Women's Triathlon Bikes

Triathlon bikes specifically designed for the female rider are still relatively rare.  The few that can be found generally offer only second-tier (Shimano Ultegra or Campagnolo Chorus level) components at best.   This is very frustrating for the very serious competitive female triathlete, because she will need to upgrade to the top-tier (Shimano Dura Ace or Campagnolo Record level) components for true high-level race-worthiness.

Scott offers the Contessa Plasma triathlon bike at nearly $4,000 but even at that hefty price tag, this bike still only offers second-tier drivetrain components.

Trek (one of the world's largest bike manufacturers) makes a WSD (Women's Specific Design) tri bike at a very reasonable price of $1,900 - but the downside to that reasonable price is a serious downgrade in components.  This bike is fine for the beginning or recreational triathlete, but for someone at the Ironman level, for example, this bike is not the best choice.

Triathlon bikes in general have not made the leap to women's specific yet.  Instead, tri-bike manufacturers offer a very wide range of frame sizes, which are relatively easy to customize with stem length, handlebar width, saddle type and position and crankarm length.  Only women who are either very, very short or have extremely short torsos in proportion to their legs will have difficulty finding a triathlon bike that fits.

One option for female triathletes who are very short is to buy a women's-specific road bike, and change the handlebars.  While this is not an ideal scenario because of the added cost and the differences in frame geometry, it may be the only option for some women (unless budget is not a factor!).