Why TT bikes for triathlon/ironman?

[kanigit]

As a point of curiosity for a newbie(I'm not a roadie - yet), why are TT bikes chosen for triathlons/ironman events, as opposed to std road bikes?

[Guest agteros]

As a point of curiosity for a newbie(I'm not a roadie - yet), why are TT bikes chosen for triathlons/ironman events, as opposed to std road bikes?

 

 

TT bikes give an aerodynamic advantage (but only if you go fast enough - I've heard 25km/h+)

[mrmed]

Because we look cool?

[gummibear]

You save about 1 minute over 40km @ 35 or above.To the avg Joe that's not much but to the Pro's that can be a win or second place.

 

Also your running muscles work more on a std road bike,so with a TT bike your legs feel a little less like jelly,when you start your run.You can put a forward seat post on a road bike to acheive this to

 

TT bikes just looks so cool though

[kanigit]

Umm, ok that all makes sense..............so how come all road racers don't use TT bikes given the time savings?

[Raab]

Umm, ok that all makes sense..............so how come all road racers don't use TT bikes given the time savings?

 

I might be wrong but they are not allowed in road races, someone once told me they are deemed unsafe in roadraces. Could that be right?

[Genesis]

Umm, ok that all makes sense..............so how come all road racers don't use TT bikes given the time savings?

 

For safety reasons.

When on the tri-bars you do not have as much control, especially braking in emergency, which makes it pretty dangerous riding in a bunch.

 

Hence no drafting allowed in TT or Ironman and Triathlon events.

[Pietervdw]

Is there any sense in putting road bars (sti, brakes etc) on a tri/TT bike and using it for road racing and then converting to aero for tri/TT?

[Ellsworth1]

Is there any sense in putting road bars (sti, brakes etc) on a tri/TT bike and using it for road racing and then converting to aero for tri/TT?

 

Usually the post angle is pretty agressive on a TT bike and not suited to road riding. Better to get a road bike and push the seat forward for a tri if you are a once off warrior. Also the TT frames while lite are made to be aero and can be a bit heavier if you are not getting top of the range. They are also crazy expensive if you want carbon.

[Guest agteros]

Also to confuse the issue on a technical level, the ICU has rules regarding seat position, bike length etc which are not applicable ITU non-drafting events?