady with a basket on her bike.



              This past weekend, and many event like it, I attended an event where a they had a Sprint that had and Olympic distance at the same time through MultiRace. As usual there were many high end triathlon bicycles. Despite it being a no draft race, a road bike might be more suitable as the roads are really rough. It makes it difficult and possibly dangerous to remain in aero the whole time.



              If you go to just about any event you will see a full spectrum of bicycles. Many, for cost reasons do like I did and have a road bike with clip on aerobars. Its very cost effective. Finding a used road bike is far easier then finding a used tri bike.






              share|improve this answer





























                0














                My own observations do not agree with yours. In the Gulf Coast 70.3 this year there were a fair number of people on road bikes and even some on hybrids. There was one lady with a basket on her bike.



                This past weekend, and many event like it, I attended an event where a they had a Sprint that had and Olympic distance at the same time through MultiRace. As usual there were many high end triathlon bicycles. Despite it being a no draft race, a road bike might be more suitable as the roads are really rough. It makes it difficult and possibly dangerous to remain in aero the whole time.



                If you go to just about any event you will see a full spectrum of bicycles. Many, for cost reasons do like I did and have a road bike with clip on aerobars. Its very cost effective. Finding a used road bike is far easier then finding a used tri bike.






                share|improve this answer



























                  0












                  0








                  0







                  My own observations do not agree with yours. In the Gulf Coast 70.3 this year there were a fair number of people on road bikes and even some on hybrids. There was one lady with a basket on her bike.



                  This past weekend, and many event like it, I attended an event where a they had a Sprint that had and Olympic distance at the same time through MultiRace. As usual there were many high end triathlon bicycles. Despite it being a no draft race, a road bike might be more suitable as the roads are really rough. It makes it difficult and possibly dangerous to remain in aero the whole time.



                  If you go to just about any event you will see a full spectrum of bicycles. Many, for cost reasons do like I did and have a road bike with clip on aerobars. Its very cost effective. Finding a used road bike is far easier then finding a used tri bike.






                  share|improve this answer















                  My own observations do not agree with yours. In the Gulf Coast 70.3 this year there were a fair number of people on road bikes and even some on hybrids. There was one lady with a basket on her bike.



                  This past weekend, and many event like it, I attended an event where a they had a Sprint that had and Olympic distance at the same time through MultiRace. As usual there were many high end triathlon bicycles. Despite it being a no draft race, a road bike might be more suitable as the roads are really rough. It makes it difficult and possibly dangerous to remain in aero the whole time.



                  If you go to just about any event you will see a full spectrum of bicycles. Many, for cost reasons do like I did and have a road bike with clip on aerobars. Its very cost effective. Finding a used road bike is far easier then finding a used tri bike.







                  share|improve this answer














                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited Jul 18 at 11:14

























                  answered Jul 17 at 17:24









                  Pete B.Pete B.

                  1707 bronze badges




                  1707 bronze badges



























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