Which is the best triathlon bike (2024)?
Whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned athlete, having the right gear can give you the edge when it comes to triathlon success. These speciality bikes are specially designed for optimal aerodynamics and lightweight performance – so get ready to soar past your competition with minimal effort!
Purchasing the perfect triathlon or time trial bike may seem like a challenge to those with limited knowledge of cycling technology. Between gearsets, cranksets and wheels – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed!
To help you out, I’ve broken down some key points that can lead you on your way towards finding the right machine for your individual needs and riding style.
If you’re just getting into the world of triathlons, a great way to get your feet wet is with a sportive. Rather than putting yourself up against other competitors in an official race setting, this type of event allows you to simply soak up all that comes along with participating and explore it at your own pace without worrying about times or rankings!
BEST TRIATHLON BIKES TO BUY RIGHT NOW
1. CANYON SPEEDMAX CF 8.0 (My pick for the best triathlon bike 2024)
For those looking to dominate in the world of triathlons, it’s clear that having the best bike is key. Outfitted with top-notch features and cutting-edge design, this model stands out as an obvious choice for any serious athlete – The Overall Best Triathlon Bike 2024!
SPECIFICATIONS
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra R8000
Wheelset: Mavic Carbon
Frame: Canyon Speedmax CF CarbonFork: Canyon F39 CF Carbon
Weight: 8.6 kg
WHERE TO BUY
Buy the Canyon Speedmax CF 8.0 directly from Canyon
REASONS TO BUY
- It is gorgeous
- Extremely lightweight
- Fantastic groupset combination
REASONS TO AVOID
- Its looks may be intimidating for beginners
Canyon’s Speedmax CF 8.0 provides an unbeatable combination of performance and value – a ticket to the finish line at lightning speed without breaking your pocketbook!
Riding this machine is like having a feather between your legs, weighing in at just 8.6 kilos! Whether you’re looking for speed or control, the full carbon construction and Shimano Ultegra groupset will get you there in no time – all thanks to its Mavic Carbon wheels that roll with ease.
Canyon believes in the quality of their bikes so firmly, that they offer a whopping 6-year warranty – now that deserves some confidence! And with Canyon’s Bike Guard Box delivery system, you can get ready to hit the trails before you know it.
All your bike needs is an eager rider and voila – adventure awaits!
Attention to detail has been our mantra when it comes to the Speedmax CF 8.0 – from choosing a saddle that maximises comfort and performance, all the way down to non-slip material on top of its Fizik Mistica triathlon-optimised seat for those extra-long rides!
2. RIBBLE ULTRA TRI SHIMANO 105
For the serious cyclist, this pro-grade frame is ready to make an entrance in all its carbon fibre glory!
SPECIFICATIONS
Groupset: Shimano 105 R7000 TT 11 Speed
Wheelset: Mavic Aksium Clincher
Frame: Toray T800 / T1000 Full Carbon Monocoque
Fork: Ultra Tri Full Carbon Fibre Monocoque
WHERE TO BUY
Buy the RIBBLE ULTRA TRI SHIMANO 105 directly from Ribble
REASONS TO BUY
- If your budget won’t stretch to the high-end Canyon Speedmax, never fear – this wallet-friendly alternative is here!
- 0% APR finance available
REASONS TO AVOID
- Watch out for side wind, the design will take some getting used to
Get ready to fly from the starting line on the ultra-speedy Ribble Ultra Tri! Developed with race-winning riders in mind, this frame is guaranteed to catapult you across any finish line. It is my number two choice for the best triathlon bike (2024).
Ribble’s full carbon Ultra frameset has been meticulously crafted with one ultimate goal in mind: to keep you from being held back by headwinds during the 56-mile cycling portion of Ironman 70.3 – no unnecessary drag allowed!
The Ultra Tri means business! Shimano 105 R7000 pieces make up the majority of the groupset while TRP T860 alloy brakes step in to keep you on track.
With a cockpit tailored by Ribble and Mavic Aksium Clincher wheels paired with Continental’s extra deep profile tyres, there’s no stopping your next race-ready ride.
The Ribble Ultra Tri is a lightweight beast with plenty of storage options. Although this thick profile can be vulnerable to side winds, you’ll hardly feel it when riding – even at top speeds!
3. CERVELO 105 DISC
Start the journey to your Ironman victory with this must-have tt bike from a top brand. With performance and affordability all in one, you can’t go wrong!
SPECIFICATIONS
Groupset: Shimano 105 R7000
Wheelset: Vision Team 30
Frame: Cervélo All-Carbon
Fork: Tempered P Fork
WHERE TO BUY
REASONS TO BUY
- Airier design
- All carbon frame
- Storage compartments
REASONS TO AVOID
- None I can think of at this point
Cervelo bikes are the go-to choice for many top Ironman athletes, but unless you’re a serious contender yourself, their P series might require breaking open your piggy bank. The range starts at £2800 – not exactly an impulse purchase by any stretch of the imagination!
Long-distance triathletes rejoice – no more sacrificing aero properties for hydration with the Cervelo P series!
This bike comes equipped out of the box and ready to race, complete with all your on-the-go water needs covered: bento boxes, downtube bottles, rear seat mounts – you name it.
Get ready for a bumpy yet efficient ride with the P series! Its increased stiffness at the bottom bracket results in less power lost on vibration, meaning you’ll be able to turn your energy into forward momentum more easily than ever before. Get set and go—your adventure awaits!
