General Discussion Triathlon Talk » A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not Rss Feed  
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2016-08-10 1:57 PM


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Subject: A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not
Hi guy,

Have my A race for the year coming up on Sunday, middle distance.

To date I have been using a road bike for races training.

Been contemplating buying a TT bike for a long time and finally pressed the button a few weeks ago to have it in time for the race.

Brought it out on the one cycle, 20km, went well. Definitely notice the difference against the wind.

Am thinking after that maybe I should stick with the road bike for the race as its what I am used to.

Read that you use the glutes more on a TT bike, which I would not have developed as much as my thighs.

Another option would be to put the TT wheels (Sram cassette 11 speed) on my road bike (11 speed Shimano chain and derailleur).

Just looking for some advice from the community. Much apreciated.

Tibulus


2016-08-10 2:05 PM
in reply to: tibulus

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Expert
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Pfafftown, NC
Subject: RE: A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not
I'm assuming a 40k bike leg.

I'd ride the heck out of the TT bike.
2016-08-10 2:11 PM
in reply to: tibulus

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702
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Aledo, Texas
Subject: RE: A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not

I would not suggest you race on the TT with only one ride under your belt. It handles way different. I made this mistake last year, racing on my TT when it was only my second ride. I wrecked, broke my orbital socket in three places, had a brain contusion, and a concussion. I don't know how or why I wrecked, but being relatively unfamiliar with the bike couldn't have helped.

2016-08-10 2:14 PM
in reply to: tibulus


2

Subject: RE: A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not
Its a 90k bike,

I am pretty happy with the handling, its not a very technical course.
2016-08-10 2:36 PM
in reply to: tibulus

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Subject: RE: A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not

Originally posted by tibulus Its a 90k bike, I am pretty happy with the handling, its not a very technical course.

That's a long way on a new bike (I assume it's been fitted properly....).  If you were going TT to a new TT bike i'd say yes no worries.  Road to TT is a different set of circumstances.   If you have a proper fit and a comfortable position, go for it but know you run the risk  of maybe getting really uncomfortable and be prepared to fight thru that

2016-08-10 3:30 PM
in reply to: tibulus

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Champion
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Subject: RE: A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not

Why not switch to barefoot running for the race too??

(That's being sarcastic...)

As you indicate in your first post, the two use different muscles and also use muscles differently.  You've spent months building up the specific muscles to ride well on the road bike.  When do you think you'll find the one or two muscles that haven't been properly conditioned?  Mile 20?  Mile 30?  Mile 40?  Mile 50?  What's going to happen to your bike split (and run split) when you switch riding styles after 30 miles, taxing yet another set of muscles in new and different ways?  Now throw in additional "unknowns" such as chafing and numbness from the different riding position.  Are you currently training on aerobars?  If not, expect your neck to be very unhappy quite early in the ride and you'll spend much of the ride sitting up on that nice, aerodynamic beast.  

What would be the advantage of switching out the wheels?  

My recommendation is to race like you've trained and save the TT bike for the weeks after.  



2016-08-10 11:09 PM
in reply to: tibulus


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Subject: RE: A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not
Originally posted by tibulus

Its a 90k bike,

I am pretty happy with the handling, its not a very technical course.


Yeah, they corner a bit different but that's about it. As you said, it's not technical. It's really about getting comfortable. It's going to be way faster over that distance, if you can tolerate the new position, go for it. But if you're going to end up in the horns, your road bike could be faster depending on your set up, but I'm guessing even in the horns, your reach is longer and probably more aero than your road bike. And this BS about different muscle groups, forget about that, nonsense.

2016-08-11 8:43 AM
in reply to: ziggie204

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Durham, North Carolina
Subject: RE: A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not
I personally wouldn't be worried about the handling. I would be worried about sitting on a new saddle on a new angle for 90k though.
2016-08-11 8:49 AM
in reply to: Lupy

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Extreme Veteran
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Maryland
Subject: RE: A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not

If it was 40k or less I'd say ride it, but for 90k you could find yourself in a world of hurt.  Stick to the road bike for now and then try it next time once you've had time to get used to it

2016-08-11 9:46 AM
in reply to: tibulus


467
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, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not
They always say to race the way you've practiced and not make any big changes race day. I think that unless you've got at least a couple hundred miles on the new bike, I'd stick with what you're used to.
2016-08-12 11:57 AM
in reply to: McFuzz

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Subject: RE: A Race - Use New TT Bike Or Not

Originally posted by McFuzz

Why not switch to barefoot running for the race too??

(That's being sarcastic...)

As you indicate in your first post, the two use different muscles and also use muscles differently.  You've spent months building up the specific muscles to ride well on the road bike.  When do you think you'll find the one or two muscles that haven't been properly conditioned?  Mile 20?  Mile 30?  Mile 40?  Mile 50?  What's going to happen to your bike split (and run split) when you switch riding styles after 30 miles, taxing yet another set of muscles in new and different ways?  Now throw in additional "unknowns" such as chafing and numbness from the different riding position.  Are you currently training on aerobars?  If not, expect your neck to be very unhappy quite early in the ride and you'll spend much of the ride sitting up on that nice, aerodynamic beast.  

What would be the advantage of switching out the wheels?  

My recommendation is to race like you've trained and save the TT bike for the weeks after.  

x2

Nothing new on race day!



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