A cyclist riding a time trial bicycle with aerodynamic wheels and aero bars.

A time trial bicycle is a racing bicycle designed for use in a time trial. Image File history File links A cyclist in an individual time trial. ... Image File history File links A cyclist in an individual time trial. ... This racing bicycle is built using lightweight, shaped aluminium tubing and carbon fiber stays and forks. ... An aluminum racing bicycle made by Raleigh and built using Shimano components. ... In many racing sports an athlete (or occasionally a team of athletes) will compete in a time trial against the clock to secure the fastest time. ...

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, the aerodynamics of the bicycle is critical. The most obvious difference between a time trial bicycle and a road bicycle is the use of triathlon handlebars. The main part of the handlebars curves forward (like a road handle bar), but where the road handle bar curves down, the time trial bar ends. This provides a low, forward position that is fairly aerodynamic, while providing good stability. The time trail bar also uses a "clip on" bar 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). Time trial races tend to be much shorter than road races, so comfort is less of an issue. Also, control is less important, since there is little chance of bumping another rider. Other differences from road bicycles: Cycling is a recreation, a sport, and a means of transport across land. ... In many racing sports an athlete (or occasionally a team of athletes) will compete in a time trial against the clock to secure the fastest time. ... This article is about the racing technique. ... The slipstream of a moving object is a region of reduced pressure or even suction (negative pressure), exerted in the neighbourhood of the object and in the direction of its movement, and caused by its movement through a medium. ... Yourbuttheeheee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... An aluminum racing bicycle made by Raleigh and built using Shimano components. ... Triathlon bars is a catch-all term referring to various styles of aerodynamic handlebars for racing 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 thus more aerodynamic.

A time trial bicycle is very similar to a Triathlon Bicycle, the mains 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 the hamstrings for the run, where they are more important (2) many triathlon frames will utilize a smaller, 650C standard wheel (650 does not refer to any specific measurement, it is simply a standard), 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 suitable for triathlons. Also, clip-on bars are not allowed for most cycling events, like criteriums, road races and circuit races. But assuming the wheel size a a 700C, the same bicycle can be often be used for both triathlons and time trials.

See also

• Bicycle
• Bicycle frame
• Road cycling
• Bicycle racing
• Individual time trial
• Team time trial
• Time trialist