Bicycle type

Time-Trial / Triathlon Bike

Road bikes built for riding alone against the clock in time trials and triathlons. The rider leans forward on aero extensions fixed to the handlebar, and the frame, wheels and parts are shaped to reduce air resistance, which is the biggest force a cyclist works against at high speed.

Typical use Time trials, triathlons and fast solo riding on smooth, open roads
Blue triathlon bike with aero extensions on the handlebar, a frame shaped to cut through the air and deep carbon wheels
Photo: Peter Ehrit Werbefotografie GmbH / Canyon Bicycles GmbH, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized by VeloVerse. This adapted version is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Pros & Cons

The main trade-offs of the Time-Trial / Triathlon Bike design.

Advantages

  • Low, narrow riding position and aerodynamic shapes save a lot of energy at high speed
  • Aero extensions let the rider rest on the forearms while keeping that position
  • Many triathlon models have built-in storage for drinks, food and tools

Disadvantages

  • The brake levers are on the base bar, away from the aero extensions, so the bike is less agile and slower to stop
  • Not suited to group rides or mass-start races, where riders need quick access to the brakes
  • The stretched position needs a careful bike fit and takes time to get used to
  • Time-trial races run under UCI rules only allow approved bikes, so not every triathlon bike can be used there

Example Time-Trial / Triathlon Bike Models

Example models of this type will appear here once verified bicycle data has been added.

Other Types

Compare with other bicycle categories.

Road Bike Road cycling, fitness riding and speed on paved surfaces Mountain Bike Trails and off-road terrain Gravel Bike Mixed surfaces and adventure riding