10 Best Triathlon Bikes 2021
If you’re on a quest to find what the best triathlon bikes are you’ll be surprised by how difficult it actually is. In our personal experience, we’ve witnessed cases when a triathlon race participant performs way better with a custom made triathlon bike. The cyclists changed the components until he got the best set of components.
Below you’ll find what the top 10 triathlon bikes are along with a few tips and advice that’ll help you out find the best triathlon bike. You don’t have to compete to enjoy on the merits of a high-quality bike.
Top 10 Triathlon Bikes Comparison Chart
| Picture | Name | Size (cm) | Brief description | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Kestrel 2016 Talon Tri Shimano 105 Bicycle | 48/ 52/ 55/ 57/ 60 | Carbon Fiber Frame/ Aerodynamic/ Delivered following Kestrel's proprietary production processes | $$$$ | 4.9 |
| 2. Schwinn Phocus 1600 Men's Road Bike 700c Wheels, 56CM Frame | 56 | Aluminum Frame/ Carbon Fork/ Alloy Rims/ Competitive level components | $$ | 4.5 |
| 3. Giordano Libero 1.6 Men's Road Bike-700c | 56 | Aluminum Frame/ Aluminum Fork/ Alloy Rims/ Competitive level components | $$$ | 4.2 |
| 4. Vilano FORZA 3.0 Aluminum Carbon Shimano Sora Road Bike | 49 | Aluminum Frame/ Carbon Fork | $$$ | 4.2 |
| 5. Schwinn Men's Volare 1300 Bike, 700c, White | 56 | Aluminum Frame/ Alloy Fork/ Alloy High Profile Rims/ Alloy Crank | $ | 4.2 |
| 6. Merax® Finiss Aluminum 21 Speed 700C Road Bike Racing Bicycle Shimano | 54 | Aluminum Frame/ Aluminum Fork/ Alloy Rims/ Competitive level components | $ | 4.1 |
| 7. Schwinn Men's Phocus 1400 700C Drop Bar Road Bicycle, Black, 18-Inch | 58 | Aluminum Frame/ Aluminum Fork/ Alloy Rims | $$ | 4 |
| 8. Vilano Shadow Road Bike - Shimano STI Integrated Shifters | 50/ 54/ 58 | Robust Build/ Aluminum Frame/ Competitve Level Components | $$ | 3.8 |
| 9. New 2015 VISP-A01 High Fashion Red 54 cm 700C 14 Gears Men Road Bike | 54 | Aluminum Frame/ Disc Brakes/ Competitive Level Components | $$$ | 3.8 |
| 10. GMC Denali Road Bike | 50/ 54/ 58 | Aluminum Frame/ Competitive Level Components/ High Profile Alloy Rims | $$ | 3.7 |
Pinpointing a Good Triathlon Bike – Crucial Features
Regardless of the type of the race at hand, every bike must be aerodynamic with a frame geometry that puts the cyclist in the best possible position. Efficiency is very important for the overall performance and the end result.
The build material affects the weight and the transfer of power effectiveness. For example, a carbon fiber frame is lighter, can be molded into virtually any shape, but it’s demanding if you want to reach your full potential. In a way, a carbon fiber framesets a glass ceiling on top of you. You know you can do it, but you need to work a bit harder. Bullhorn handlebars, a kickstand, additional water bottle mounts, these are the things you want on your triathlon bike. All of these can be added later. For the time being, pay attention to the frame, the rims, and the fork. Furthermore, integrated shifters are mandatory.
Make your buying decision with these in mind. These are the top triathlon bikes the market has to offer!
Top 3 Best Triathlon Bikes Reviews
1. Kestrel 3065170648-parent
You better get one of these as soon as possible, otherwise you’ll have to wait for the new batch to be produced. This is the Kestrel Talon Tri equipped with Shimano components, made to deliver the best possible conditions for best competitive performance. Kestrel is known for its revolutionary production processes which include special attention to small details. Once we add all of them up these details make a huge difference.
Although the Shimano 105 is a competitive entry-level line of components they’re proven to be one of the most reliable and well-performing components. The frame and the fork are made of carbon fiber. Carbon is light, durable and it transfers the cyclist power most effectively. The bullhorn handlebars have special shifters mounted on them which allow the cyclist to switch gears without leaving the aerodynamic body position. You can get the Kestrel Talon in 5 different sizes, 48, 52, 55, 57 and 60.
This is the complete package when it comes to triathlon bikes. We were compelled to put it at the top of our best triathlon bikes list.
2. Schwinn Phocus 1600
Before you jump into premature conclusions that this is not a triathlon bike let us explain. In our introduction, we pointed out how triathlon participants like to experiment with the components. For instance, you can mount bullhorn handlebars whenever you want. You can mount them on only for race rides, for example, and you can ride it casually without them. It’s convenient, isn’t it?
It’s a mid-tier road bike that’s able to deliver great performance. It comes with an alloy frame, alloy high profile aerodynamic rims and Shimano Claris 14 speed derailleurs and integrated shifters.
You can get the Schwinn Phocus 1600 in two colors, black and white with minor colorful elements. Since it’s in the mid to low price range cycling enthusiasts who are not into competitive cycling can afford it and still ride a decent road bike suitable for the triathlon. Don’t let the brand fool you. Schwinn may not be Scott or Trek, but the Phocus 1600 can go the distance if pushed to the limits, but it’s nowhere near the Kestrel Talon.
3. Giordano 42740-P
The aluminum frame has a marvelous glossy design that’s a head turner. It includes two water bottle mounts in case you need extra water to stay hydrated during longer rides. The frame is handcrafted with maximum precision to ensure high durability. The Giordano Libero 1.6 comes with high-profile alloy rims that help the cyclist maintain high momentum with less effort.
Despite the somewhat decent price with this bike, you’ll look like a pro on the road. You may have to change the pedals since they’re not compatible with cycling shoes. This is probably the only flaw we can point out. It weights less than 30 pounds. Although not the lightest bike, but the geometry of the bike allows the cyclist to climb steep slopes conveniently.
However, the Giordano Libero fails in the value for money segment. That’s why it sits firmly on the 3rd place and that’s why the Kestrel Talon is the throne holder and it’s the best among the triathlon bikes the market has to offer.
