What are the best triathlon bike brands? Discover the top 10 brands every triathlete should know

What are the best triathlon bikes brands? Triathlon is an incredible sport that combines swimming, cycling, and running. One of the most performance-enhancing factors is the bicycle leg. This is where many races are won and lost because it is the longest section, and using the right equipment makes a lot of difference. 

We often get asked some amazing questions here at buycycle, but one that comes up often is, “What are the best triathlon brands?” In this article, we will discuss our top ten triathlon brands by discussing history, bikes, and much more so you can get the most out of the bike leg. Let’s discuss the best triathlon bike brands!

What are the best triathlon bike brands?

Here are the top 10 most loved triathlon brands in the US:

There are many amazing triathlon bike brands available. Still, before we start, it’s important to remember that on certain long-distance triathlons or hilly courses, athletes often use road bikes as well as triathlon bikes. We will include some we often see in this article.

Top 3 best triathlon bike brands

Cervelo: Leading innovation in triathlon bikes

Cervelo was founded in 1995 by Phil White and Gerard Vroomen. Originally from Canada, they aimed to create some of the quickest and most aerodynamic bikes on the market. They have been very successful in this endeavor. 

They have created some incredible bikes, which not only boast incredible performance but also have designs completely unique to what other brands have been producing. Cervelo bikes have ridden to victory in the Ironman World Champs in Kona and are incredibly popular among professionals. 

The Cervelo P-Series is used by triathletes of all levels and the PX-Series designed more towards the professionals. They are not just incredible bikes to look at, but the performance backs them up, and the aerodynamic profile of the frameset is something out of this world. 

Canyon: From online retailer to triathlon giant

Canyon has become a very big brand in recent years. Originally started selling as an online retailer, then going into bikes later, they have become a huge brand with a lot to offer in terms of bringing new technology to the market. They have been running since 2002 and were founded by Roman Arnold Koblenz. 

Unlike many other brands, they offer a direct-to-consumer market, so you won't find them in your local shop. They typically can only be ordered online, and then you just need to lightly assemble them at home. This stops big markups from shops and also huge discounting.

The top triathlon bike which comes from Canyon is the Speedmax CF SLX. It’s made for elite performance and has excellent aerodynamics. They also make a Speedmax CF that is similar but more focused on value for money. Canyon brand is quickly growing as one of the top triathlon brands. 

Trek: A trusted name in performance biking

Trek was started in Wisconsin in 1976. In the past nearly 50 years, they have become one of the most respected bicycle brands, and their commitment to bringing new technology to the sport has been incredible. Not just in triathlon but also in road cycling, mountain biking, and even casual bikes. 

Trek has been involved with some amazing professional teams and has sponsored such athletes as Lance Armstrong and many more. They have seen a huge number of podiums and continue to support many athletes and teams to this day.

The Trek Speed Concept is their most used Triathlon bike. It comes in many different levels of specification and offers excellent aerodynamics and performance. We also see many athletes use the Domane, their road bike, for hillier courses and longer races. Trek bikes are great as its goal is to become one of the brand leaders in triathlon bikes.

Other triathlon bike brands to consider

Cannondale: Cutting-edge designs for triathletes

Cannondale, founded in 1971 in Connecticut, has been in business for over 50 years. The first cycling product they made was a buggy, and then they moved on to bicycles in the 1980s. They went straight to high performance and have been there since. They started using aluminum before most other companies, setting an ongoing trend in the industry.

Most people choose the Cannondale Slice or Super Slice triathlon bike. It’s incredibly aerodynamic, fast, and really looks the part. The Super Slice is the top model designed for competitive racing. Cannondale is a well-established brand with great technology when it comes to triathlon.

Quintana Roo: The pioneer in triathlon-specific bikes

Quintana Roo was started in 1987 by Dan Empfield. It came out of California and is one of the brands that mainly focuses on triathletes. Interestingly, they were the first company to make a triathlon-specific wetsuit, which completely changed people's outlook on the brand.

The Quintana Roo PR is one of the flagship bikes. It comes in different levels, so it can be excellent value for money or an incredible tool for professionals to win. They are a smaller brand compared to others, but understand triathletes like no other. 

BMC: Precision engineering for triathlon champions

BMC, also known as the Bicycle Manufacturing Company, was founded in 1986 in Switzerland. Never shy of setting the bar high, BMC has made incredible bikes that have featured in races such as the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. They even have their own research lab to help advance technology. 

The Timemachine is commonly used in triathlon by a mix of professionals and amateurs. The Timemachine 01 is the top-level made for professional racing and gives an aerodynamic advantage over other brands. 

Giant: unrivaled performance at any distance

Giant - being one of the largest bike manufacturers in the world, they make a wide range of bikes for all cycling disciplines and with different levels of components. Not to say that they even make bikes for plenty of other brands. Giant is known for its incredible high quality and was one of the first brands to start mass-producing carbon fiber.

They have some incredible bikes for triathlons, for example one of the most popular bikes is the Trinity Advanced. It’s lightweight, aerodynamic, and offers a comfortable fit. If you are looking for something more professional, we have the Trinity Advanced Pro. This list wouldn’t be complete without Giant as they are one of the best brands for triathlon.

Felt: pushing the limits of speed and aerodynamics

Felt started in California in 1991. They make great road bikes and some of the best triathlon bikes. Felt bikes have been used to set world records in triathlon and track cycling. They focus on performance, needless to mention that the bikes also look fantastic.

The Felt B is their option when it comes to value for money but also having lots of performance. If you want performance and are happy to spend a little more, then you might want to consider the Felt IA series, which is made purely focused on performance.

Cube: affordable innovation for aspiring triathletes

Cube was founded in 1993 by Marcus Pürner in Germany. It came from small beginnings but grew to be a big part of the cycling industry. Cube is not just about great bikes and quality, hey have their own in-house testing facility to ensure performance and, of course, the bikes to be as safe as possible. 

Like many brands, they have one model with different performance levels. The Cube Aerium is the popular choice when it comes to performance and value for money, and the Cube Aerium C:68 is the high-end top model aimed at elite performance and people who take the sport incredibly seriously. 

Budget or high-end? choosing the right triathlon bike

Many triathlon bikes have a mid-range model aimed at everyone and a professional model aimed at high-end athletes and race professionals. Often, a professional bike bought secondhand is the better option instead of going for something more basic from a top triathlon brand.

At buycycle, we often see people buy the top-of-the-range bike secondhand for less money so they can get the performance they desire without spending too much money. This is a great way to go, and with the buycycle protection, you know you are getting something very well looked after. 

Which is the best triathlon bike brands?

When it comes to choosing the best triathlon bike brands, it’s very challenging because they each offer something a little different. A lot of it comes down to personal preference and what you have available. 

A great route to take down is to consider buying secondhand compared to new ones using buycycle. It not only saves you a lot of money, but you get the protection of buying with a company, and you can go for a better bike at a much cheaper cost.