Is a triathlon bike the right purchase
If you race triathlon at any distance above sprint, and you plan to keep doing so for several seasons, a triathlon bike will save you meaningful time against a road bike with clip-on aerobars. Over an Ironman distance, a well-fitted triathlon bike can be worth ten to twenty minutes compared to a road bike in the same rider's hands.
If you race occasionally, ride mostly for fitness, or do any kind of club riding or general road cycling, a triathlon bike is the wrong tool. They are twitchy in traffic, uncomfortable on long undulating rides, and actively dangerous in groups. A road bike with a good fit and a set of clip-on aerobars will cover most people's needs.
Draft-legal triathlon, including most British Triathlon youth and elite races, is raced on road bikes. Check your event rules before you buy. A full triathlon bike is not legal in draft-legal racing.
Typical used prices for triathlon bikes
Under one thousand five hundred pounds, the used triathlon market is mostly older aluminium or early carbon bikes. Cervelo P2, Felt B-series, Giant Trinity from around 2012, Specialized Shiv first generation. These bikes can still be quick if set up right, but aerobars may be basic, the wheels will not be deep, and the electronic parts that have aged poorly are starting to fail.
One thousand five hundred to three thousand pounds is where most genuine triathlon bike buyers land. Late-model carbon frames, mechanical or electronic shifting, hydraulic disc brakes on many recent models. A five-year-old Cervelo P3 or Trek Speed Concept in this range is still a serious race bike.