Cervelo’s P-Series is a sleek machine, boasting 26g greater aerodynamics than the already impressive P3. With this model, you can cut through even the strongest headwinds as if they weren’t there!
4. FELT IA ADVANCEDnRIM BRAKE 105
An Ironman God – a winner of multiple Kona championships, this bike’s feats have established it as the stuff of legend!
SPECIFICATIONS
Groupset: Shimano 105 R7000
Wheelset: Devox 30A
Frame: Felt Integrated Aero Tri UHC Advanced + TeXtreme carbon
Fork: Felt IA UHC Advanced carbon monocoque
Weight: 9.49 kg (medium frame)
WHERE TO BUY
Buy your FELT IA ADVANCEDnRIM BRAKE 105 here
REASONS TO BUY
- It includes BTS storage pack
- You get a Textreme frameset for a reasonable price
REASONS TO AVOID
- A pinch heavier than the top bikes on this list
The Felt IA Series is a shining example of performance, having won five Ironman World Championships in the last six years. Be part of this esteemed legacy with the sleek and reliable IA Advanced Rim Brake – your ticket to cycling success! For many riders, this will be the top choice for the best triathlon bike (2024).
In 2020, Felt has taken the speed of their IA series to a whole new level with an awe-inspiring upgrade: Textreme frameset. This state-of-the-art material is both light and strong – perfect for tackling those longer rides without compromising on performance.
Paired with Shimano 105 R7000 groupset and a carbon frame, this updated model offers cyclists everything they need in one powerful package!
The Felt bike may have a few extra grams to lug around, but its 10kg weight won’t break any sweat! And it comes with an aerodynamic BTS storage pack – as if carrying all that tech wasn’t impressive enough already. Now you can store your snacks and spares in style too!
5. BMC TIMEMACHINE 02 TWO 2020
Get ready to race at lightning speed on this sleek Swiss-crafted TT machine!
SPECIFICATIONS
Groupset: Shimano 105
Wheelset: Shimano WH-RS 010
Frame: Timemachine 02, PF86 bottom bracket
Fork: Aero Premium Carbon
Weight: 9.18 kg
REASONS TO BUY
Buy your BMC TIMEMACHINE 02 TWO 2020 here
REASONS TO BUY
- Integrated fuelling box
- Shimano 105 groupset works great
- Hidden brake booster at rear
- Dual-mount seatpost
REASONS TO AVOID
- Beginners will have to get used to the full-aero cockpit
- It doesn’t have shifters in the drop bar
Ready to take on triathlons? The BMC Timemachine 02 Two is the perfect companion for your journey, with its Shimano 105 groupset and Dura-Ace Barend shifters. Need to speed up or slow down?
Quickly commandeer 22 available speeds using smooth shift abilities from an aero position – it’s as easy as riding a bike!
With the Timemachine 02 frame, cyclists can slice through the wind and be one step ahead of their competition. This sleek frame is designed for aerodynamics with fat flat features to reduce drag on every ride!
Adjust your riding style in seconds by changing up positions with its dual-mount seatpost – a rider’s dream come true.
Not only does the BMC Timemachine 02 Two have secret tech that boosts your braking power, but also allows you to keep it low-key for travel purposes. And when we say “low-key,” we mean an almost undetectable brake lever pull in comparison with calliper loading!
The BMC Timemachine 02 Two isn’t built for beginners; this carbon-rigid ride is designed to give the more experienced triathlete a customisable experience like no other.
From bar end shifters to adjustable seat posts, you can make your bike as unique and powerful as you!
MY ADVICE ON CHOOSING THE BEST TRIATHLON BIKE (2024)
If you’re looking for a triathlon bike to help take your performance up several levels without affecting the bank balance, there are still some considerations to make when choosing one.
With the bike you choose, all of its components will come together to transform your kinetic energy into motion. From chains and rear cassettes to cranksets, brackets, brakes, shifters and derailleurs – all these parts contribute towards getting you on a roll!
Knowing what groupset is used can give insight into how efficiently that transformation happens.
GROUPSETS
Time trial bikes generally feature one of three groupsets: Shimano 105, Ultegra or Dura-Ace. Of the trio, Dura-Ace is regarded as top-of-the-line and boasts cutting-edge technology.
Not to be outdone though – a current edition of the more ‘basic’105 model still offers an impressive level of performance at an accessible price; with many features that have trickled down from higher-end models over time!
FRAMES
Triathlon bikes are now often accompanied by the sport-specific ‘aero frames’, designed for aerodynamic speed boosts. Developed in time trial courses, these light yet resilient constructions were once only accessible to a select few elite athletes – however thanks to advances in technology and cost reduction they have become commonplace among today’s triathletes!
WHEELSETS
A lightweight, aerodynamic wheelset is a key factor to consider when piecing together the perfect ride. Furthermore, carbon fibre rims are an excellent option as they provide extra strength and agility without any added bulk.
ARE THE BEST TRIATHLON BIKES WORTH IT?
For those who take their triathlon racing to the next level, investing in a dedicated bike can be a major benefit.
Not only will it provide comfort for longer races due to its precision calibration but you’ll also have access to helpful features like compartments specifically designed storage of food and drinks during the competition!
What are your considerations when looking for your next triathlon bike? Let me know in the comments below
