Can You Train On A Triathlon Bike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

So clearly

it is in any triathletes best interest to train on a tri bike if that is what you are going to race on

. So get in some base miles and climbing time on the road bike, but get in long rides, some intervals and runs off the tri bike and your race should have good results!

Can you train on a TT bike?

Time trial bikes are also not good for group rides because of the potential for clipping someone else’s back wheel and causing a pile up when you’re in your aero bars. So

training on your TT bike can be a solitary pursuit

. With all these issues it’s easy to use all this as a barrier to stop you riding your TT bike.

Can you use a triathlon bike as a road bike?


Yes, a triathlon bike can be changed to a road bike

. This can be sometimes expensive and consume a lot of time but it is very doable. The main parts of these two different bikes can be swapped to change one into the other. You just have to pay attention to the fit as you do so.

Can you train for a triathlon on an indoor bike?


Hop on a stationary bike, ideally an indoor cycling bike

, as opposed to anything in a recumbent position, as it more closely simulates a real bicycle. “If you’re already in pretty good shape, then most triathlon training either comes down to improving speed or improving endurance,” says Martin.

Can you ride a TT bike daily?


You’ll natrually get faster by riding daily

; the bike is not what will make you faster. Just add some clip on tri-bars on your current endurance bike and get into tuck position on open sections. By buddy has some stubby clip on bars on his gravel bikes and uses them on long rides.

Are TT bikes comfortable?

Triathlon bikes are

not designed to be comfortable

, they are designed to be aerodynamic, light, and to allow the rider to exert maximum effort against the pedals to get the most speed out of the ride.

How much quicker is a TT bike?

In general you will see a

1.5 mph – 2 mph

boost in speed between a TT and a road bike… assuming the rider is using regular shorts, jersey and helmet along with no aero wheels. Most of that is due to the differing rider position (i.e. more aero).

Can you put normal handlebars on a TT bike?


Altered Geometry


TT bikes are not designed for drop bars by default

. By putting a set of drop bars on a TT bike, the riding position of the rider is very likely to become uncomfortable and inefficient.

How much faster is tri bike vs road bike?

The BikeRadar website claims the advantage a TT bike gives you is 60-70 watts at 40 km/h, that is, it takes 270-280 watts to ride a road bike at that speed and 220 watts to ride a TT bike. Translated into seconds, a TT bike gives you

9 seconds per kilometre advantage

. This is six minutes in a 40 km time trial. Insane.

Why do triathletes use TT bikes?

While TT bikes keep the rider in the absolute most aerodynamic position,

triathlon bikes are the best way to stay aero while also preserving leg muscles for the run

.

How often should you ride your TT bike?

Some athletes can ride the tri bike just

once per week

and feel just fine on race day, while others need to spend nearly all of their time on it as race day nears. If you feel good on the tri bike and want to just perform one key workout each week on it, then that should be sufficient.

Should you train in TT position?

Therefore, training the body to ride in the time trial position (taking into account that you may need to drop your workout intensity by a few per cent) will better prepare the body for the eventual goal of performing in that position.

Is spin class good for triathletes?

They are also

excellent for a mid-week session when it’s frankly just easier to get to your gym, or as a fun way to provide motivation during a training slump

. However, indoor cycling does NOT take the place of training outside on your bike for a few reasons: You are not always getting a triathlon-specific workout.

Does spin class help with triathlon training?

Ah Spin Class! Spin class is essentially riding a bike, but not actually going anywhere.

Spin class as an effective tool in your triathlon training plan

. As with all training activity, there are some pro and cons.

Can you train for a triathlon in the gym?


The key to triathlon training in a gym is making the most of the time you have

. That means you need to stick to the core elements – swimming, cycling and running. Only use rowing machines or cross trainers if you can’t run or cycle.

Are triathlon bikes good for long distance?

Tri-bikes have steep seat tube angles and often don’t handle that well. They are made to go fast in a relatively straight line, with the rider in a very low aero position.

Not a good bike for typical distance rides

.

How do you sit on a tri saddle?

What is the difference between a TT bike and a tri bike?

The most significant difference is comfort. By design,

triathlon bikes are made to go the distance

. Triathletes often ride through hilly terrain, cover distances up to 112 miles during races and must transition to running quickly and efficiently. In contrast, time trial riders get off the bike completely spent.

How can I make my triathlon bike more comfortable?

Are tri bikes really faster?

This steeper geometry places the rider’s hips over the crankset which engages their quadriceps more for increased power.”

Tri bikes are more aerodynamic and are “faster” than road bikes

.

Can you put drop bars on a tri bike?

In addition to being low-cost on the onset, this third option also gives a new triathlete lots more options as they progress in skill and experience. For example,

over time, one can (1) keep the drop bars and clip-ons on the triathlon bike

and just use it that way for training and multisport racing.

How much time do tri bars save?

If you’re talking about clip-on bars on a standard road bike and, as you say, your position using them has been optimised and you’re not shipping excessive power, the usually quoted figure for time saved over a 40km TT is

around two minutes

.

Can you put road bike handle bars on a tri bike?

The answer is yes. On the bike leg of the triathlon, increasing your speed is all about reducing aerodynamic drag. And while there are dozens of small improvements you can make to your components and gear,

the investment that gives the greatest returns is adding a good pair bicycle aero bars

.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.