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Will Clarke
Triathlon Cycling

Should I use a time trial bike or a road bike for a triathlon?

Time trial bikes are built purely for getting from A to B as quickly as possible, and they’re not nearly as comfortable as your road bike, but they’re heaps faster that’s for sure. With a good position you’re likely to be around 4kph faster compared to your road bike.

If you’re looking to just get round and complete your triathlon a road bike will serve you very well, however if you want to be competitive at the pointy end of the races then a time trial bike is your best option. The only time where I’d say a road bike would be a better option are courses such as Alpe d’Huez where the majority of the race is climbing.

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Will is a British triathlete. He's a former U23 World and European Champion, competed at Beijing 2008 and has twice b...