General Discussion Triathlon Talk » PROOF, it's the engine that matters. Rss Feed  
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2014-09-22 9:24 AM

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Subject: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
Just wanted to put this out there again though it's been said many times. We have a local triathlete who has been doing this gig for a couple years now. His story to triathlon has more to it than just the engine. Not too long ago he was living on the streets and was way into drugs etc. His life came to point to choose and he choose to get clean and triathlon is his outlet. He just keeps getting faster and faster.

This weekend he took 4th in his AG at IM 70.3 Cozumel. He went nearly 24 mph on the bike, and ran decent as well. His swim is a constant improvement, so he lost some time there. He managed to pass 70+ on the bike and 10+ on the run to finish is the top 20 overall including pro's.

I say it's all about the engine because he is riding a Motobecane that is about 5+ years old. I don't think he even bought it new, I think it was used.

So there you have it. 5+ year old aluminum bike that is definitly not the most aerodynamic thing out there, I wish I had his engine.

Edited by cstoulil 2014-09-22 9:25 AM


2014-09-22 9:46 AM
in reply to: cstoulil

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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

right....and maybe if he had better equipment he wins?

cool story I guess but whats your point?

2014-09-22 9:49 AM
in reply to: cstoulil

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Katy, Texas
Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
Originally posted by cstoulil

Just wanted to put this out there again though it's been said many times. We have a local triathlete who has been doing this gig for a couple years now. His story to triathlon has more to it than just the engine. Not too long ago he was living on the streets and was way into drugs etc. His life came to point to choose and he choose to get clean and triathlon is his outlet. He just keeps getting faster and faster.

This weekend he took 4th in his AG at IM 70.3 Cozumel. He went nearly 24 mph on the bike, and ran decent as well. His swim is a constant improvement, so he lost some time there. He managed to pass 70+ on the bike and 10+ on the run to finish is the top 20 overall including pro's.

I say it's all about the engine because he is riding a Motobecane that is about 5+ years old. I don't think he even bought it new, I think it was used.

So there you have it. 5+ year old aluminum bike that is definitly not the most aerodynamic thing out there, I wish I had his engine.


Well darn it....there goes my excuse.

I'm riding an aluminum road bike as well, that is probably comparable. I do have to say however, that even though he is obviously proficient on the aluminum bike, I'm sure he'd see some improvement on a nicer bike. So I guess the theme is that it's not a necessity to compete, but certainly offers an advantage. I'm still planning on upgrading to a carbon tri-bike soon enough, but in the mean time, Alice (my aluminum bike...get it...Al...ice) and I will keep on trucking. On a side note, I was going to name it Al, but "I'm heading out to ride Al" just made my wife look at me funny.
2014-09-22 9:50 AM
in reply to: cstoulil

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Champion
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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
Why is nearly 24mph more inspiring than 24+mph?

Great Motor's do a lot... but there's a reason Big motors in Corvettes go faster than big motors in Chevettes.
2014-09-22 12:02 PM
in reply to: cstoulil


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, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
That's very cool. Question, is the Moto a road bike or tri bike?
2014-09-22 1:31 PM
in reply to: 0

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201
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Hereford, England
Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
I'm sure most people know it's the engine.

I started training in January this year averaging 15mph on a road bike. Clipless pedals added 1.5mph overnight, clip on tribars added just under 1mph after a couple of rides to get used to them. Now I'm averaging 21mph. So 3.5mph have been the engine, 2.5mph equipment (and probably a bit of pyschological effect of the upgrade too).

If you can afford it, why not get as aero as possible? Why not buy all the gadgets? Aren't gadgets and upgrades etc what keep a lot of people interested? Even with a nice carbon tt bike, I doubt I'd be at 24mph without a lot more engine work though.

Edited by Eucid 2014-09-22 1:34 PM


2014-09-22 1:38 PM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

Originally posted by dmiller5

right....and maybe if he had better equipment he wins?

cool story I guess but whats your point?

I, personally, am perfectly fine with everyone thinking that carbon bikes and aero wheels are a waste.

2014-09-22 1:44 PM
in reply to: msteiner

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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

I thought it was all about nutrition.

2014-09-22 2:01 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

Originally posted by Left Brain

I thought it was all about nutrition.

I thought it was all about the ki.....

2014-09-22 2:07 PM
in reply to: Jason N

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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

Originally posted by Jason N

Originally posted by Left Brain

I thought it was all about nutrition.

