There are certain triathlon bike brands that consistently outperform their competitors year after year.
True trendsetters in time trial technology, these brands push the envelope in aerodynamic design and engineering as well as improved comfort, storage, and adjustability.
The brands that top the podium for the best triathlon bikes are characterized by their latest models (and what the pros are riding). Here are some of the top brands and what models to look for in 2024.
Canyon
Canyon stands out in the triathlon bike market for its commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with direct-to-consumer affordability.
Canyon triathlon bikes represent the upper echelon in the market, appealing to both amateur and professional triathletes, including 2023 Ironman World Champion Sam Laidlow and previous champion Jan Fordeno. Both athletes ride Canyon’s Speedmax CFR Moonshot.
Canyon Speedmax CFR
Available in various models and configurations, the Canyon Speedmax CFR is designed to provide a very aero and aggressive ride, with a focus on maximizing speed and performance for triathletes.
Key features include:
- Enhanced aerodynamics: With a deep-profile fork that covers the brake caliper, internal cable routing, and thinly sliced frame design, the CFR is 9 to 12 watts faster in testing results compared to previous Speedmax bikes.
- Optimized functionality and fit: Deep tube shapes and neatly integrated internal storage of hydration and tools, along with highly adjustable modular aero bars with a narrow mono-stay riser and telescoping extensions.
- SRAM Red groupset: Electronic 1×12-speed SRAM Red eTap groupset, fast and flawless, and designed for maximum performance. It’s also available in Shimano Di2 builds as well.
- Dialed fit: Ergonomic adjustable carbon cockpit specially optimized for time trialing and track cycling, providing the ultimate in aerodynamics and comfort.
- Aero in the details: Ultra-thin 8 mm seatstays sculpted in the wind tunnel to reduce drag and rear wheel turbulence to an absolute minimum.
The Canyon Speedmax CFR eTap weighs 19.44 lbs (8.82 kg) in a medium-sized frame. It’s a renowned podium-topper that proves itself time and time again in the pro and elite fields.
Visit Canyon.com to see the full fleet of Speedmax CFR models.
Felt
Felt has earned a reputation in the triathlon world for its relentless innovation and aerodynamic efficiency. Sponsoring top performers like Daniela Ryf, Felt bikes are designed with a clear focus on speed and performance.
Felt bikes are often recognized for their smooth ride quality and precision handling, which make them a favorite among both competitive and recreational triathletes.
Felt IA FRD 2.0
The 2024 Felt IA FRD 2.0 triathlon bike is equipped with a range of features designed to enhance aerodynamics, integration, and performance.
Key features include:
- New look: The IA FRD 2.0 is the Ferrari of triathlon bikes, with the 2024 edition offering an aero-optimized silhouette and smart integrations.
- 1×12 or 2×12: The triathlon bike accommodates both 1x and 2x chainring setups with a 12-speed cassette, depending on your preference and course demands.
- Improved handling and stability: The IA FRD 2.0 is known for its precise handling, stable performance in windy conditions, and low drag profile, making it one of the most aerodynamic triathlon bikes in the world.
- Aero-efficient frame design: The new and improved IA carbon frame is meticulously fine-tuned for more speed and performance, along with integrated storage.
- Mindful storage: The IA FRD 2.0 offers a storage compartment on the frame’s drive side, supplied with a custom soft-sided Silca pouch for tools and accessories.
- ZIPP equipped: The Felt IA 2.0 comes with a tubeless-ready ZIPP 404 Firecrest Disc wheel in the front and ZIPP 808 in the rear.
- Wireless electronic shifting: As with most new triathlon bikes, the Felt IA 2.0 is available in SRAM eTap or Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset for seamless shifting.
Combined with integrated storage and hydration, a complete build of the Felt IA FRD 2.0 triathlon bike is 21 lbs (9.53 kg).
Visit FeltBicycles.com to view the complete line-up of IA FRD 2.0 triathlon race bikes.
Trek
When it comes to high-performance triathlon bikes, Trek has a legendary reputation for its enhanced aerodynamics and continuous design innovation. The brand is a preferred choice for competitive age groupers and pro athletes alike, including Paula Findlay, Rudy von Berg, and Sara Svensk.
Trek Speed Concept SLR 9
Trek’s decades-old flagship model, the Speed Concept, is a testament to prototypes used by Lance Armstrong and Chris Lieto. The latest edition is the Trek Speed Concept SLR 9, an aerodynamic carbon triathlon bike engineered for incredible speed and seamless integration. It also has a timeless sleek look that isn’t overly futuristic.
