Slornow's and Wannabefaster's Summer Mentor Group - CLOSED (Page 44)

The Continental GP 4000s are great tires. I use them for both training and racing. Other places that typically have good prices on tires include www.biketiresdirect.com and www.bicycledoctorusa.com  Not sure what their current prices are but run some good specials.

Jason-nice job. Speedy time.  

Good morning group!

I think we have several people racing this weekend. I'm doing a sprint on Saturday. Who else is racing?

I know many in the group have their "A" or priority races coming up in the latter part of the Summer. May be a good time to get ahead on some of the bike maintenance. One area that often gets overlooked is the drivetrain....specifically your chain and cassette. Not expensive to replace but can make a big difference in your shifting and efficiency. Do this several weeks out from your big race so you can make sure everything is working smoothly in the weeks leading up to your race. I like to get a new cassette whenever I get a new chain...might be overkill but woth the $100 or so.  Chances are if you have 2500 miles or so on your chain it has stretched a bit and is due for replacement. Also, if you plan to get some new tires before the big race do so a few weeks out as well. There will be plenty to keep you busy heading into an "A" race so the more you can get done now the better.  

Good morning group!

I think we have several people racing this weekend. I'm doing a sprint on Saturday. Who else is racing?

I know many in the group have their "A" or priority races coming up in the latter part of the Summer. May be a good time to get ahead on some of the bike maintenance. One area that often gets overlooked is the drivetrain....specifically your chain and cassette. Not expensive to replace but can make a big difference in your shifting and efficiency. Do this several weeks out from your big race so you can make sure everything is working smoothly in the weeks leading up to your race. I like to get a new cassette whenever I get a new chain...might be overkill but woth the $100 or so.  Chances are if you have 2500 miles or so on your chain it has stretched a bit and is due for replacement. Also, if you plan to get some new tires before the big race do so a few weeks out as well. There will be plenty to keep you busy heading into an "A" race so the more you can get done now the better.  

Good morning group!

I think we have several people racing this weekend. I'm doing a sprint on Saturday. Who else is racing?

I know many in the group have their "A" or priority races coming up in the latter part of the Summer. May be a good time to get ahead on some of the bike maintenance. One area that often gets overlooked is the drivetrain....specifically your chain and cassette. Not expensive to replace but can make a big difference in your shifting and efficiency. Do this several weeks out from your big race so you can make sure everything is working smoothly in the weeks leading up to your race. I like to get a new cassette whenever I get a new chain...might be overkill but woth the $100 or so.  Chances are if you have 2500 miles or so on your chain it has stretched a bit and is due for replacement. Also, if you plan to get some new tires before the big race do so a few weeks out as well. There will be plenty to keep you busy heading into an "A" race so the more you can get done now the better.  

Tay-glad you are OK. The clipless pedals will eventually become second nature/automatic.

Good morning group!

I think we have several people racing this weekend. I'm doing a sprint on Saturday. Who else is racing?

I know many in the group have their "A" or priority races coming up in the latter part of the Summer. May be a good time to get ahead on some of the bike maintenance. One area that often gets overlooked is the drivetrain....specifically your chain and cassette. Not expensive to replace but can make a big difference in your shifting and efficiency. Do this several weeks out from your big race so you can make sure everything is working smoothly in the weeks leading up to your race. I like to get a new cassette whenever I get a new chain...might be overkill but woth the $100 or so.  Chances are if you have 2500 miles or so on your chain it has stretched a bit and is due for replacement. Also, if you plan to get some new tires before the big race do so a few weeks out as well. There will be plenty to keep you busy heading into an "A" race so the more you can get done now the better.  

Well, it seems that I will periodically have what feels like a really crappy swim....that was this morning. Effort level felt way too hard for the times. Oh well at least its done.

Jason-compact cranks. I saw the article on the TT record. That guy is a beast. I will definitely consider compact when I get a new crank set. Probably will not be for another year or so. Most of what I have seen indicates that the majority of cyclists/triathletes would benefit from using compact cranks.

Group question-just curious but for those that can track cadence on the bike what it your usual cadence. I'm usually in the 86-88 range. Sometimes a little higher in a race but rare for me to see 90 after a long ride.

Bike workout tonight and easy run tomorrow with race on Saturday. 

Swimskin you just wear for the swim over your tri suit. Essentially, there are two types. 1) has some thin neoprene or similar rubber type fabric and 2) the other type has no neoprene and is just a very fast fabric (hydrophobic??) in the water.  USAT has a list on its website of USAT approved swimskins. BUT, and it may be a big issue is if you plan to use the swimskin in a WTC (Ironman labeled IM or 70.3) event they do not allow the neoprene type of swimskins. Not sure about the Xterra and where it falls. I would definitely check the USAT list before buying. Seems like there was an article or 2 on Slowtwitch within the last few months reviewing several swimskins. I have one and use it in most races that are not wetsuit legal. Really compresses everything and the neoprene/rubberized ones seem to add a bit of floatation. Definitely faster in the pool with it on when I did some practice swims.

Hope that helps. 

Here is the link to the USAT list: http://www.usatriathlon.org/about-multisport/rulebook/approved-skinsuits.aspx