Triathlon Bikes - Accessories and Equipment
Triathlon cycling and other triathlon sports are a synonym for
endurance. Effective energy utilization and skill together
ensure victory in this game sequence. For the skill part,
professional guidance and practice should help, while on account
of effective energy utilization triathlon bikes would suffice.
For those new to this sports field, a brief overview on
Triathlon is outlined here. Triathlon is the name for sports
events, comprising of cycling, swimming and running proceedings,
wherein proficiency and perseverance define the rules of the
game. There are various stages in the game and thus the players
are subject to continuation challenge. To ensure the stated,
players deploy various tactics. In case of cycling triathlon,
the riders try to stick close in groups and thus collectively
deal with the air resistance. However, this as a team tactic is
not really promoted in official events and players are expected
to prove mettle on individual account.
An Intelligent Substitute
Because, triathlon championships do not encourage such cycling
tactics, triathlon bikes serve as pertinent option. Triathlon
bikes are special racing bicycles, which reduce wind resistance.
This is almost close to the ‘draft’ affect as otherwise created
by cyclists. Triathlon bikes are designed to optimize the
principle of aerodynamics, and for this purpose, special
mechanical specifications for handlebars, frame tubes wheels,
etc., assist. Few such design modifications in the bicycle
design for making them triathlon bikes are:
-
Flatter handlebars instead of the round ones. Also known as
aero bars, the handlebars are mounted. Pads in the centre of
bars help athletes by providing support for elbow / forearm.
-
Lesser number of spokes in the wheel
-
Frame tubes are not circular
-
Steeper tube angles and lower stem
All this and various other such features of triathlon bikes
present aerodynamic profile to the riders.
Add-Ons
While triathlon bikes can substantially help cyclists during the
triathlon series, there are added equipments, which can augment
the desired impact. Triathlon cycling shoes are an item in this
category. Again specially modified, triathlon shoes are padded,
have lesser number of Velcro straps, which can be easily
fastened up and more. With these superior shoes, the cyclists
have the option leaving the shoes onto the pedal for the
complete race and thus save time. Also padding helps comfortable
experience. Few triathlon shoes also have holes in them, which
drains the water quickly.
Wheels are the second entry in the special triathlon add-on
column. Low weight, aerodynamic special wheels are available in
market. In fact there triathlon wheels folding bikes, which can
be checked. These triathlon wheel folding bikes tyres are apt
for training or competition purposes. However legality is a
clause, which must be checked. Few championships do not
encourage, specific wheel types like ones with carbon fibre tyre
spokes.
Water bottles or the hydration systems have also managed to be
there in the special triathlon cycling equipment category. While
the entire set of proceedings are towards creating aero dynamics
friendly system, water bottle placement too is done keeping the
same logic in forefront. A racing event is crucial and even a
difference of micro seconds can be substantial. The time taken
by the rider to fetch the bottle is also considered to slower
the pedalling process and thus an interruption. Aerodynamically
superior hydration systems thus are being innovated and launched
in market to deal with the cause. Narrow water bottles are an
example in the section.
Triathlon equipment in addition to triathlon bikes, wheels,
hydration systems include items like tight / wet skin suits,
streamlined helmets, special chain rings, etc.
|