Key features include:
- Aerodynamic Design: The ultralight 800 Series OCLV Carbon frame’s drag-reducing Kammtail Virtual Foil tube shapes cut through the air, making it the fastest bike tested by Trek.
- Integrated Fuel and Hydration Storage: The bike features smart integrated fuel and hydration storage, making it simple and stress-free to stay strong without leaving the aero position.
- Top Tube IsoSpeed: This feature takes the edge off rough roads and is damped with an elastomer, providing a smooth, controlled, stable motion.
- Adjustability and Comfort: The Speed Concept SLR 9 offers improved comfort, storage features, and adjustability, making it worth the wait over the previous version.
- Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200: The bike is equipped with the pinnacle of Shimano road technology and innovation, the new 12-speed Dura-Ace Di2 R9200, which is Shimano’s fastest ever.
- Customizability: It is fully customizable through Project One, allowing users to choose their model, paint, and parts.
- SRAM RED AXS option: The AXS variant of Speed Concept SLR 9 provides an alternative wireless electronic groupset option that SRAM junkies will appreciate.
The Trek Speed Concept SLR 9 weighs 19.19 lbs (8.70 kg) in a medium-sized frame. It’s the hallmark of triathlon bike technology and a legacy in the industry.
Visit TrekBikes.com to learn more or order yours directly from Trek.
Specialized
Specialized is renowned in the triathlon community for its holistic approach to bike design, which encompasses speed, comfort, and rider-centric innovation.
The brand is known for its extensive research and development, leading to triathlon bikes that offer wind tunnel-tested aerodynamics, ergonomics, and functionality.
Specialized’s dedication to creating bikes that fit a wide range of athletes, coupled with their advanced technology like the Body Geometry fit system, makes their bikes a top choice for triathletes seeking a blend of performance and personalized comfort.
S-Works Shiv Disc
The 2024 Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc is a top-tier triathlon bike with a range of high-performance features. Based on the provided sources, here are the key features of the 2024 Specialized S-Works Shiv Disc:
- Aerodynamic frame design: Specialized refined the 2024 S-Works FACT 11r carbon frame with crosswind-optimized airfoils, integrated Fit System, and Integrated Nutrition and Hydration.
- Electronic groupset options: Opt for Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red eTAP AXS 1x, 12-speed groupset with hydraulic disc brakes for precise shifting and braking duties.
- Included power meter: The S-Works Shiv Disc comes with the S-Works Power Cranks and dual-sided power measurement, providing power data for performance monitoring.
- Roval wheels: A complete build is supported by Specialized-made Roval CLX 64 Disc wheels, known for their aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight.
- Carbon aero cockpick: The S-Works Shiv Disc comes equipped with an integrated handlebar/stem aero bar made of carbon with variable stack adjust.
- Additional Shiv Disc details: The 2024 S-Works Shiv Disc offers integrated storage, flat-mount disc brakes, and aero-optimized silhouette for speed.
These features highlight Specialized’s focus on cutting-edge aerodynamics, integration, and high-performance components, making the S-Works Shiv Disc a top choice for triathletes seeking a competitive edge.
Visit Specialized.com and check out the full Shiv roster of triathlon bikes.
Quintana Roo
Quintana Roo, a pioneer in triathlon-specific bike design, is celebrated for its focus on real-world triathlete needs. The brand has a heritage of creating bikes that are not only aerodynamically efficient but also practical for both amateurs and professionals alike.
Quintana Roo’s commitment to triathlete-focused design makes it a go-to brand for athletes seeking a bike that truly meets the dynamics of triathlon. They’re also highly customizable, from color scheme to wheel choice.
Quintana Roo V-PR
The 2024 Quintana Roo V-PR triathlon bike is equipped with a range of advanced features designed to enhance aerodynamics, weight savings, and overall performance.
Key features include:
- New frame design: The V-PR features a new frame design with narrower and shallower aero cross sections for improved aerodynamics across a wider range of wind angles.
- Weight savings: The V-PR is claimed to be lighter and more agile than any triathlon bike currently available, with a weight reduction of upwards of two pounds (0.9 kg) compared to many top competitors.
- Leading Edge Absent 2 (LEA.2) chainstay: The re-designed LEA.2 non-driveside chainstay is optimized for airflow, contributing to improved aerodynamics.
