8 Best Road Bikes For Triathlon To Win Any Race
Triathlon bike riding is one of the most expensive but enjoyable cycling sports. There is no limit to the options for purchasing a triathlon bicycle. As a beginner, you take extra care and must have some cycling knowledge to choose the best road bikes for triathlon to practice and win the race.
Are you searching for the best road bikes for triathlon racing competitions? Our testing team researched super-light and fastest road bike models from the online market and bought the 11 best options to test for this review, having price ranges from $1000 to $3000 price range.
After purchasing, our professional bike riders on the testing team spent hours upon hours for ten months. They rode hundreds of miles on racing tracks of the Mount Tamalpais cycling route, a peak in California, to check the performance of each bike model. According to our testing results, SAVADECK Aurora and Schwinn Fastback are the best road bikes for triathlon overall.
We ranked each bike based on its performance, price, quality of components, weight, frame material, and how fast it can run. We filtered out our results and made the following ranking list of eight road bikes suitable and perfect for triathlon riders. All these bikes have carbon fiber frames, much lighter than aluminum and alloy steel frames. However, if you want a road bike for your wife, daughter, or girlfriend, you can check our latest review on best road bikes for women reviewed by professional female cyclists with the collaboration of fitness experts.
Best Road Bikes For Triathlon
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
1  | SAVADECK Aurora Road Bike | ||
2  | Schwinn Fastback Road Bike | ||
3  | KABON Carbon Triathlon Bike | ||
4  | KOOTU Full Carbon Road Bike | ||
5  | SAVADECK Windwarr 5.0 Triathlon Bike | ||
6  | Hearts Bio Model H Bike | ||
7  | TRIFOX Carbon Road Bike | ||
8  | Mekk Primo 6.6 Carbon Road Bike |
1. SAVADECK Aurora Carbon Fiber Road Bike
Features:
- Full Carbon Fiber Parts on Whole Bike
- Fully Internal Cable Routing Design
- Full Shimano 105 24-Speed Groupset
- Powerful Dual Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Front Carbon Fork & Carbon Seat Tube
- Durable Crankset & Tapered Head Tube
- Four Bearing Hub For Highest Efficiency
- 700 x 25C Carbon Wheelset & Grippy Tires
This SAVADECK Aurora Racing Road Bike took top honors in our best triathlon road bikes ranking list. Its wind-breaking modern frame is equipped with a carbon fiber frame, front carbon fork, and carbon seat tube, and it is manufactured through a multi-layer stacking process to make it five times harder than regular aluminum frame road bikes.
It is the lightest road bike for triathlon racers of this review we have tested and has only 8.8 Kg weight. It provides an unforgettable riding experience with aerodynamic handlebars, carbon seat tubes, a 700c carbon fiber wheelset, and 25C high-strength grippy racing tires to give racers fast-rolling speed. The full Shimano 24-speed shifting system and powerful hydraulic disc brakes worked well to give full speed control with accuracy to ride faster.
However, another significant feature is its fully internal cable routing, which protects wires from sunlight and reduces wind tunnel resistance for fast-speed rides. Compared to other bike models in this review we have tested, this road bike is much more solid and versatile and gives confidence at fast speeds. However, due to its slim tires and triathlon racing features, it is not usable for mountain trail riding.
2. Schwinn Fastback Triathlon Road Bike
Features:
- Multi-Layer Carbon Fiber Frame & Fork
- Full Shimano 22-Speed Shifter & Groupset
- Front & Rear Shimano Pivot Caliper Brakes
- Schwinn S1 Breathable Racing Saddle
- Shimano Alloy Wheels & Kenda Grippy Tires
- Internal Cable Routing For Clean Airflow
- Five Sizes Fits For 5’0” to 6’4” Tall Riders
This Schwinn Fastback Pro Racing Road Bike is their latest model, which has gravel-specification features to enjoy comfortable and stable riding over rough road surfaces. This bike comes with a multi-surface carbon fiber frame and fork to make it much harder than aluminum frame bikes and super light for fast-speed triathlon racing.
Schwinn uses the latest Shimano dual-pivot caliper brakes, which provide excellent stopping power even in bad weather conditions and are more responsive than the brakes of other road bikes we tested. Our testers were extremely impressed with the great combination of the Shimano 105 groupset and the Shimano 22-speed shifter for fast-speed riding.
