For a triathlete to have a pleasant experience during the competition, he should have the needed equipment, and one is a triathlon bike. But how much do you really have to spend on a triathlon bike?
That will depend on your preference really and, of course, your budget. There are bikes for beginners in the game, and you need to shell out over a thousand for it, and the performance is not something to scoff at as well.
Other bikes available in the market can make you shell out over $2000, with some brands costing over $3000.
A triathlon bike work over a thousand can be a good starter bike for a triathlon. If you are a regular triathlete, you may need to shell out more for a bike that will give you the best performance for years.
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What to Consider When Buying a Triathlon Bike
Research online. If you have a bike in mind, you should also do your research and check if this is the one you should buy. There are videos available for you to use, and the specifications are also available for you to read on.
There are also available reviews from people who have used or purchased the bike, so use this to your advantage.
One other thing that can help you with your mission to find the best triathlon bike is by reading forums online cause there are comments there directly from those who are currently using the bike or may have used the bike at one point.
This will be a big help to your purchasing decision.
Your Triathlon Bike Should Fit You Well
If you are to compete in the triathlon, you need a bike that fits you well. You cannot use a bike that will give you discomfort the entire time you are competing.
It should feel comfortable when you sit on it, maneuvering it should be easy and not something where you need to exert too much effort, the pedals should be just the right height where you can reach for it, and the power you will set on pedaling will also depend on the fit.
Comfort is vital when you are going for long-distance triathlon events, and may take hours.
Your bike should be easy to adjust as well if required. Even though it matches your height and body built, it is important if you need to make a few adjustments.
Different brands will fit you differently, so when you need to buy one, ensure that you have tried your best to get your right match.
Best Frame Materials For Tri-Bike
There are different frames you can choose from, and such frames will influence the cost.
When you choose a tri-bike made of carbon fiber, be ready for the added costs. This one is the ideal frame to use for triathlon bikes because it is lightweight, which is important for bikes used for a triathlon.
It is also the most responsive with acceleration requirement on the hills and a slightly steep path, but it may not be the most sturdy with slight impact.
Then there is the Aluminum frame that is also popular because of its durability, plus it is more cost-effective compared to carbon fiber frames. It can cause a harsher ride, and more vibration on the road, which is not the best preferred by most athletes.
The aluminum frame is durable, can resist rusting and corrosion, it is stiffer but it is not more durable as compared to steel.
Steel is durable, but you see little of these types in the triathlon scene, as compared to titanium frames. This frame is comfortable to use and likened to steel since it does not rust or corrode. It is also lightweight that will give the athlete an edge during the competition.
Furthermore, the user can enjoy its high-level performance for years because of its durability.
Quality of Components and Storage
These are the parts that complete the bike. It includes the seat, pedal, wheel, cranks, among others. Getting a triathlon bike at a mid-range price will also give you the basic quality that you can upgrade anytime as your budget permits.
Saddles may also be replaced depending on the brand. But again, if the budget permits, you can always get the perfect bike that will match your requirements.
Some moving components you should also focus more on include the wheels, chainrings, crank, brakes, and shifting mechanism.
Storage is important. This can be a storage for tools, water, or food. Some high-end triathlon bikes have these ready. There are upgrades made to the usual parts, and this also adds to the overall cost.
Having water and food storage is vital cause when you need to have it at the ready, especially for long events there is a place for each.
Your Budget And The Choice of Bike
When you spend more on a triathlon bike, it is an edge cause you will have a triathlon bike that is lightweight, durable, highly comfortable, and has impressive shift quality. The aerodynamics are also of superior quality.
There are also triathlon bikes you can get at a bargain and some end-of-season sale, or online.
Prepare to spend less than $1500 to $3000 and up.
Testing the performance. The best way to check how a triathlon bike performs is to take it for a ride. This way, you can get a feel of the overall performance, and you need to ride it not just for a few minutes but should be longer.
Some shops have some bikes ready for you to try, do so. If you can set up an appointment, then this is another option.
Once you have taken the feel of the bike, you can then ask for the best price, and if they have any sale coming up, then you can get that chance to save more.
Brand New or Used Tri Bike?
There is nothing wrong with buying a used bike as long as you get it to the bike shop to check that everything works perfectly.
Some bikes may have some hidden issues that require fixing, and if it is not doable, you will end up with a defective bike.
Buying a bike that is brand new, is easier if you have the budget, so you will have nothing more to worry about unless you want some further changes to your bike.