If you're just starting out in triathlons, you may be wondering what sort of bike you should be riding. Firstly, let's get one thing clear - there are no rules determining the type of bike you must ride if you enter a triathlon. Check out transition at any event and you'll see mountain bikes, hybrids, road bikes and of course, TT (time trial/triathlon) bikes. So, if you already have a bike of some description you can plan on using that in your first race. Of course, commonsense prevails here so drop it in at your local bike store for a service and check that it is road worthy and if it needs significant repairs costing almost as much as a new bike, then maybe you might consider an upgrade. Otherwise, start your training on your existing bike and work on building your bike fitness. No matter how good the bike, your race day performance all comes down to the fitness of the rider, your strength, stamina, bike handling skills, race tactics and race day nutrition. All things that you can develop and improve without a new bike. For more information on bikes, see our article
Tri BikesUsing triathlon specific gear will undoubtedly make an impact on performance on race day. From the more aerodynamic design of the tri-bike frame, and rider positioning you'll achieve on the aero-bars, to the use of an aero-helmet, and the use of quick release tri-bike shoes, there are loads of tri-specific bike components you can spend your money on. Yes it could all make an improvement. But let's face it, most of us are everyday triathletes, not pros, so there comes a price point at which you may need to make a compromise on how far you'll go being tri-specific with your equipment.
One thing that will make a fairly a good return on your investment, is improving your transition time. You can do this by investing in triathlon bike shoes and mastering your mount/dismount by keeping the shoes on the bike. Triathlon bike shoes are designed to reduce the time to take on/off with just 1 velcro closure strap. Cycling shoes however have 3 straps, usually with buckles so will take longer to put on. In combination with the Tri-Clips, you can master the mount/dismount and this will easily make a good few minutes saving than the person who spends longer in transition and on the mount line.