Its 700c aluminum wheels and Kenda 25c grippy tires provide fast rolling and solid grip over different road surfaces. During assembly, we noticed that its handlebar was made from aluminum, and no pre-drilled mount holes were provided to attach the water bottle cage. However, Schwinn offers five sizes to accommodate 5’0″ to 6’4″ tall riders.
3. KABON Carbon Road Bike For Triathlon
Features:
- Carbon Fiber Frame, Fork, Seat & Handlebar
- Made With Multi-Layer Stacking Process
- Shimano 22-Speed Shifter & Derailleur
- Front & Rear Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Integrated Hollow Design On Crankset
- Aluminum Alloy Rims With Turning Edge
- 700 x 28C Tires & Four Bearings Black Hub
- Lightest Bike Have only 8.5 Kg Weight (18.7lb)
This KABON Racing Road Bike is a stellar road bike with an affordable price of under 1500 dollars. KABON manufactured its T800 carbon fiber frame, carbon fork, drop-down carbon handlebar, and carbon seat tube using a multi-layer stacking process to give a solid and fast performance at such an affordable price that it is tough to beat.
KABON uses the latest Shimano 22-speed shifter and Shimano derailleur technology to provide precise and quick gear shifting. At less than 19 pounds, with fully internal cable routing and ergonomic geometry, this road bike is excellent and super fast for triathlon racers.
Its well-chosen powerful disc brakes provide reliable speed control and responsive stopping power in all weather conditions. While assembling this bike for testing, we felt its handlebar has limited height adjustability but provides a comfortable hand position. Overall, this road bike is available in four different sizes and is an excellent option for 5’2″ to 6’5″ triathlon racing riders.
4. KOOTU Full Carbon Road Bike
Features:
- Wind-Proof Internal Cable Routing
- Carbon Fiber Frame, Fork, Handlebar
- Shimano 22-Speed Shifting Groupset
- Dual Cable-Operated Oil Disc Brakes
- Soft Saddle With Narrow Front Side
- Super-Light Carbon Fiber Wheels
- 700 x 25C Anti-Skid Fast Rolling Tires
This KOOTU Full Carbon Road Bike is a super light and high-performance racing bike manufactured using a fully online design to make it a wind-breaker for fast speed. KOOTU uses a lightweight T800 carbon fiber frame, carbon handlebar, carbon seatpost, carbon fork, and front and rear carbon wheelset to ensure stable, fastest rides.
We awarded this racing road bike the best for triathlon racers due to its 25c anti-skid tires, which respond immediately to pedaling and provide super-fast rolling, giving 40% extra speed than ordinary road bikes. Its latest cable-operated oil disc brakes and Shimano 22-speed shifting groupset make it a favorite choice for fast-speed racers.
Its internal cable routing provides smooth airflow, and the narrow seat design protects riders from rubbing their legs during fast pedaling. We placed this bike in the middle of our listing due to the very narrow space between the rear tire and frame. Overall, this racing road bike provides a stable forward riding position and is available in five different sizes for 5’0″ to 6’3 “tall riders.
5. SAVADECK Windwar 5.0 Triathlon Road Bike
Features:
- One-Piece Molded Carbon Fiber Frame
- Full Carbon Fork, Handlebar & Seatpost
- Shimano 105 22-Speed Latest STI Shifter
- Dual-Caliper Brakes With Alloy Clamp
- 700 x 25C Ultra Sports German Tires
- One-Piece Molded Aerodynamic Handlebar
- Fully Concealed Internal Cable Routing
- 140mm Cooling Rotor & Ergonomic Seat
SAVADECK broke the molding technology when introducing this Full Carbon Racing Road Bike. This company uses new polymer technology to manufacture a one-piece molded carbon fiber frame, carbon fork, carbon handlebar, and carbon Seatpost. Its ultra-lightweight of 21 pounds and wind-breaking geometry provide full stability at fast speed to triathlon racers.
SAVADECK Windwar 5.0′s fully concealed internal cable routing, ergonomic seat design, and one-piece aero handlebar provide an excellent fast-moving riding position. SAVADECK uses the latest technology of the Shimano SORA R3000 derailleur system with a 22-speed STI shifter to quickly change gears.
