What is the difference between a triathlon bike and a road bike?

Max: What is the difference between a triathlon bike and a road bike?
I just did my first triathlon (SF tri sprint baby) on a 20 year old road bike. I dont get the difference between a road bike and a triathlon bike. the geometry is so different and so are the components! why? which should i get for training and races in the future?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Steve from PA
tri bikes tend 2 be stripped of everything

Answer by Bob A
https://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=938

Answer by Ric
This should let you know the difference’s between the two, ( check the links )if you use your mouse you can zoom in and see the difference’s between the two, check the distances between the wheels and the frame on the Tri bike and it also is lower in the front too give it a more Aero dynamic effect and the frame geometry is different on the tri bike.
The Tri bike is set up for and used for Time Trailing purposes. The road bike would be better suited for riding around town and if you want to off road get a mountain bike.

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