What are the differences between road racing, time trial and triathalon bikes?
Road racing, time trial and triathalon bikes have each evolved to perform a specific function. All share many similar traits and differences are quite subtle. A: Tri bars. Usually on time trial and triathalon bikes B: Wheels. A full disc wheel is common on the rear of time trial bikes. Triathalon bikes often favour deep section rims or aero wheels (as seen above). C: Seat Tube angle – greater on time trial and triathlon bikes giving a steeper seat tube. More power but less comfort. D: Fork Rake. This distance influences how the bike handles. The smaller the distance the more nippy the bike will be. The longer the distance the more stable and relaxed the bike will be. E: Headtube angle – steeper on time trial and triathlon bikes. The road racing bike is the ‘Jack of all trades’. The head-tube and seat-tube angles are comparatively shallow, seating the rider slightly back to make the bike more comfortable on longer rides. The wheels are generally 32 or 36 spoked with standard round or sq