The unique lines pulling oil disc brakes are outstanding and provide confident stopping power even at fast speeds. Its 700 x 25C German sports tires are specially used for triathlon racers. However, our little complaint is about the provided pedals, which have mid-range quality and may disturb your riding speed. However, you can easily upgrade these pedals.
6. Hearts Bio Model H Carbon Road Bike
Features:
- Carbon Fiber Frame, Seat Post & Fork
- Shimano 20-Speed Tiagra Shifting System
- Front & Rear Linear Pull Alloy Rim Brakes
- Rust-Proof Aluminum Alloy Handlebar
- Soft Seat With Anti-Numbing Center Hole
- 700 x 25C Tires & Aluminum Alloy Wheels
- Four Sizes Fits For 5’2” to 6’2” Racers
This Hearts Bio Model H Carbon Road Bike is the latest model in the brand’s line of Hear Bio racing bikes. It has been upgraded with a Toray T700 supreme carbon fiber frame, carbon seat post, and carbon fork. This entry-level racing bike has a relaxed design and comes with quality components specifically chosen for triathlon riders.
When we rode it for testing, we enjoyed its great combination of aerodynamic geometry and surprisingly lightweight—18.5 pounds—that gives a quick response on the first pedal and performs super fast as a racing car. That’s not enough; Hears Bio also offers a Shimano 18-speed Sora shifter and a Shimano 20-speed Tiagra shifter option. Both shifting systems are super fast and give accurate speed changes.
The company also offers custom logo designs for cycling clubs and bike dealers. However, we double-checked its specifications and found that its handlebar and wheels are made of aluminum and do not come in carbon fiber material. But there is nothing to worry about; the company uses premium quality rust-proof aluminum, which will not affect your triathlon performance. Our testers awarded it the versatile, lightest, and fastest racing road bike for triathlon riders.
7. TRIFOX Triathlon Carbon Road Bike
Features:
- Carbon Fiber Frame, Fork & Seat Tube
- Shimano Sora 18-Speed Shifting System
- Rust-Proof Hand Pull Dual Caliper Brakes
- Bump-Resistance Rubber In Front Fork
- Aerodynamic Handlebar & Soft Saddle
- 700C Tires & 27.5 Inch Large Wheels
This TRIFOX Carbon Road Bike is the least expensive and best-performing model in this comparison review. This excellent-built road bike has a T800 carbon fiber frame and carbon seat tube and features bump-resistant rubber in the front carbon fiber fork to absorb vibrations.
The most interesting point we noted during test rides was that this bike weighs only 8.9 kg (19.6 lbs) and can easily support up to 350-pound heavy riders, giving them an enjoyable fast-speed riding experience. The Shimnao Sora 18-speed shifting system is impressive and provides outstanding gear shifting.
You will also get front and rear quick-responsive disc brakes that allow you to control bike speed in any weather condition. However, the material of the provided pedals is not much better, and most riders probably do not prefer this issue.
8. Mekk Primo 6.6 Carbon Road Bike
Features:
- Lightweight Carbon Fiber Frame Material
- Shimano Ultegra 22-Speed Fast Shifter
- Shock-Absorbing Front Carbon Fiber Fork
- Aerodynamic Handlebar & San Marco Saddle
- Shimano RS10 Aluminum Alloy Wheel Set
- Continental Ultra Sport 700X23C Tires
- Four Size Suitable For 5’0” to 6’3” Riders
The Mekk Primo 6.6 Racing Road Bike is little bit expensive than other road bike models in this comparison review. When we purchased it for testing, it was available for $2829. This bike is built around a carbon fiber frame and fork coated with a gold oil layer for attractive high-gloss shine.
We loved Mekk Primo’s attractive paintwork on the frame, fork, and wheels, which makes them more attractive for triathlon events. Its dual mechanical disc brakes also provide good value in all weather conditions. The company also offers this racing road bike in Shimano Ultegra 22-speed fast indexing shifting system.
Other durable specifications of this bike include a San Marco saddle, shock-absorbing front carbon fork, Shimano RS10 aluminum wheelset, and 700x23C TPI sports tires. Its 8.6 Kg (19 pounds) weight makes it super light and fast for triathlon racing competitions. The company offers this bike in four different sizes suitable for 5’0″ to 6’3″ tall racers.
