How does riding a TT Bike differ from a road bike?

How to pick the right bike for the right event.

While road and time trial bikes technically fall under the same umbrella of ‘road bikes’, they could not be more different. To put things in car terms, a road bike is a bit like an F1 car, while a TT bikes is a straight-up dragster. Also, road bikes can be used in mass start events, while TTs are strictly outlawed for safety reasons; they have a drastically different intended purpose and even call upon slightly different muscle groups to generate power.

Time trial bikes have a laser-focused purpose, to slice through the wind with as little drag as possible.

This comes at the cost of weight, handling, comfort and ease of adjustability and maintenance — and unless they have discs, the brakes aren’t usually great.

TT bikes allow you to get into a more aerodynamic position by lowering your upper body and bringing your arms in-line with your torso. This is a result of the tilt of the seat in combination with aero bars that cause the cycler to lay lower on the bike with elbows rested. The goal here is to be in the optimal position, hiding out of the wind, for a smoother, faster ride.

Road bikes, on the other hand, have a much broader intended use. While there are more road bikes incorporating some of the aerodynamic principles from on TT rigs, bikes with drop bars are designed to be ridden in groups, up mountains, negotiate tight corners and some of the poorer road surfaces around.

Road bikes are great when aerodynamics are not the top priority.

These bikes are typically easy to manoeuver during longer rides. Road bike frames are slim and also come with thin tires for riding on the road. The handles on road bikes offer different hand positions. Because of this, most people find road bikes to be more comfortable because you can alter your riding position as needed.

Now it’s time to choose! Do you go for riding a road bike or a TT (assuming that you have both!)? If the course is flat, if you’re on your own, and if you’re in a comfortable set up and position, the TT is the logical choice. If you’re doing a group ride/event, then 99% of the time your choice is made for you, you’ll have to ride a road bike for control and safety reasons. But if you’re doing a solo event and the terrain starts looking a little lumpier, this is where rider discretion comes in! Steep and long climbs, or twisty descents will negate the aero advantages of riding a time trial bike. Of course, a nice compromise would be riding a road frame with some clip on aero bars – to give you the opportunity to be more aerodynamic where you can.

Looking for the perfect opportunity to try out your fancy new TT bike?