I thought it was all about the ki.....

Trust me, for me, it is.....no way around it.

2014-09-22 4:15 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

forget the engine, red and black are the fastest colors.



2014-09-22 5:23 PM
in reply to: msteiner

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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
+1 I'm still not a FOP racer, but my tri bike boosts my average up a couple miles an hour over my road bike.
2014-09-22 5:46 PM
in reply to: bigevilgrape

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

Was this ever in debate?

2014-09-22 6:36 PM
in reply to: 0

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.

Edited by Fred D 2014-09-22 6:36 PM
2014-09-22 9:23 PM
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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
I know who you are talking about I've done a few training rides with him. He's a freaken beast. I thought I was pretty good on the bike but after he kicked my butt the entire 3-5 hours we were riding, I went back to solo rides/trainer since I didn't want to hold him back. That guy is a beast and he put in the hours with insane workouts to get to where he is. Gives me something to shoot for though and it's nice to know someone you can chase and motivate you.

Edited by Blastman 2014-09-22 9:24 PM
2014-09-22 11:09 PM
in reply to: Blastman


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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
Good story. It's always been about the engine though. Look at Chrissie Wellington.


2014-09-23 1:38 AM
in reply to: Left Brain

Extreme Veteran
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Ridgeland, Mississippi
Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

Originally posted by Left Brain

I thought it was all about nutrition.

Only when you don't get the result you want.

2014-09-23 4:20 AM
in reply to: Mr Cup

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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
I think in this case not just the engine but the will and spirit. Maybe in Chrissie's case too. Overcoming adversity involves more than a bike, or an engine. Lots of people are blessed with great engines; not many would have the willpower to come from that far down in life. Kudos to him and hope he finds a sponsor to get him a better bike so he can continue his path.
2014-09-23 8:29 AM
in reply to: msteiner

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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

Originally posted by msteiner

Originally posted by Left Brain

I thought it was all about nutrition.

Only when you don't get the result you want.

2014-09-23 10:15 AM
in reply to: Leegoocrap


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Atlanta, Georgia
Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
Originally posted by Leegoocrap
Great Motor's do a lot... but there's a reason Big motors in Corvettes go faster than big motors in Chevettes.


Exactly. I am looking at a new bike now because I did my entire first season this year on a 20 year old all steel Cannondale Mountain Bike. The motor will get you there, but putting it in the right kind of vehicle will get you there faster.



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2014-09-23 12:00 PM
in reply to: 0


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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
Honestly this is a poor study and analogy. The engine matters but so does everything else like aero and weight Why do you think you never see Andy Potts or Trevor Wurtle or Lance Armstrong riding a 8 year old aluminum bike. For most beginners the engine is what can be worked on the most you can get all the fancy equipment drop 10k on a bike but if you don't work on the engine yea your gains will be minimal. But discounting what the bike and aero can do for you is just silly. Has he gotten on a aero tt bike with a proper fit and seen what the speed difference is. Heck wearing baggy clothes can make a difference with drag.

It goes engine, aero then weight. Work on the engine but don't discount the benefits of aero and weight.

And your subject header bugs me this isn't proof, I would lay money on the fact he would be faster on a carbon aero bike.

Edited by sirdizzy 2014-09-23 12:01 PM


2014-09-23 12:13 PM
in reply to: sirdizzy

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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

Originally posted by sirdizzy  It goes genetics, engine, aero then weight. 

Fixed it for you.

2014-09-23 12:19 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

Extreme Veteran
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Maryland
Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

pretty sure the engine and genetics have some slight relation. training is really just tricking out your ride with NO2 boosters and a turbocharger.

2014-09-23 12:24 PM
in reply to: cstoulil

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Jenison, MI
Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.
From reading most of the replies in this post, it's mainly about people being sarcastic, rude, and and showing their own knowledge. Really, isn't that what triathlon is all about? Forget the inspirational stories, it's an avenue to express yourself in these ways as so skillfully shown here.
2014-09-23 12:26 PM
in reply to: dmiller5

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Subject: RE: PROOF, it's the engine that matters.

Originally posted by dmiller5

pretty sure the engine and genetics have some slight relation. training is really just tricking out your ride with NO2 boosters and a turbocharger.

Except I know people with the genetics who never work on the engine, and I know plenty of folks who work their arses off but they'll never reach the top levels because they don't have the genetics.......while I agree they are related, you won't get the full benefit of one without the other.

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