Why You Should Trust Us:
Our bike test team uses its sources to research newly released and popular triathlon road bike models in online markets. They also connect with different bike brands and bike shop owners to regularly get updates on the latest triathlon road bike models before making a decision to buy bikes for testing and review.
After purchasing, we measure weight and check each bike’s specifications thoroughly before testing it on the road. We spend most of our testing time riding road bikes on different racing tracks. During test rides, we also make detailed notes on the performance and quality of each bike component under different riding situations.
Our testing team includes professional bike racers who have years of experience riding road bikes and racing bikes in different cycling competitions, including triathlons and the Tour de France. They have tested more than 560 bikes and 2600 cycling products for this website. At the end of the testing process, we calculate scores using our ranking metrics to rank each model and decide the winners.
Our Ranking Metrics:
Our testing and rating criteria to choose the best road bikes for triathlon are divided into the following five ranking metrics:
- Bike Build Test (Geometry + Manufacturing)
- Bike Weight Test (Material Used In Frame & Wheels)
- Speed Test (Pedalling Rate + Frame Design)
- Road Grip Test (Rim Shape + Tires Performance)
- Comfortability (Seat Quality + Handlebar Size + Riding Position)
Our Testing Team Members:
As senior road bike tester, Stephon Batz leads our road bike testing team and has previous experience sourcing multiple road bike brands. He also runs a cycling club of road bike teams since 2018. Stephon started bike riding in 2009 by participating in different racing competitions. Before joining us, he worked as a bike mechanic and sales manager in a bicycle repair shop in Springfield, Illinois. Now, he spends much time assembling and testing different road bikes for our review articles.
Our senior staff writer for road bike review, Bart Summers, started his cycling career as a BMX rider and quickly changed his riding style into triathlon and cyclocross racing. He actively participated in triathlon events and professional racing competitions from 2005 to 2022. He also wrote a cycling book, “50 Top Bike Racing Tips”, which covers useful and important tips for cycling racers. His more than 17 years of experience in bike riding, coaching, and bicycle races extremely impressed us, and we gave him an offer to contribute his expertise to our road bike review articles in 2023.
How We Choose And Test Road Bikes:
We gathered a list of the latest and most popular road bike models for triathlon events. Based on the recommendations of our testing team members, we selected 11 top triathlon road bikes to test. our team tested each bike on racing tracks of the Mount Tamalpais cycling route in California. We did not limit our testing procedure to racing tracks only. We spent more than three months on different roads to check each bike’s maximum performance and handling.
After testing and evaluating results, eight of the eleven triathlon road bike models were selected for this review article. (Since the other three bikes did not fit our ranking criteria, none of these bikes became our pick.)
Why? We initially thought these three road bikes might give outstanding performance, but they were slow performers and did not provide fast speed due to their heavy weight and fewer speed drivetrains than the eight top models we tested. Ultimately, it depends on your personal needs and budget to choose a suitable option from our recommended list of the best road bikes for triathlon racing events.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Everyone works for money to make a living for their home and family and re-invest in business. We work on affiliate marketing models and provide affiliate links in this review. We may earn a commission after a successful sale. If you buy from our provided affiliate link, we will get a commission from the bike manufacturer to run this website and buy new bikes for our next reviews. It will not affect the final price of the product you purchase through our link. For more details, read our affiliate disclosure policy.
Conclusion:
Ideally, every road bike looks suitable for triathlon races, but there are several reasons to consider before purchasing one. For example, in our testing, we found that the lighter a road bike, the faster speed you will get. So, when searching for the fastest-speed triathlon road bike, consider first the lowest possible bike weight, wind-breaking frame design, and fast-rolling tires.
You can also check other specifications, such as brakes, handlebar size, seat quality, smoothness of speed shifter, and derailleur performance, to ensure that the bike is safe and secure for your riding style. However, it is also time-consuming for individuals to check the specifications of each bike.
Therefore, we provided this review article after in-depth testing and using the experience of our bike testing team to save your time, energy, and effort. As the triathlon events continue to grow, we will regularly take tests and provide reviews of new road bike models to update this review as much as possible. We hope this will help you choose the best options according to your riding styles.
