The Triathlete Woman’s Bike

Triathlons have been getting more and more popular among women in the recent times. The choice of a bike for the triathlete is a big factor in the formula of the competitor’s success. A typical triathlon bike features a tri geometry design with a steep tube angle that puts the rider in a forward position. This makes use of the quadriceps while riding, while conserving the hamstrings during the course of the run. The bulk of the bikes available are usually those types designed for the average Joe. But Jane is built differently. Women sometimes have different requirements than men and not all women conform to stereotypes and prefer or fit a men’s bike better. As per comfort and fit, it advisable to acquire a frame specifically configured for women as the measurements tend to be different.

Unfortunately, triathlon bikes haven’t done a real cross-over to the WSD (Women’s Specific Design) line. At best, a serious triathlete woman can procure only second-tier (Shimano Ultegra or Campagnolo Choruslevel) components for a WSD bike. To be truly competitive, the female triathlete will need to upgrade to the top-tier (Shimano Dura Ace or Campagnolo Record level) components. Nevertheless, here’s a list of what is believed to be the best tri-athlon bikes available to women:

Quintana Roo Chicqilo

Recently designed, this super low-drag, woman-specific bike is made with high modulus carbon fiber. It's a reasonable priced 21-pound frame that performs well against a strong headwind.

Scott Contessa Women's Plasma2

This is a tri-bike with a super-fast carbon frame, weighing around 19.27 pounds. It has a narrow Twin Turbo chain stays, an adjustable seat for maximum angle and internal cable routing. This can be acquired in an extra-small frame with Shimano components. This is the bike that claims to have recorded the fastest split at the 2008 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii

Trek Equinox Series Women's Specific Design (WSD)

A high-end, fully equipped Equinox TTX WSD 9.8 SSL tri bike is made from the patented "Optimum Compaction, Low Void" (OCLV) high-performance Red Carbon frame technology. It’s has a highly stable, aerodynamic top tube. Features a front-center geometry, which helps balance the rider, give stability and conserve energy. And it is equipped with Aeolus wheels that speed through the wind. The more reasonably priced Equinox TTX 9.0 and the Equinox 7 are two other bikes in the series that are built using the same concepts of stability and balance but with a slightly different carbon frame.

Kuota Tri Bikes

Both the Kueen-K and the K-Factor triathlon bikes by Kuota are carbon fiber-based and available in frames from extra-small on up to extra-large, with duo position seat post area positioning. The Kueen-K's have newly designed brakes that are undetectable by the wind, while the K-Factor has a more versatile geometry and a taller head tube.

Ultimately, a skilled bike fit expert should be involved in a triathlete final decision. While it may seem that women may be better at fitting other women's bikes, a man may be just as good. The fitter's experience and education in triathlon biking – and not his or her sex – is most important. A thorough fitting by an expert at a bike shop is a must and sympathetic ear and a good eye are also crucial, as in any bicycle fitting. It is essential to find a bike that will feel and ride right and compete well.

By: Saff Sam

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Triathons are gaining popularity especially for womens, so for more info on the biking side of it go to womens road bike