3 questions I always get as a bike fitter

1. Can I do a triathlon with a road bike?

The short answer: yes… but.

A road bike can absolutely work for a triathlon, especially if:

• The course is relatively short (sprint or Olympic distance)

• It includes lots of turns, short climbs, or technical sections

• It’s not too exposed to the wind

In those situations, a road bike can actually feel more agile and comfortable than a triathlon bike.

However, if you’re racing a long-distance triathlon (Half-Ironman or Ironman) on a flat, windy course with long straight sections, then a triathlon bike becomes a clear advantage. Its geometry is designed to improve aerodynamics and help you conserve energy over several hours in the saddle.

2. If I don’t have a triathlon bike, should I add aero bars to my road bike?

That’s a possible option — but with a few conditions.

Yes, you can install aero bars (or clip-on extensions) on your road bike to get closer to a triathlon position. But keep in mind that it’s not always comfortable or perfectly optimized.

Here’s what to consider:

• Your flexibility: Good mobility in your back, shoulders, and hips is essential to hold an aero position without discomfort.

• Your commitment: Aero bars are worth it if you use them often (in training and racing). If not, they might just sit unused.

• Your bike fit: Ideally, your position should be adjusted to integrate the aero bars properly. Simply adding them on top of your current setup can lead to discomfort or imbalance.

In short: yes, but it’s rarely our first recommendation.

3. Can I copy my bike fit measurements from my road bike to a triathlon bike?

No, unfortunately it doesn’t work that way.

Even if your position on your road bike is spot-on, you can’t just transfer those measurements to a triathlon bike. Why?

• On a triathlon bike, your hips are positioned further forward (thanks to a steeper seat tube angle)

• Your elbows are farther forward, resting on aero pads

• Your torso is more angled down, aiming for maximum aerodynamics

This completely changes your points of contact, muscle engagement, and therefore your ideal position.

If you’re investing in a triathlon bike, we strongly recommend a dedicated triathlon bike fit, tailored to this very different geometry.

Good to know: When you purchase a road or triathlon bike from our shop, a professional bike fit is included free of charge.

Questions about your position or preparing for your next triathlon?

Every athlete is unique, and both your comfort and your performance deserve a personalized approach. Feel free to reach out or book an appointment — we’re here to help you get the most out of every pedal stroke!