What are the bike equipment rules, including helmets, wheels and bottles?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under IRONMAN Competition Rules 5.01 and 5.02:

Helmet

It must be approved by a national accredited testing authority recognised by World Triathlon and the national federation.
Wear it whenever you ride at the event, including course familiarisation and training.
Don't alter it or remove any part, including the chin strap.
It must be fastened from taking the bike off the rack until re-racking it. If you leave the course, undo it only once you are off the course and off the bike, and fasten it again before you ride on.
Your helmet number goes on the front. Your frame number must be securely attached and visible from both sides.

Wheels

The front wheel must have spokes (aero rims are allowed). Solid front wheels are banned.
The rear wheel may be spoked or a disc. Wheel covers are allowed only on the rear wheel. Some events ban disc wheels.
No mechanism may accelerate the wheel or keep it turning.

Bottles and hydration

Front-mounted systems (on parts that turn with the steering, such as extensions or stem): 2 litres combined maximum.
Rear-mounted: no more than 2 bottles, each 1 litre maximum.
Bottles inside the frame triangle are excluded from both limits.
Items on the top tube: no higher than 10 cm, not covering the headset, and no part of your body may rest on them.

Not allowed

Electric or hand propulsion.
Aerodynamic add-ons, such as bottles or inserts in the front of your race suit or in calf sleeves.
Headphones or audio helmets and glasses.
Using phones or smart devices in a distractive manner, including as a bike computer.
Cameras.
Mirrors, unless you tell the Head Referee before the race. Even then, you become ineligible for awards and World Championship slots.

Riding: obey traffic laws and never cross a solid no-passing line unless directed. Wear a top at all times, with any front zip joined at the bottom and shoulders covered. Slow down at accident sites. If your bike breaks, you may continue on foot pushing or carrying it, but you can't make progress without it.