kenj's group closed, training hard and having fun!! (Page 43)

Thanks Ken.  There was one little step that I wasn't doing right, but I've got it now.

X2.  I don't know much about FTP, but any improvement is good improvement!!

I have a watch/timing question.  For my tri last year, all I had was a simple Timex that I started at the swim start and just let go until the finish.  It allowed me to see my overall time and if I was on pace for my goal finish time.  I didn't take my own splits, but I was able to figure them quickly during the race.  The nice thing about using this watch was that I could swim with it.

I now use a Garmin 305 (mostly for running) and I really like knowing my run pace and my distance.  Can this be worn during the swim?  I've heard of some wearing it under their caps.  If you don't swim with it, would you put it on in T1 or T2?  Putting it on in T1 or T2 would prohibit keeping a cumulative time as well.

What do you do?

I used a 305 before I got a 310xt..In workouts set the auto multisport before the race  and then hit lap button at each timing mat, I used my during the swim on my wrist and had no problems,the swim distance will be off but the time should be correct...FYI even the new 310xt swim distance is off..

My new race wheels just came in and I was going to buy a new cassette to keep on them..What size would be the most effective for triathlons??

Also what saddles do ya'll ride on??

Shake, how hilly is it where you're going to be racing/riding?

What do you have on your current bike?

Do you feel it is not meeting your requirements?

Just wanted to say a quick "Hi!"

Ken - your puppy is freakin' adorable

I just finished a brick... now it is lunch time and I am not in the mood for the pork roast I brought for lunch... i would really rather have a big salad... pile of green with chicken and hard boiled eggs and full-fat dressing.

Hubby's family owns property on a lake in MA.  We are heading up there tomorrow for the weekend.  I want to get in 2 - 3 swims this weekend, but I am not entirely sure how to measure distance.  I am curious to see what it is like to swim 800 yrds in open water (as opposed to the boring back and forth in a pool).

Not that hilly some tough climbs on different routes but mostly a lot of rollers..On my tri bike it is a compact crank with a 11/23 I was thinking of going 12/25..My road bike is standard crank with a 11/25..

I wear a Nike workout watch in the water.  My 310 is for the run.  I'd never wear it in the water.  The band once came lose running.  If that had happened in the water, bye bye $400.  Won't tell me anything useful in the water anyway.  

I ride Adamo race saddles.  Love them absolutely. 

Cassettes, I agree, a good all around is 12/27.  Also I'm buying a SRAM 11/28 for the IM in Wisconsin.  With a compact crack on the front, should be as fast on flats around here and be able to climb the side of a barn.

Very sweet!

Glad we are talking about cassettes. Julie and I have a race coming up that has a very steep climb in it. Last year I used a 12/27 and I will probably need to resort to that this year. The only frustration I have with that cassette is that I spin out so quickly.  Is there a way I can switch my 12/27 for an 11/27? (basically take one of the cassette rings and which it?) I know some combos won't work but I have no idea about what would and wouldn't work.

I have an 11/28 cassette that I got especially for a very hilly race that I do every year. The 28 also comes in handy on some short but steep climbs on my regular rides. However, once in a while on flatter areas I can have a little trouble finding just the right gear. Generally not an issue, but I will probably switch back to a 12/27 for the Musselman HIM because, although there are hills, it is generally flatter than most of my rides. I am also considering switching to a compact crank because once in a while I would like one more easier gear so I could spin more and mash less.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Best of luck to all those racing this weekend.

Let's hear from ya!!!

Quick question: is a heart rate monitor worth getting for running?

Wondering if it's something that's just useful for a short while or are there long term applications.

So is it possible to take an 11 from one cassette and switch it out with the 12 on my (12-27) vs having to purchase a whole new cassette?

I am not a bike mechanic, so please don't take this as a definitive answer. I think you can do it except there are 2 buts. First I think the lock ring for an eleven is different than the one for a 12, so you would have to switch the lock ring as well. The bigger thing is that in the 2 highest gears your gearing would jump from the 11 to a 13 instead of to a 12 which might be too big of a jump. Not sure if that makes sense, but here are the cogs on an 11-28 and a 12-27 to compare:

• 11 12 13 14 15 17 19 21 24 28

• 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 21 24 27

That jump from 11 to 13 might not seem like much, but you might find you don't like it. Here's some more info at Sheldon Brown's website: 10 Speed Cassettes.

All this gearing talk makes me wonder how in 1965 at 7 years old I was able to ride 4 or 5 miles into town on my Schwinn Sting Ray with just one gear and a coaster brake. That was the greatest bike ever!

Thanks for the info about the cassettes!  I appreciate it.

Here are a couple of pics of the brutal climb that Julie and I tackled yesterday (Julie took the pics). 90+ degrees and dehydration on top of the grade of this climb had me stopping numerous times and walking at one point. It was a very tough day.

(Peak2.jpg)

(peak4.jpg)