This article originally appeared on Triathlete

One of the first big considerations you’ll have to make as a new triathlete is what bike you should ride. Any bike is better than no bike, so if you have an old eight-speed, or if a friend can loan a test ride, great! If you are in the market for a new bike, however, use these guidelines to find the right rig and avoid making a very expensive mistake. Then, enjoy our picks for the best beginner triathlon bikes of 2023.

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Get a fit before you buy a beginner triathlon bike

The biggest faux pas many new triathletes make is shopping for a new bike without getting properly fit. An uncomfortable bike limits performance and enjoyment of the sport (at the very least), and worse, may lead to injury. The best bike fitters use a dynamic fit bike to get the right geometry from scratch, but even a fitter who works with different models and sizes is better than nothing at all. Online fit calculators and formulas are far from perfect and can easily lead you in the wrong direction. Check the fitter database on ibfi-certification.com, or ask around for a recommendation of some fitters in your area.

RELATED: The 5 Keys to Finding the Right Bike Fitter For You

Best beginner triathlon bike: Road or tri?

Many new triathletes are best served with road bikes rather than triathlon bikes. Road bikes are versatile and well suited for just about anything. Triathlon bikes can be tricky to handle to new riders; they are made for going fast in a straight line and are not ideal for group riding or easy endurance rides. Every triathlete should own a road bike, but not every triathlete should own a tri bike. Scroll down for one of our favorite road bike picks that won’t break the bank.

RELATED: Road Bike vs. Tri Bike: What’s the Difference?

Best beginner triathlon bike: Aluminum or carbon?

Bike frame material makes a difference in the way a bike feels. Aluminum rigs can be just as light as carbon, but aluminum tends to ride harsher--but it’s also much more durable. Your budget will likely dictate whether your starter bike will be carbon. Even if you can't afford a carbon frame, you can dramatically improve ride quality on any bike by outfitting it with high-quality tires and keeping them inflated to the appropriate pressure.

Beginner triathlon bike must-have: Adjustable fit

Your bike fit needs will likely change as you progress in the sport. All bikes allow you to adjust fit parameters, but some rigs can be limiting or really challenging to adjust. Before you buy, ask your bike shop pro how hard it will be to move the position of the handlebar or aerobars. Some bikes are very easy to adjust, but others require a mechanic to make even small tweaks.

Components

Most companies offer bikes at various price points with different component packages. When considering which bike is the best value for your dollar, look closely at the rig's components. Some manufacturers mix and match some parts, and what they may be offering as Shimano Ultegra or SRAM Force groupset may not be 100% as advertised. Groupsets work best with 100% native parts, so look closely to understand exactly what you are getting. That said, if your budget is super tight a mix-and-match solution isn’t the end of the world, just keep in mind that you might want to upgrade some parts in the near future for better performance/better durability.

Disc brakes

Disc brakes are all the rage these days, and rightfully so. They give riders better control in all conditions and are far less troublesome than rim brakes. Disc brakes make swapping between wheelsets slightly easier as well, so if you are going to be purchasing a set of race wheels in the future, disc brakes will simplify your life. Generally, disc brakes cost about the same as rim brakes, and disc-brake wheels are becoming cheaper and cheaper. The only caveat with hydraulic disc brakes (which are different than budget-focused cable disc brakes) is that they can be very difficult to service outside of a bike shop situation. If you like to tinker with your bike and perform your own maintenance, using disc brakes will add quite a few steps to your routine.

RELATED: Disc Brakes: Do Triathletes Need Them?

Why you shouldn’t test ride when shopping for a beginner triathlon bike

This may seem counter-intuitive, but test rides can be incredibly misleading. There are many factors that influence the way a bike feels in a test ride (poor fit, uncomfortable saddle, etc.). Unless a shop is willing to adjust a few bikes exactly to your fit specs and then plop on a saddle of your comfort choice, the test ride will likely be a waste of time and possibly leave you with an inaccurate impression. Specs and the approval of a proper size from a trusted fitter are far more important.

RELATED: The Complete Beginner’s Guide on How to Train For Your First Triathlon

The Best Beginner Triathlon Bikes 2023

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