To equip yourself properly for a triathlon, you must take into account your level in the three disciplines. If you are a beginner, you should choose a neoprene suit with a good degree of buoyancy. If you are at an advanced level, it is best to choose a streamlined bike and light running shoes. We explain it all!

How to choose your triathlon bike and cycling shoes?

Pourquoi utiliser un vélo spécialement fait pour le triathlon ?

Un vélo conçu pour le triathlon offre une position plus aérodynamique qu’un vélo de route. Sa pénétration dans l’air importante vous permet d’économiser vos efforts et de gagner en puissance.

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Pourquoi utiliser un vélo spécialement fait pour le triathlon ?

Quel vélo pour débuter en triathlon ?

Pour débuter en triathlon, nous vous recommandons de choisir un vélo de route classique (tel que le BMC Timemachine) auquel vous rajouterez des prolongateurs afin d’abaisser votre buste et de créer de l’aérodynamisme. Pour créer encore plus de vitesse, vous pouvez prendre un vélo dit « aéro » (tel que le Trek Madone). Son cadre avance la position du corps tout en restant confortable.

Quel vélo pour performer en triathlon ?

Si vous avez un niveau avancé, le meilleur rendement vous sera offert par un vélo entièrement conçu pour le triathlon (tel que le Cube Aerium ou le Cervélo P5 ou P3). Ce type de vélo crée une pénétration dans l’air très importante grâce à son cadre plongeant et à son guidon profilé muni de prolongateurs.

Carbon or aluminum wheels? That’s the big question!

Aluminum wheels

More for beginners and for training (example: Mavic Aksium).

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Carbon wheels

More for the performance. Light and stiff, carbon wheels bring a maximum performance (Mavic Cosmic Pro Carbon UST, DT Swiss PRC 1100 DICUT 35…).

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Good to know: for flat roads, prefer a profiled rim. For the hilly courses, a low rim size.

Spokes and triathlon tires

The rays

For a maximum speed, we advise you to mix two types of wheels: spoked at the front and lenticular* at the rear.

*A lenticular wheel is a solid wheel. Driven by the wind, it stores power and generates speed. It allows you to be more competitive and to stand out from your competitors.

The tires

I choose the easy way

A classic tire is practical and easy to use. And in case of a puncture, it is easy to replace.

I choose the compromise

A “tubular” tire offers better performance than a conventional tire, but in case of a puncture, it takes a long time to replace. Bring a spare to save time.

In any case, take a puncture-proof spray with you. An indispensable ally!

Triathlon bike shoes: how to choose them?

Ventilated shoes

Triathlon cycling shoes have an inner lining that allows them to be worn without socks to ease the transition after swimming. To help your feet dry quickly after the swim, choose shoes with ventilation and mesh inserts and put talcum powder inside the shoes.

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Velcro shoes

To save time during the transition, choose a shoe with Velcro® closure such as the Cosmic Elite Tri from Mavic.

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How to choose a triathlon bike helmet?

Usual helmet

Either you keep your usual bicycle helmet for a good ventilation;

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Aero helmet

Either you buy an “aero helmet” (if and only if your bike is also aero; otherwise, the helmet’s performance will be lower). The aero helmet is very poorly ventilated but very efficient. Examples: the Giro Aerohead MIPS and the Kask Bambino Pro.

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See our other equipment tips

What are the best road bikes? The triathlon bike

To the question “what is the best road bike”, the answers are clearly multiple: fierce competitors, inveterate cyclosportives or passionate hikers, the needs will be very diverse depending on the practice. How about our comparison of the best road bikes in each category?

Tout savoir sur le vélo triathlon