Not every bike can be used in Triathlon (see for yourself)
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When starting triathlon it is always rewarding to do your first race. In my case, I started triathlon by registering for a very short triathlon ‘just for fun’. And I got worried I didn’t have the right bike for the event. So let’s clarify what’s allowed and not allowed in triathlon. But also, what kind of bike do you need for a triathlon?
The rules of triathlon are very permissive on the choice of bike for a triathlon. It is best to use a triathlon or TT bike if you wish for the most efficient time possible. A road bike is sufficient for most people and for a first triathlon any bike will do.
As long as it is allowed by the rules! Let’s review them below.
Do you need a special bike for a triathlon?
You don’t need a special bike for a triathlon. Any ‘normal’ looking bike will do. Some types of bikes are more efficient than others but the rules are quite permissive on the type of bike you can use. As long as your bike is not longer or wider than a normal bike, just be careful if you use very aero wheels, and you are good to go.
What bikes are allowed in a triathlon?
Bikes allowed in triathlon are:
- TT bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Road bikes
- Hybrid bikes
- Gravel bikes
- Cyclocross bikes
- Triathlon bikes
In summary, all the ‘regular’ bikes with a free-wheeling mechanism, not unusually longer or wider than a standard bike, and without any means to proper itself. Therefore electrical bikes are prohibited. But I am sure you knew that already 😉
Please note this list above applies to triathlons organized by World Triathlon, USAT, and Ironman.
Let’s dig into the rules from the most common event organizers. I have gathered in the tables below all the relevant information regarding bike specifications from World Triathlon, USAT, and Ironman competition rules.
Bike geometry approved in triathlon
| Description * refer to image | World Triathlon | USAT | Ironman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike overall length [E]* | < 185 cm | < 200 cm | < 200 cm |
| Bike width | Not specified | < 75 cm | < 75 cm |
| Height between ground and center of the chain wheel axle [C]* | 24-30 cm | > 24 cm | > 24 cm |
| Distance between chain wheel axle and center of the front wheel [D]* | 54-65 cm | 54-65 cm | 54-65 cm |
| Saddle tip from center of the chain wheel axle [A] & [B]* | – 15 cm / + 5 cm | – 15 cm / + 5 cm | – 15 cm / + 5 cm |
| Shields & Fairings | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Type of frame allowed | Traditional shapes, diamond shapes, UCI TT frames | Traditional shapes, diamond shapes, UCI TT frames | Not specified |
Wheel requirements for triathlon
| Feature | World Triathlon | USAT | Ironman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any type of mechanism in the wheel that moves the bike forward | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Brake on each wheel | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Disc Brakes | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Number of spokes on wheels | Minimum 12 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Disc wheels | – Prohibited (draft legal races) – Allowed for the rear wheel only (draft illegal races) | Allowed only on the rear wheel | Allowed only on the rear wheel (except at the Ironman World Championship) |
Other bike features and accessories specifications for triathlon
| Feature | World Triathlon | USAT | Ironman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handlebar ends | Must be plugged | Must be plugged | Must be plugged |
| Clip-on aero bars | Allowed (non-draft only) | Allowed (non-draft only) | Allowed |
| Platform pedals | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Mirrors | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Aero bottles | Prohibited behind saddle for draft legal races | Allowed | Allowed |
| Free-wheeling mechanism | Not specified | Mandatory (no single speed bikes allowed) | Mandatory (no single speed bikes allowed) |
Are disc brakes allowed in triathlon?
Disc brakes are allowed in triathlon whatever the organizer. Ironman, USAT, and World Triathlon all agree on this matter. It used to be banned in the past until 2018.
Can you use a regular bike for a triathlon?
You can use a regular bike for triathlon. The rules allow it. In XS and S triathlon events, there are generally several people who recently started triathlon and will participate using their regular bike. It is just not the best for speed but who cares.
Do you have to use a road bike for a triathlon?
You don’t have to use a road bike for a triathlon. It is the most common type of bike used by age group triathletes, as it is more versatile than a triathlon bike, and more affordable while still providing good aerodynamics. It is a good option for a triathlon.
A very common solution chosen by triathletes is to use a road bike and add clip-on aero bars to it. This will improve the performance of the bike. This is only possible in draft-illegal races which are the most common type of triathlon races.
If you want to know more about aero bars and understand the performance gain, I have quantified it in this article.
Can you do a triathlon on a hybrid bike?
You can do a triathlon on a hybrid bike. It is common for beginners to use whatever bike they have on their first race. If you care about performance and speed, make sure you have road tires (or slick tires) to reduce friction.
Depending on the type of hybrid bike you have, it can actually be quite similar to a road bike. Some hybrid bikes do not have suspensions and are quite light (around 10kg), making them quite efficient on the road. No shame in using an hybrid bike!
By the way, if you want to know if you need suspensions on a hybrid bike, outside of a triathlon event, I have written a dedicated article about it.
Can you use a gravel bike for a triathlon?
You can use a gravel bike for a triathlon. It will be a bit heavier than a road bike but it should not really affect your performance. A gravel bike will also be good if you have some bad tarmac on the course and pot holes.
What bikes are allowed in Ironman?
Ironman follows similar rules to USAT. That means almost all bikes are allowed except for recumbent bikes, bikes with a front disc wheel, or fixies. You can therefore race an Ironman with a TT, a gravel, or a hybrid, even if equipped with disc brakes. It’s much more permissive than UCI.
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