Buying Watts

2017-12-18 7:57 PM

165

Subject: Buying Watts

Hey all,
I’ve decided I’m not going to buy a new frame, and I have carbon rims, so I wanted to ask those who know better than me. If I wanted to buy something for my bike to steal a few watts, should I go with component upgrades (currently have Shimano 105), a new carbon basebar and aero bars, or perhaps something different? I only have a $200-300 budget.

Thanks for the opinions!

jmhpsu93

2017-12-19 5:42 AM

in reply to: linkslefty

Expert

4924

Middle River, Maryland

Silver member

Subject: RE: Buying Watts

Aero helmet and a one-piece trisuit.

Maybe another bike fit but you can go down quite a rabbit hole (and an expensive one) if you start thinking wind tunnel modifications, etc. A good fitter should be able to lop off some low-hanging fruit if you have any obvious aero problems with your position, though.

2017-12-19 6:37 AM

in reply to: #5232973

165	Subject: RE: Buying Watts Thanks Mike. I have a giro helmet, and a decent trip racing suit that I wear for most races. Got a pro fit done last year. You think going back that route would still be the best investment as opposed to bike upgrades? My Race Log

nc452010

2017-12-19 7:03 AM

in reply to: linkslefty

Expert

2852

Pfafftown, NC

Subject: RE: Buying Watts

The groupset won't buy you anything.

If I were in your shoes (and I was), I'd get some latex tubes and look into a good, used cockpit.

jmhpsu93

2017-12-19 7:10 AM

in reply to: linkslefty

Expert

4924

Middle River, Maryland

Silver member

Subject: RE: Buying Watts

Originally posted by linkslefty Thanks Mike. I have a giro helmet, and a decent trip racing suit that I wear for most races. Got a pro fit done last year. You think going back that route would still be the best investment as opposed to bike upgrades?

Sounds like you've already hit those and have benefited from the gains already. More money spent on a better helmet, etc. would be incremental at best.

Mentioned above, what does your tire/tube setup look like?

2017-12-19 9:14 AM

in reply to: #5232985

165

Subject: RE: Buying Watts

I currently use continental tires, S2 I believe? Regular tubes, nothing fancy there and definitely not latex. I also have an older Vision cockpit setup, bought it cheap to replace a road setup with drops.

reecealan

2017-12-19 11:20 AM

in reply to: linkslefty

Master

3888

Overland Park, KS

Subject: RE: Buying Watts

Latex Tubes and Conti GP TT tires will shave off a few watts, especially at and above 40K distances.

marcag

2017-12-19 11:35 AM

in reply to: linkslefty

Extreme Veteran

5722

Subject: RE: Buying Watts

Disc cover ?

jmhpsu93

2017-12-20 8:25 AM

in reply to: marcag

Expert

4924

Middle River, Maryland

Silver member

Subject: RE: Buying Watts

Originally posted by marcag Disc cover ?

+1 - was going there next.

Donto

2017-12-20 10:04 AM

in reply to: linkslefty

Pro

6582

Melbourne FL

Gold member

Subject: RE: Buying Watts

2nd on getting good tires and latex tubes. This site has some good info on various tires and a spreadsheet (via upper right) showing measured rolling resistances.

Also the disc cover, I made my own based on this thread, you can find ABS sheets on eBay pretty cheap now days.

2017-12-20 10:35 AM

in reply to: linkslefty

165

Subject: RE: Buying Watts

Thanks guys, I think I'm going to look at investing in the wheel cover. I came across some good info for wheelbuilder.com, going to see what they can do.

I'm also looking at picking up a carbon base bar. Partially because it's lighter, partially because I want to buy something new for my bike and I need to take advantage when the wife okays it!

Let me know if there are any other opinions out there!

nc452010

2017-12-20 10:51 AM

in reply to: linkslefty

Expert

2852

Pfafftown, NC

Subject: RE: Buying Watts

Just be aware......re: wheel covers......

I had a Wheelbuilder. Nothing in the world wrong with it. I also have a 90 mm rear wheel. I damaged the wheel cover to the point I couldn't use it (MY mistake), so I bought a disk (same mfr). By their own data, I think it is touted to save about 00:00:40 in an IM.

I promplty sold the disk. Spend wisely

dtoce

2017-12-20 12:06 PM

in reply to: linkslefty

Veteran

945

South Windsor, CT

Subject: RE: Buying Watts

Originally posted by linkslefty

Thanks guys, I think I'm going to look at investing in the wheel cover. I came across some good info for wheelbuilder.com, going to see what they can do.

I'm also looking at picking up a carbon base bar. Partially because it's lighter, partially because I want to buy something new for my bike and I need to take advantage when the wife okays it!

Let me know if there are any other opinions out there!

I'd pay for a new bike fit. (I'm actually surprised that Marc didn't say that before the disc cover..)
Position/comfort=speed

This is usually the lowest hanging fruit, unless you are really aero already, IMO.