Best Triathlon Bike for Beginners in 2018 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

by David Wright | November 2, 2018

Competing in a triathlon is not an easy task and triathletes know it better than anybody else. It is about taking advantage of any situation and opportunity. As soon as the training phase begins, you start to learn the art of taking advantage of any situation.

A sensible selection of the best triathlon bikes for beginners guarantees the development of the best techniques that might create a significant difference in future competitions.

Nowadays, with technological advancements, you have to consider a lot of factors when selecting the best triathlon bikes for beginners. We have chosen the Blue Triad AL 50.5cm Bike Shimano 105 2×11 as the best option for those who at the beginner’s level.

As the top overall choice among the best triathlon bikes for beginners, it features high speed, comfort, and adjustability. Aluminum is its major constituent, and it makes it more resistant. Carbon detailing in the seat offers more efficient race positions, and its aerodynamic design delivers a fast ride. Its weight is only 20.6lbs, and its price is perfect for the first investment. In addition, our list offers more bikes with different features so that you can make the best decision based on your preferences.

Best Triathlon Bikes for Beginners in 2018 – our list:

1. Blue Triad AL 50.5cm Bike Shimano 105 2×11 – Best Overall

This bike has the best aerodynamic design featuring high-quality components. It is manufactured with the superflow tube technology for the construction of the fork, down tube and seat cross sections. The design is such that it allows the bike to achieve more speed by ensuring minimum direct contact with the wind flow.

The seat is also dual-position and manufactured in high-quality carbon to perform more aggressive race positions. Its weight is just 20.6lbs and includes dual position brakes to offer more security. The frame is built in 6061 Aluminum Hydro-Form Triple Guage which guarantees effective resistance.

It is an excellent choice to start practicing triathlon and has a very affordable price.

Pros and Cons

2. Blue Triad SP 51cm Carbon Time Trial – The Entry-Level Model

This is an exceptionally lightweight model that favors the speed and ensure optimal performance. The use of the high-modulus carbon fiber is one of the major positives of this bike. Despite its competitive price it still maintains the high quality.

This model is something every beginner must consider. It also includes super flow tube technology with a fork, down tube and seat cross sections which are oriented in the same way the wind flows. The wheels are made of carbon-fiber.

A dual-position seat post and a Power-Arc curved chainstay, form a wind shadow for rear cassette and derailleur.

Pros and Cons

3. Kestrel 5000 SL Ultegra Triathlon – The Best for Customization

If you are ready to start your triathlon experience with a higher level of professionalism, this is the best choice for you. It is fast superbike that is entirely manufactured in all new 800K high modulus carbon fiber. Considering the performance, the price is affordable.

This model stands out for its traditional Oval Concepts handlebar and stem interface, a couple of factors which facilitate easy adjustment and customization. It includes Aero Brakes for secure stopping, and the internal cable routing ensures that the whole bike receives clean airflow to allow maximum speed.

Pros and Cons

4. DiamonBack Bicycles Series F – The Professional’s Option

Despite being a beginner, you don´t necessarily have to avoid a professional option. This bike is among the best models to go through the wind and any other condition that requires the best performance. The frame is part of F series, and it is manufactured with unidirectional carbon that keeps it light and efficient.

It features aerodynamic shifting to keep you hammering right to the finish line without distraction. A HED Jet Plus wheelset offers high stability and dynamic handling.

Pros and Cons

5. 2015 Kestrel Talon Tri Carbon Fiber – The Most Versatile

When you want to use your bike for triathlon rides, you can’t reject this impressive model. The rider can choose between a road or triathlon-style position because it has an aerodynamic frame with road-friendly geometry. It also includes a base plus clip-on aero bar to shift from one mode to another.

Kestrel Talon Tri also features Oval Concepts tri saddle and FSA Metron bar-end shifters.

Pros and Cons

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Triathlon Bike for Beginners

It has never been easy, but the best way to find the best triathlon bikes for beginners is to spare some time for research. Now that these competitions are so popular, the offer of bicycles and other accessories are continually growing. The most advanced models include sophisticated features to help professional win the hardest of competitions.

But, if you are just beginning your way to this sport, perhaps you are not ready to buy one of those high-end bikes. That is why there are triathlon bikes for beginners. They are available at affordable prices, and their basic features will ease you through initial training.

As triathlons require speed and high performance, it is essential that the basic models include features to facilitate better aerodynamics, adjustability, and comfort.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamic features are highly important to achieve great results, especially concerning speed. Any triathlon bike should include some of these features. As the price increases, the aerodynamic features also improve to allow the wind to flow smoothly through the bike and its components.

Sometimes the whole bike has an aerodynamic design. But you can observe with some bikes that only the frames, seats and/or pedals support aerodynamic features. You can’t simply ignore or underrate this highly significant feature when selecting a reliable triathlon bike.

Adjustability and Comfort

Everybody has a unique physique, i.e. weight and size, so it is vital that some features include some level of adjustability. The adjustability is also referred to how some components can be adjusted to take the best advantage of the wind and the road. Every model includes one of those, so make sure you find something that appeals to you.

You need to select the bike that promises easy adjustments. Remember, adjustability alone is of no use if it is not comfortable for you to make these adjustments. Adjustability in addition to comfort is what you should be looking for.

Budget

There is a wide range of prices available. Before making your decision, it is important to consider the level of knowledge that you have about bikes for triathlon and the sport itself. Get well informed about the features and never forget that this is going to be the first bike.

You will probably require some additional features as you advance with your practice. As a beginner, you must be looking at a middle range price.

How To Cycle Like A Pro

Conclusion

Among all the options available, the best choice should take into consideration an estimated budget and the basic features of aerodynamics, comfort, and adjustability. Triathlons are tough competitions and may require long periods of time on the bike. In any case, it is crucial that you find the best features that can also improve your performance on the road.

It will definitively foster you to continue with this terrific sport.