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WHAT IS A TRIATHLON BIKE? Triathlon bikes or Time Trial Bikes as they are often referred to as are designed for a specific type of racing called time trialing. While many of the features and concepts are similar to road bikes they differ in key areas. Triathlon bikes are designed to provide the rider with the most aerodynamic position possible and are best suited for short and mid length races where the terrain is relatively flat. The gearing and riding position makes hill climbing on these bikes relatively hard compared to a road bike. To get the most out of a triathlon bike you must be an above average level rider with good flexibility in the lower back. Typically triathlon bikes come equipped with aero bars as standard, have aerodynamically engineered frames and have adjustable seating positions allowing the rider to adjust the bike depending on the course they are riding. Generally the idea is to position yourself in a forward riding position, enabling the leg muscles an easier transition from the ride to the run leg.

Triathlon, as the name suggests, is a triple-sport event that sees participants swimming, cycling and running in quick succession. The participant, who completes all the three different lags of the event in minimum time, is declared the winner.

Interestingly, triathlon has different versions. There are four international versions as defined by International Triathlon Union in association with USA Triathlon. They are as follows:

Ultra Distance: Popularly known as Ironman Triathlon, it includes 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km of racing bike ride and a marathon race of 42.2 km.

Long Course: Also called Half Ironman, it involves 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km of bike riding and 21.1 km of race on legs.

Intermediate Distance: The “Olympic Distance” race sees participants swim for 1.5 km, ride racing bikes for a total of 40 km and last, run to cover a distance of 10 km.

Sprint Distance: In this race, participants have to swim for 750 m, cover 20 km on bike and run 5 km, in all.

Transition points are another important aspect of a triathlon. This is an area where bicycles, participant's performance gears, accessories and other supplies are stored. It also serves as a point where race lag changes. Normally, there are two transition points in a triathlon. Time consumed in transition is counted in race timing.

Triathlon began way back in 1920s. Their origin is assumed to be France, however till date it stays an assumption only. Interestingly, the earlier version of triathlon involved completion of cycling, running and canoeing lags without any break.

Triathlon, today has carved a special place for itself in the hearts of people all around the world. Enthusiastic participants flock in large numbers every year to test their mettle in this gruelling, intense race that also guarantees overnight fame.