![]() While the gear below was loaned out by the brands represented, all choices were selected independently by the tester without any promotional consideration or brand input. Here, we’re assuming a low level of mechanical skill-for instance, the person we’re rating for could change a tire, but maybe not adjust a derailleur. With so many bike brands using the direct-to-consumer model, we rate how easy the home build would be for the average triathlete. Of course pretty much all the bikes we review work for almost any distance, but these distances are where each complete bike-as shipped-will shine. This is a quick look at which distance tri the bike will be good for, out of the box. A more stable bike will require less input from the rider to stay straight, but again, it looks at the complete bike as a whole-wheels included. This rating looks at how stable a bike feels in the aerobars in crosswinds and on descents. 5/5 here is very tight handling 1 / 5 is a bike that swoops out on corners but might be more consistent. This isn’t necessarily a positive thing if you prefer a bike that sweeps more reliably through corners, as opposed to a bike that can turn on a dime. Separate from stability, this is the rating that scores how sharp the bike cuts corners. Again, other components aside from the frame can come into play here. Here we’re evaluating how the bike responds under high torque (standing up over a hill or out of a corner) and high wattage (powering over a roller). This is another rating that looks at the sum of the parts on the complete build. Keep in mind that more than just a frame can affect comfort, and since we evaluate the complete bike as it’s sold, other components can come into play-wheels, tires, even bars. This rating specifically judges the complete bike on vertical compliance, not fit or handling. This is not just absolute price from low to high. ![]() Here we look at the value behind the complete bike, looking mostly at components, but also frame quality as well. Obviously tri bikes can (and should) be adapted by a good fitter, and a fitter should ideally be consulted even before purchasing a bike, but this rating details how much adjustment (I.e., aerobar spacers, alternate saddle positions, etc) from the frame’s baseline could be required to get an optimal fit. This is not only the number of sizes offered, but also the range from smallest to largest. What makes something a good triathlon or TT bike? We base our best triathlon bikes of 2023 ratings off the following criteria (noted below): fit range, value, comfort, acceleration stiffness, handling tightness, stability, ease of assembly-and we let you know what distance we think that tri bike is best suited for. ![]() We’ve been super busy this spring, riding and reviewing all of the interesting new bikes on the market this year -parsing out the marketing hype from the real-world, on-the-road reality to determine the best triathlon bikes of 2023. ![]() Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! ![]()
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