When you start off on your journey into the world of the triathlon, you might not even be aware that there is such a thing as a triathlon bike. But as you earn your stripes at a few races, you will be sure to notice the distinct aero bars of a time trial bike and the forward stance of the other riders. This is what makes a triathlon bike different than a road bike. Looking over the different specifications and their benefits, you will be able to decide if the investment in a triathlon bike is right for you.

Seat Tubes
This is the biggest difference between a road bike and a triathlon bike. With a forward position of about 75 degrees, this unique seat tube helps during a multi-sport race in a few ways. It creates a more aerodynamic form for a rider, but it also puts more of the work load onto your quadriceps muscles. You don’t use this part of your leg as much while running, so your other leg muscles will be fresher when the last leg of the race occurs.

Wheel Size
Another difference between a road bike and a triathlon bike is in the wheels. The traditional bike usually comes with 700c wheels. A triathlon bike has 650c wheels, which are lighter and tend to accelerate with less effort. If you are tall, you might prefer the 700c wheels, which are more proportional to larger riders.

Aerodynamics
The triathlon bike trumps a road bike in aerodynamics. The road bike has a seat tube angle of 72 degrees, lending the rider a more upright position. This is key for bike handling skills such as cornering, sprinting and climbing. If you are an avid cyclist as well as a triathlete, you might prefer to invest in a quality road bike if you spend more time at cycling races than triathlons. However, if you are sold on the triathlon, you will enjoy a faster, easier race on a triathlon bike because of the forward seat tube and aero bars, which both create better aerodynamics.

Conversion
If you want the best of both worlds and you are on a budget, there is a way to convert a road bike into a triathlon bike. You will need to invest in a forward seat post and some aero bars. This is useful for time trials, if you compete in that type of race as well. Unless you are very good at tinkering with bikes, you will want to take your road bike to a bike shop to have it professionally converted. If you watch how they do it you might be able to switch back and forth on your own from road to triathlon settings.

Distance
Depending on the type of racing you want to do, a road bike might still be a better choice than a triathlon bike. The Iron Man, for instance, is a very long race. You might lose the benefits of the aerodynamic position if 112 miles is just to far to be comfortable. The road bike’s seat post provides a more comfortable, upright position. If you are doing a sprint distance race, or an Olympic distance, you might really notice the benefits of a triathlon bike or a converted road bike.

Materials
When it comes to road bikes and triathlon bikes, the materials that the frame is built from can make a huge difference in the bike’s performance. If you are doing shorter races, or you weigh more than 150 pounds, steel or aluminum frames will give you the stability, spring and support that you need. These materials are also more affordable choices than carbon fiber or titanium frames. Though they cost more, these selections are great for their feather-light weight and shock absorption capabilities. If you are doing longer races, like the half or full Iron Man, you will be glad you spent the extra money on a carbon fiber or titanium frame. These bikes are quite the investment, but the added comfort can make the price tag worth it—especially for lighter riders.

The most important thing when buying a new bike, whether you decide the road bike or the triathlon bike is the one for you is to find knowledgeable sales staff to help you find a good bike to suit your body type, racing style and budget. Shop around to find the best information, not necessarily the best price. At the end of the day, don’t let your bike stop you from competing in a triathlon. There will always be someone with a better bike than you—that’s the nature of the game. Don’t let it be the reason you don’t play. Get out there on whatever bike you can afford and have fun.