Time trial bicycle
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A time trial bicycle is a racing bicycle designed for use in an individual or team time trials raced on roadsbut there are also special TT bikes for use in a velodrome.
[edit] Distinction between time trial bicycles and others
Since the cyclist in a time trial is not permitted to draft (ride in the slipstream) behind other cyclists, reducing aerodynamic drag of the bicycle and rider is critical. One difference between a time trial bicycle and a road bicycle is the use of triathlon handlebars or aerobars. The main part of the bullhorns curves forward (like a road handlebar), but where the road handle bar curves down, the time trial bar ends. This provides a low tucked position that is aerodynamic while providing good stability. The time trial bar also uses a "clip on" bar or aerobar which attaches to the main bar near the stem and provides a position where the hands and fore-arms are close together, low and forward, providing a very aerodynamic (though less stable) position. The aerobar became popular when in 1989 Greg Lemond made up 50 seconds to defeat Fignon (the race leader) in the final stage (and final time trial) of the 1989 Tour de France. Lemond's record for the fastest time trial still stands today. Time trial races tend to be much shorter than road races, so comfort is less of an issue. Also, control of the bike is less important, since there is little chance of bumping another rider and the courses tend to be less technical with little hill climbing, turns or descents.
Other differences from road bicycles:
- Higher gearing. Since time trial races are relatively short, the rider can ride at a higher pace.
- Deep rim or disk wheels, which are more aerodynamic.
- The tubing of the frame may be oval, such that the frame is narrower, and becuase of this it is more aerodynamic.
A time trial bicycle is very similar to a Triathlon bicycle. The main differences are that (1) a triathlon bicycle will sometimes have a steeper seat tube angle (and thus a more forward saddle position), which places less stress on the hamstring leg muscles, thereby saving strength in the hamstrings for the run which follows the bike portion of the race (2) some triathlon frames will utilize a smaller, 650C standard wheel, which has less wind resistance than the larger 700C (but the 700C has an advantage of providing smoother power transfer). However, a 650C wheel can not be used for UCI or USCF sanctioned events, meaning they are only for triathlons or events not organised by the UCI or USCF. Also, clip-on bars are not allowed for most cycling events, such as criteriums, road races and circuit races. But assuming the wheel size is a 700C, the same bicycle can be used for both triathlons and time trials.
