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BIKE: what was the one thing that made you faster?
gunforhire
Posts: 457
in General Chat
As someone in his 2nd year of Triathlon and making the move from Sprint to Olympic, I wonder what was the one thing that made you faster?
So, fitness and training aside, as we'll assume that everyone is putting in the mileage and going aero, what made the biggest improvement to your bike time?
So, fitness and training aside, as we'll assume that everyone is putting in the mileage and going aero, what made the biggest improvement to your bike time?
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I went from a hybrid in my first year to a mid range road bike for the second and took nearly 30 mins off, so im upgrading again to carbon, however i think the biggest thing is that with a new bike comes the want to ride it, so i guess training is the difference
In the Poll wheels and tyres are neck and neck, as the go-faster accessory.
My reason for posting was I wanted to know, training and going aero aside what was the BIG eyeopener, what was the item that made you get the PBs.
As someone going from Sprint to Olympic this year: I'm putting in the road miles, I've bought the Turbo Trainer, I'm doing bricks whenever I can BUT I'm still on that old bike. Where does training end and carbon take over?! [:D]
Basically, I'm not a newbie anymore but still have a lo-o-ong way to go before I actually stop 'doing' triathlons and start 'competing'. I'm sure I'm not the only one.
With that all sorted I think that wheels have a large effect on times. I shelled out for some 50mm carbon rims last year and my times have dropped for the ride.
However for "bang for buck" you cant beat a proper bike fit, I know someone who was riding a frame that was miles too big for him (although this was the frame which his measurments suggested) and only knew as a result of a fitting session.
Seriously - increasing my cadence was a biggie. I used a decent bike computer and the turbo trainer to improve this and the difference is huge.
blurredgirl
If you want to add anything too yiour trusty steed then my advice would be to have good quality tyres and chain then the rest is up to you.
[;)]
When your fit and cycle correctly then the aero bikes/bars,carbon, tyres etc, become areas to make gains.IMO
Pigsy
1. Correct bike fit (which includes decent aero position)
2. Getting used to your tyres and gearing. If we're 'ignoring' the effects of training the next thing that speeds me up is knowing exactly what gear to be in for any given speed and incline approaching. When to change chain rings, when to stand up and when to mash the big gear. When to brake, how hard can you corner etc. Just getting to know your bike is a huge advantage.
3. Comfortable kit.
Incidentally, I moved away from a compact chainset because I was no longer using the small chain ring even when keeping to 90rpm. Also, I was seriously running out of cogs on the flat.
If you really want me to choose from your list then I'll say frame as it was part of a better bike - though the fact that it is carbon is neither here nor there. Carbon is not some magic wonder-material. You can get a crap carbon frame if you like. The important thing for me is that it is stiffer and lighter than my old frame, and it fits me better.
Second place improvement is NOT choosing a compact.
Sorry. Not a particularly clear answer. I think that carbon is genuinely worth the money (though I take the point about cheap carbon being worse than good aluminium), but I would also rate a proper fitting and aero bars as being key non-training related improvements.
Jokeing aside i cant really afford the above appart from the tyres (i call them my summer tyres) however what you lose on the up hills you gain on the down.
Areo bars have made a massive difference, so much so i unclip the shoes, stick my legs out to the side and shout weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee at the top of my voice
Interested to see so many rate wheels up there as this is the 'toy' I am thinking of buying next!!
Cadence has made a big difference. Am able to go faster for longer. Sometimes the cadence target zone alarm on the Cateye is a tad annoying though!
And cycling shoes..I've had a couple of falls but they've been worth it in terms of adding speed, fluidity to my cycling.
If I had to choose something it would be frame then toys as shoes and the turbo make a vast amount of difference.
I am only in my first full season (started mid last year) and put a hard winter in up to a 100 miles a week on the road or turbo and my speed and endurance has improved beyond my expections