Do You Need a Triathlon Bike? By Matt Waterfield
Matt is a passionate triathlete and experienced, professional coach. He has been working with athletes of all abilities for over 10 years and has been working in the retail side of the bike industry for around 5 years. Matt has completed 10+ Iron distance events, all over the world, as well as countless, varying distance UK races. At his most recent race, Challenge Roth, Matt finished in a time of 9 hours 26 minutes. Strongest in the run, Matt has had to work hard on optimising his bike set-up and has used his years of 'trial and error' experience to write this article...
You’ve raced a few triathlons, and it’s hard not to notice the sea of sleek, high-tech bikes in transition. With their aerodynamic designs and cutting-edge carbon fibre technology, the bike rack looks more like something from Formula 1 than a local triathlon. As you dedicate your winter to training, you might be wondering: is investing in a triathlon bike worth it?
The Case for Upgrading
It’s true that your first and most important investment should be in yourself—your fitness, health, and overall well-being.
"You don't need to be breaking records before you think about purchasing a nice bike, but you should be taking your training and nutrition seriously, as it's much cheaper!"
However, if you’re serious about racing triathlons, equipment can make a significant difference.
For many athletes, adding clip-on aero bars to a road bike is a great first step. This modification can help you achieve a more aerodynamic position without the expense of a new bike. However, a purpose built triathlon bike offers distinct advantages, particularly when it comes to maximising performance. It’s not just about the aero bars; it’s about an entire design philosophy tailored for triathlons.
So What Makes a Triathlon Bike Special?
One of the defining features of a triathlon bike is its geometry. Unlike road bikes, triathlon bikes are not governed by UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) regulations, which means manufacturers can optimise the frame for triathlon-specific needs.
"The key difference is the seat tube angle, which allows for a more open hip position. This geometry not only improves aerodynamics but also helps preserve your legs for the run."
Aerodynamic considerations extend beyond just the frame. Triathlon bikes often include integrated storage solutions, such as internal frame compartments and bento boxes on the top tube. These features are particularly valuable for middle-distance and long-distance races, where carrying nutrition and spares is essential. For shorter distances like Sprint and Standard, these additions may not be as critical, but they can still make fueling on the bike easier and thanks to their faring like properties (think F1 again), can also make you faster!
Hydration systems are another area where triathlon bikes excel. Options like behind-the-saddle attachments and between-the-arm (BTA) setups can also improve aerodynamics and accessibility. However, finding the right system often requires some experimentation. For instance, if you have limited shoulder flexibility, retrieving a bottle from behind the saddle can be challenging—something I’ve learned from personal experience!
The Importance of Position
While we can obsess over drag coefficients and watt savings, the most significant factor in reducing drag is your body position. A sustainable aerodynamic position is crucial. It’s not just about getting as low as possible; it’s about finding a position you can maintain comfortably for the entire bike leg. This process takes time and winter is the perfect season to refine your position, whether on a turbo trainer or during a professional bike fit.
"I advise all of my athletes to start this process long before the season begins; the last thing you want is to turn up to your first race, super-fit but unable to sustain a comfortable position on the bike!"
Top Triathlon Bike Options
If you’re considering a new triathlon bike, here are a few standout options to explore...
(It's worth noting, the below bikes are all brands we stock at Velo Bavarian. And it is for the very reasons below that we decided to stock them over other brands).
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Argon 18: Renowned for pushing the boundaries of speed and functionality. The UCI-legal E117 starts at £3,500, while the E117 105 Di2 offers a fully integrated cockpit and carbon wheels for £5,250. We think this is incredible value in today's market. The totally hidden cables make for a pro looking bike and although 105 Di2 may be marginally heavier than more premium options, it's functionality is certainly up to par. For an even more premium experience, the E119 includes internal frame storage, top-tier groupsets, a higher grade carbon frame and high-performance wheels - a regular on pro race podiums.
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Cervélo: A dominant force in the triathlon world and a perennial leader in Kona bike counts. The flagship P5 is UCI-legal, featuring cutting-edge aerodynamics, top-tier carbon fibre, ample storage, and a one-piece adjustable cockpit. Many professional athletes actively purchase this bike instead of accepting sponsors, such is it's reputation for being one of the fastest bikes on the market. For a more budget-friendly option, the non-UCI P-Series offers customisation-friendly features like a traditional cockpit and competitive specs, including an Ultegra Di2 build with carbon wheels. It takes heritage and cues from the aforementioned P5 making it a fantastic option for the price.
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Merida Time Warp: Making its UK return in 2025, the Time Warp offers exceptional value with Ultegra Di2, Vision carbon wheels, and integrated triathlon-specific features. Available in just one colour, this bike offers the very top specification and performance, at a more realistic price. You can't get anything as well specified on the market today for the money.
Winter: The Best Time to Invest
The off-season is the ideal time to upgrade your equipment. With months of training ahead, you can adapt to your new bike (and vice-versa), fine-tune your position, and build confidence riding on the skis.
"By the time race season arrives, you’ll be ready to put all those hours training to good use."
So, do you need a triathlon-specific bike? If you’re committed to racing faster and more efficiently, it’s an investment worth considering. Take the plunge this winter, and make 2025 your best triathlon season yet.
You can follow Matt on Instagram here, he is always happy to help and advise fellow triathletes and regularly posts about upcoming events, coached sessions to get involved with and latest industry news!
