Triathlon Bike Reviews – Affordable Aero Bikes
Entry level Triathlon Bikes.
Yes, we know, with some of the models in our review banging on the $3,000 range, affordable might not be the best descriptor for this review. Triathlon bikes do tend to cost a bit more than regular road frames, though. Designed specifically for the sport and to be used with aero bars, beginner triathletes might want to invest a bit more on their first bike to ensure that they’ll get the most out of it for years to come.
The most important thing when it comes to finding a bike is fit, so make sure to go to a reputable dealer who can put you on the right size frame that’s going to ensure you’re comfortable and safe out on the road.
::GEARBOX
Cannondale
73122
Slice Carbon 5 105 $2,550
With a full carbon Aero Save frame, carbon fork and Slice carbon aero seat post, you get a lot of frame for the money with the Slice Carbon 5. Set up with Shimano’s durable and reliable 105 components, along with Shimano rims and hubs, Cannondale also adds in the C3 base bar with FSA TriMax Team clip ons and bar-end shifters.
::GEARBOX
Cervelo
73034
P2 $1,800 frameset, $2,800 complete
The P2 is now Cervelo’s entry-level tri bike option, but in terms of specs and performance, it is a $2,800 bike that provides excellent value and needs no upgrading. It remains the most popular choice for athletes at the Ironman World Championship. It features Cervelo’s TrueAero shapes, rear wheel cutout, aero seat stays, aero head tube and internal cable routing.
::GEARBOX
Felt
73107
B16 $2,350
The B16 gains you entry into Felt’s full carbon fibre tri bike offerings, but that does not mean it is lacking in the performance department. Riders will take full advantage of its UHC Performance MMC carbon fiber 3KP weave frame, UHC Performance carbon fork, internal cable routing, Shimano Ultegra derailleurs and an FSA Gossamer EXO crankset.
::GEARBOX
Giant
73032
Trinity Composite 2 $2,559
This bike is lightweight and stiff thanks to its composite-grade T-600 aerodynamic frameset, advanced-grade composite fork, Giant Trinity Vector SLR aero composite seatpost (where the effective seattube angle can be adjusted from 78 to 74.71 degrees). It also has internal cable routing, an FSA Omega Exo Compact crankset and FSA MegaExo bottom bracket.
::GEARBOX
Trek
73030
Speed Concept 7.0 $2,900
The Speed Concept 7.0 shares 80 per cent of the features of its flagship Speed Concept 9-Series. It is characterized by its stiff and comfortable 500 Series OCLV Carbon, KVF aerodynamic tube shape, Bontrager Race Lite E2 Tri Speed Concept carbon fork, Integrated rear brake, internal frame routing, and has compatibility with DuoTrap, Speed Box and SC Draft Box.
::GEARBOX
Jamis
73033
Comet $2,448
The Comet draws benefits from the technology showcased in Jamis’ top range models. The Aero 7005 butted aluminum frame with aero down tube is wind-tunnel tuned, has a hydroformed airfoil seat tube with wheel cut-out and most impressive is its Windshield aero full carbon fork with rear-facing/enclosed front brake for reduced aerodynamic drag.