General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Time savings Rss Feed  
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2017-03-05 8:14 AM

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Subject: Time savings

A friend did some aero testing at the Velodrome recently. He's a MOP athlete with a decent position on a good bike although not a superbike

His baseline aero numbers would give a 2h38m bike split on a flat course

After dropping his front end 3cm, he saved 2.5minutes
He then titled his extensions to 12deg and got an additional 1.52minutes
He then tried narrowing his pads which set him back 1.89minutes from the previous test. So he went back
He tried a tight aero jerey and this got him 1.5minutes over his tight sleeveless top
Finally he tried a new helmet which was 1.93 minutes better than his Giro A2

So a grand total of 7.5 minutes


Just thought I'd share



2017-03-05 8:35 AM
in reply to: #5215053

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Subject: RE: Time savings
Just out of curiosity, did he provide any feedback on the comfort over the new fitting?

There always appears to be a trade off between aero and comfort. I would imagine if I was as aggressive as Sebastian Kienle my times would improve, however, being able to maintain that aggressive of a position for 5+ hours ain't gonna happen.

Thanks for the input.
2017-03-05 8:59 AM
in reply to: Jeff B

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Subject: RE: Time savings
Originally posted by Jeff B

Just out of curiosity, did he provide any feedback on the comfort over the new fitting?

There always appears to be a trade off between aero and comfort. I would imagine if I was as aggressive as Sebastian Kienle my times would improve, however, being able to maintain that aggressive of a position for 5+ hours ain't gonna happen.

Thanks for the input.



As a matter of fact, yes. He pinged me yesterday that he was now using the lower position on the trainer and actually felt more comfortable. He was previously on a bike with a more headtube so never was able to go lower. He is not a super flexible guy.

He races HIM, IM and Extreme IM.
2017-03-05 10:23 AM
in reply to: marcag

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Subject: RE: Time savings
Yeah.....that would be my question, too. I had a fitting yesterday (road bike). I'm now more aggressive, but I never have to run off that thing
2017-03-05 10:41 AM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: Time savings


He went from 8cm to 11cm drop.

Not crazy. He is 45yo
2017-03-05 12:13 PM
in reply to: marcag

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Subject: RE: Time savings
I wasn't implying it was anything crazy. "More" is more, though

I'll be 53 this year.


2017-03-05 12:18 PM
in reply to: nc452010

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Subject: RE: Time savings
Originally posted by nc452010

I wasn't implying it was anything crazy. "More" is more, though

I'll be 53 this year.



I'm 54 and ride with 14cm drop and am about as flexible as a steel bar.

Seat position, seat selection, crank selection, cockpit setup make a big difference
2017-03-05 3:13 PM
in reply to: marcag

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Subject: RE: Time savings
Originally posted by marcag

Originally posted by nc452010

I wasn't implying it was anything crazy. "More" is more, though

I'll be 53 this year.



I'm 54 and ride with 14cm drop and am about as flexible as a steel bar.

Seat position, seat selection, crank selection, cockpit setup make a big difference


X1 on this, crank selection has made a big improvement for my position and comfort.
2017-03-05 5:13 PM
in reply to: marcag

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Subject: RE: Time savings
I went to the wind tunnel last year. I wrote up the experience and included the complete data set for anyone to see an analyze if they wanted. I actually went up in the air (ie. added stack) and reduced my drag. The complete write-up is here:

http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/12/triathlon-aerodynamic-bike-dra...
2017-03-06 9:20 AM
in reply to: ThomasGerlach ProTri

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Subject: RE: Time savings
Originally posted by ThomasGerlach ProTri

I went to the wind tunnel last year. I wrote up the experience and included the complete data set for anyone to see an analyze if they wanted. I actually went up in the air (ie. added stack) and reduced my drag. The complete write-up is here:

http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/12/triathlon-aerodynamic-bike-dra...


the problem with the wind tunnel (and all testing for that matter) is that you figured out one thing... now you open up the questions "why" and "how do I expand on it" (Although in your case it's easy to see why narrower and higher was better)

2017-03-06 12:42 PM
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Subject: RE: Time savings

This thread stresses me out!  Well, not really, but...

I **think** I'm fairly slippery on my old bike with my old helmet and old wheels (all good products, for sure, but far from the most current super-equivalents) and a decent position. So, no real issues overall or with the gear and such (except maybe a slick new jersey) or how my races have gone.  Luckily I'm not putting bread on the table doing this.

That said, I have this suspicion that I might be able to wring more out of my setup (not talking about changing equipment here - that's a different exerci$$$$$e) with potentially minor changes that a fitter wouldn't suggest based on "look" or standard measurements.

However, I have an equal and opposite suspicion that some of those changes might make me slower...

Hence, the tension!

Since I rarely ride outside anymore except in races and don't know if there's a 'drome nearby (or if I'd use it), I suppose this is a silly post - but thought I'd share.  

I wonder how many MOP riders with decent positions can wring that kind of time out of similarly minor changes to setups, or if your friend was an outlier?  I'm kind of hoping for the latter, as then I can feel good about just riding what I have. 

Matt

 Edited for spelling... Oy.

 



Edited by mcmanusclan5 2017-03-06 12:56 PM


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