For triathletes, a speedy getaway

You don’t necessarily need a special bike to do a triathlon, the booming swim-bike-run sport now tried by 200,000 Americans a year. You could ride in L.A’s two big September races -- the Los Angeles Triathlon on Sept. 10 (www.latriathlon.com) and the star-studded Nautica Malibu Triathlon a week later (www.mesp.com) -- on a beach cruiser if you really wanted to. But to eke out every erg of speed, and look pretty cool doing it, a dedicated triathlon bike is a must. With tapered aerodynamic frame tubes, an aerobar handlebar extension and a saddle geometry that leans you forward, a dedicated triathlon bike puts your body into a wind-cheating, arrow-point profile. Translation: It’ll instantly increase your speed 3 to 5 mph over your old road bike.

Rolling art

Orbea Ordu: Striking aerodynamic carbon fiber bike from Spain featuring a frame tube that wraps around the rear tire.

Likes: Beautiful looks. The carbon frame material softens road vibrations. Highly aerodynamic design; front edge of rear wheel is completely shielded from air turbulence. Adjustable seat post lets you change the seat angle from a triathlon-suitable 76 degrees to the more laid-back 74-degree position favored by road riders.

Dislikes: Carbon fiber is more prone to damage than metal frame materials such as aluminum and titanium. Some triathletes prefer a steeper 78-degree seat angle.

Price: $5,499. (501) 280-9700; www.orbea-usa.com.

Flexing flier

TitanFlex Veteran: Innovative aluminum-framed bike with a shock-absorbing titanium seat beam.

Likes: Very comfortable due to the subtle diving-board effect of the titanium beam, which flexes up to an inch and returns to shape when you hit a bump. This noticeably smooths rough roads, reduces back ache, and keeps legs fresher on longer rides. (The 3,000-mile Race Across America was won on this bike in 1998.) The simple, telescoping beam has no moving parts to break down and offers a wide range of positioning options -- short and steep for triathlon racing, long and slack for recreational riding. Includes a carbon fork and a Look Ergostem, which allows you to raise and lower the handlebars nearly a foot.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $2,999. (619) 334-7222; www.ttinet.com/tf.

Fancy starter bike

Trek Equinox 7: Value-priced aluminum tri bike with aero frame.

Likes: Stiff, fast ride. Great aerodynamics. Very cushy, soft-nosed saddle is perfect for aerobar riding. Also available in WSD (women’s specific design) model.

Dislikes: Despite its vibration-dampening carbon fork, the 7 has a harsh ride typical of stout aluminum-tube frames.

Price: $1,649. (920) 478-2191; www.trekbikes.com.

Who needs a tri bike anyway?

Profile Airstryke aerobar: Bolt-on handlebar extension that can instantly convert any road bike into a tri bike.

Likes: Dirt-cheap speed. Ideal for anyone who wants to use their regular road bike in races. The arrow-point profile in the aerobar position provides 90% of the aerodynamic benefits of an expensive tri bike. Rookies and older riders will like the spring-loaded armrests, which stay out of the way when not in use. The bars also do not interfere with your bike’s regular brake/shifter controls.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $99. (310) 884-7756; www.profile-design.com.

- Roy M. Wallack