Thinking About Upgrading Your Ride?
If you’re getting into triathlon or looking to level up your cycling, you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I get a road bike or a tri bike?
Both have big advantages — it just depends on your goals, experience, and where you like to ride. Here’s what you need to know before you decide.
🛣️ Road Bikes
Best for: New cyclists, group rides, and all-around training
Road bikes are built for versatility and control. They’re designed to handle smooth pavement, turns, and group riding with ease.
You’ll notice the curved handlebars, which give you multiple hand positions, and a more upright fit that helps with visibility and comfort. Road bikes are still fast, but they focus more on handling and light weight than aerodynamics.
If you’re newer to cycling, a road bike is the ideal choice to build skills and confidence.
🚴 Triathlon Bikes
Best for: Solo training, racing, and pure speed
Triathlon bikes are all about aerodynamics — helping you cut through the wind and conserve energy for your run. With a proper fit, athletes often ride 1–2 mph faster at the same effort compared to a road bike.
The aero handlebars let you rest your forearms and stay tucked in a streamlined position. A steeper seat angle moves you slightly forward on the pedals, reducing strain on your hips and core so you can transition to the run more efficiently.
Tri bikes are perfect for flat or rolling triathlon courses, but they’re less agile in traffic or tight corners.
🏁 Which Should You Choose?
For most new triathletes, starting with a road bike is the smarter move. It’s easier to handle, more versatile, and helps you learn to ride confidently in different conditions.
Even experienced athletes keep both — using their road bike for group rides, climbs, or traffic-heavy areas, and their tri bike for race day or solo workouts focused on speed.
⚙️ Ready for a Tri Bike?
If you’re already confident on your road bike and ready to take things up a notch — whether to get faster or race longer distances — it might be time to invest in a tri bike.
At Playtri, we offer one of the largest selections of road and triathlon bikes in the world, plus our Fit First service to help you find your perfect frame and dial in your position for maximum comfort and performance.
Ready to find your ride?
👉 Explore bikes and fitting options at Playtri.