Triathlon Bikes

The triathlon bike is similar in some ways to a TT bike. Where it differs the most is that it is not subject to the same stringent UCI regulations regarding the design of the bike. The regulating body of triathlon, the ITU has slightly more relaxed rules regarding the profile of the tubing so subtle tweaks to the design of a TT bike can be made to improve the aerodynamic performance. A Tri bike overall will have better aerodynamics and therefore will be faster in a straight line and more energy efficient as a result. In terms of design of the frameset there is one major difference, the forks are again not subject to UCI rules. This allows the manufacturer to design a fork with a larger truncated aerofoil profile which is better able to distribute the airflow with minimal disturbance. Visually if you look at the forks you can see that they are much chunky than the more slimline TT forks. There are also the aesthetic additions which serve a dual purpose as practical upgrades. The first is in the use of fairings which are strictly banned in TT races. On a TT bike the rim brake calipers are either fully exposed where they create drag or designers try to hide them behind the bb shell and forks. On a tri bike this impact is reduced by the addition of aero brake covers. The fairings fit over the brakes and direct air away from these points. There are also storage boxes normally mounted behind the seat tube and along the top tube which are shaped to lessen their effect on the aerodynamics. Normally the one behind the seat tube would be used to store essential repair tools and a tube. The one along the top tube is used to carry nutrition such as gels and energy bars. And finally, but by no means least a triathlon bike will have a hydration system incorporated into the handlebars area for that all-important hydration.