- SHIFT+ downtube: The reworked SHIFT+ downtube is designed to improve the redirection of air from the downtube onto the bike’s cleaner non-driveside, minimizing frontal wind resistance presented by the drivetrain.
- Fit-ready service: The V-PR heralds the introduction of Quintana Roo’s Fit-Ready™ service, offering customers the option to choose the Fit-Ready service for a customized fit.
- Ride characteristics: The V-PR is designed to handle a wide range of wind conditions, offering confident control and performance across various terrains and technical courses.
- Component specifications: The V-PR is equipped with high-quality components and drivetrains, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability.
As an upgrade from QR’s flagship PRsix model, the V-PR is a new and improved triathlon bike that you can expect to see in 2024.
Visit QuintanaRooTri.com and customize your own V-PR.
Scott
Scott is recognized in the triathlon bike space for its innovative designs and dedication to aerodynamic excellence. They also make outstanding aero road bikes for triathlon.
Scott’s triathlon bikes are known for their lightweight frames and precision engineering, catering to athletes who prioritize speed and efficiency, like Ironman powerhouse Sebastian Kienle.
Scott continually invests in research and development, resulting in bikes that offer advanced adjustability and integration, tailored to the needs of triathletes.
Scott Plasma RC
The 2024 Scott Plasma RC is a top-of-the-line triathlon bike with a range of advanced features, with slight variations dependent on the model.
Key features include:
- Frame and fork: Inspired by the original Plasma 6 Disc Carbon HMX frame, and Plasma 6 Disc HMX fork, the Plasma RC is designed with lightweight construction and responsive handling.
- Drivetrain: Equipped with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 24-speed drivetrain for precise and reliable shifting performance.
- ZIPP wheels: The Plasma Zipp 303SE Carbon Tubeless Disc wheels for aerodynamic efficiency and high-performance riding.
- Aerodynamic design: The Plasma RC Pro features an aerodynamically optimized frame and fork design to minimize drag and maximize speed.
- Integrated cable routing: The bike incorporates fully integrated cables for a clean and aerodynamic profile.
- Triathlon-specific features: The bike includes triathlon-specific features such as a hydration system and storage boxes for convenient access to fluids and essentials during long rides.
- Riding stability: The 2024 model is noted for increased riding stability, providing a comfortable and stable experience for the rider.
- SRAM Red eTap: Enjoy the best in electronic wireless shifting with SRAM Red eTap groupset.
The Scott Plasma RC weighs 21.25 lbs (9.64 kg). It’s a favorite for high-speed flat courses.
Visit Scott-Sports.com to see all this brand’s aero bikes.
Cadex
Cadex is a Canadian brand that produces high-end cycling components, including triathlon bikes and carbon wheels. Cadex’s unique take on aero frame design is an outright rule breaker that defies what we’re used to (rail-thin aero frames.)
If you’re attuned to the professional Ironman scene, then you may have noticed that Kristian Blummenfelt (the legendary Norwegian with the fastest Ironman time) rides a CADEX triathlon bike.
He rode to victory at the Ironman World Championship in 2022 on what was called the “Sub7 CADEX Prototype Bike.” That same concept is what’s now available today.
Cadex Tri
Available only as a frameset, the Cadex Tri is a radical design that taps into a new level of aero efficiency. Designed, engineered, and tested by the world’s best triathletes, the Cadex Tri rewrites the rules of aerodynamics and will be a bike to watch in upcoming years.
Key features include:
- Dialed fit: The Cadex Tri frame makes it easy to achieve a highly personalized fit, offering nearly endless incremental adjustment options with more than 1,000 fit configurations.
- Monocoque design: The frame has a radical monocoque design that unlocks a new level of aero efficiency.
- Endurance aero: The Cadex Tri frameset blatantly ignores the UCI’s infamously restrictive technical regulations, making it bike suited for long-distance triathlons.
- Travel case: The production version of the Cadex Tri frameset comes with a wheeled, hard-shell case designed by Topeak, making it ideal for travel.
- Integrated nutrition and hydration system: The frame gives triathletes an entirely new way to access nutrition, hydration, and other essentials right from their racing position without the wind ever noticing.
Learn more at Cadex-Cycling.com.
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Endurance athlete, professional off-road cyclist, and avid blogger, Tyler Tafelsky participates in long-course multisport and cycling events. Today, Tyler competes in ultra-distance cycling races at the professional level. Since starting Better Triathlete in 2014, he has been the head of content for the site's editorial team. Learn more about Tyler