Ironman Kansas 70.3 : Official Thread (Page 14)

Tell3131 - 2009-06-09 10:14 AM

Nope.  If we wanted light weight bikes, then I would ride my 14lb Tarmac SL2 with Hed Ardennes wheels. . .we want aero bikes. .. the few hundered grams that Tubulars weigh less than clinchers can be made up in other areas.  Plus aero trumps weight.  And MOST courses are flatter than they are hillier (sp?). 

I find it funny that we worry about weight of our wheels, when in fact the tons of water bottle/food/gear that we take with us weighs much more than the wheel difference.  Or perhaps if I lost that 5-10 extra pounds around my waist that would make a bigger difference (that reference is to me personally). 

I have never changed a tubular.  Is it easier to change?  Maybe. . I don't know.  I know that I am comfortable on clinchers, they ride fine by me and the weight difference isn't enough for me to sell all 4 sets of the clincher wheelsets and switch to tubulars. 

Pros ride tubulars in road races (Giro, Tour, etc), but they also either have teammate that will give them a wheel or a team car or a Mavic Car with wheels all over it. 

Chrissie Wellington uses clinchers. . ..

xcrunner2010 - 2009-06-09 10:21 PM With everything else the same and your riding 808 clinchers rather than 808 tubulars are you saying that you are gonig to go faster....  Less weight  = faster even if it is only a coupla secs

one-hooah-family - 2009-06-10 7:42 AM Question for those of you who raced last year....My husband and I are both racing this year and Grandma is keeping our four kids (ages 9,6,4 and 2) overnight.  She would like to bring them down in the morning (at a reasonable time!) but I'm not sure, other then being outside at a campground, if there'll be anything for them to do. Does anyone know if the booths have any "family" things, or should Grandma come prepared with frisbees and balls and the like?
Sorry to break into the conversation with such a non-technical or truly race related question! I do appreciate any insight you can give though. TIA!

lisac957 - 2009-06-10 9:44 AM



Don't know if you saw, but there is a spectator guide on the web site http://www.ironmankansas.com/09IMKSpecGuide.pdf

It has some coupons for places in Lawrence, which is cool!
I would DEFINITELY recommend that Grandma bring things to entertain the kiddos. Lots of things. I thought that last year's spectator guide had a list of suggested items spectators bring, but I didn't see that in this year's guide. Some stuff I remember is: lawn chairs, sunscreen, bug spray, FOOD, DRINKS, games, football/frisbie, MP3 player, coloring books, UMBRELLA (haha), etc.

One idea would be to bring posterboard and markers and have the kids make you guys a sign you can see as you come into T2 or the finish line. That might keep them busy for a bit...

jazz82482 - 2009-06-10 9:02 AM x2- races are boring, even for adults (just ask my boyfriend!) They are going to need to get into the campground VERY early- make sure you check the website for the times that they are allowing cars in, because they will be closing the roads for the race. Also, depending on your kids, they could even try to volunteer at an aid station, or be near one to 'help out'- which could be fun. Just don't forget sunscreen! It is a long day out there! You could bring a tent to set up at a campsite in case the young ones need a nap.

Tell3131 - 2009-06-10 8:11 AM

I am saying it matters more about the person than the equipment.  .but if you have the exact same person and they are on clinchers vs tubulars and the exact same weight bike except the only weight savings is the tubular vs clinchers, then they might save 8-10 seconds overall??  But the main thing here is if they get a flat. 

Question to you:  Have you ever changed a Tubular before?  If not, then go with clinchers, unless you want to learn and practice before race day. 

But, this is your race, and only you can make the best decision for you. 

kburk09 - 2009-06-10 3:15 PM

My fiance thought she would get to go to Mass Street for shopping while im out suffering, i mean enjoying the course.  she wasnt too excited when i told her she instead got to spend the whole day in the park.  With my Parents...  I guess i'll ask her if she wants me to bring some markers and cardboard.....Not sure what she would write though!!!!

kburk09 - 2009-06-10 3:15 PM

My fiance thought she would get to go to Mass Street for shopping while im out suffering, i mean enjoying the course.  she wasnt too excited when i told her she instead got to spend the whole day in the park.  With my Parents...  I guess i'll ask her if she wants me to bring some markers and cardboard.....Not sure what she would write though!!!!

tri-dg - 2009-06-11 6:22 AM NEW WEATHER FORCAST Sun Jun 14 Scattered T-Storms 75° HIGH 64° LOW 40%