| A triathlon is a grueling event that consists of a swim, | | | | Reason 3: Less weight to carry. |
| cycling, and ends with a run. If you don't have previous | | | | Carbon fibre and titanium bikes weigh much less when |
| conditioning, you are going to find it hard to finish the | | | | compared to traditional aluminum bikes. Of course, |
| event. Sometimes, for such events, it's all about energy | | | | aluminum bikes are more commonly seen as they cost |
| efficiency. A good road bike can help you improve | | | | a lot less. If you have the cash to spare, consider |
| your overall timing. Here's why. | | | | buying a full carbon bike. A full carbon bike can weigh |
| Reason 1: More aerodynamic. | | | | 3 to 4 kilos less than a mediocre aluminum bike. That |
| Reason 2: More comfortable ride. | | | | means those who are riding a poorly engineered bike |
| Reason 3: Less weight to carry. | | | | could be riding with a 3 to 4 kilo handicap! |
| Reason 4: Better power transfer. | | | | Reason 4: Better power transfer. |
| Reason 5: More competitive looking. | | | | Good roadies are engineered to transfer the |
| Reason 1: More aerodynamic. | | | | maximum amount of power to the wheels. If you ride |
| A good roadie is definitely more aerodynamic. If you | | | | a poorly engineered road bike, you notice that much of |
| are thinking about completing a triathlon with a | | | | the power is lost when you pedal. This is often |
| mountain bike, think again! Not that it's impossible, but it's | | | | described as "the bike is not very responsive". High |
| going to be energy sapping. Your timing will be terrible. | | | | quality road bikes prevent unnecessary energy |
| That's why very few people (except beginners) use | | | | wastage. As you pedal, the bike surges forward, and |
| mountain bikes to participate in such events. | | | | that's what you want to achieve. |
| A good bicycle helps you deal with wind resistance. | | | | Reason 5: More competitive looking. |
| The faster you go, the more wind you have to deal | | | | Join an multi-sport event and you will notice many |
| with. With a more aerodynamic position, you spend | | | | participants looking very aggressive. They dress in |
| less energy trying to overcome the wind resistance. | | | | dri-fit expensive looking clothing, and they ride super |
| That translates to better speed. You also save energy | | | | costly carbon bikes. The event appears more like a |
| for the run. | | | | bike show. Each competitor is trying to showoff his or |
| Reason 2: More comfortable ride. | | | | her latest (or most expensive) bike. |
| Good tri bikes, especially those with aero bars, | | | | This has a mental element to it. Besides being able to |
| provides you with a more comfortable ride. The | | | | showoff, having a good road bike also provides a |
| posture is more aerodynamic, allowing you to pedal | | | | mental advantage. You know, for sure, that others will |
| smoothly and cover more ground quickly. Your elbows | | | | find it hard to beat you. After all, you are carrying less |
| can rest on the handlebars and you can recover while | | | | weight, and you are up against lesser wind resistance. |
| your competitors are struggling on their bicycles. | | | | Before the event starts, you are already one up. |