I did my first time trial today. I rode it on my Guru road bike without clip ons. The course was a fast and flat smooth rode along a levee. I have been riding 3 months doing about 4 rides a week slowly building my fitness level (hopefully). All in all I was pleased with my time 1:07 with an average of 18.8 or 18.9 I think. I was just curious if anyone that has been where I am could give me some feedback on what I should be focusing on to break into the 20-21 mph speed. I am of decent physical condition at this point with low body fat and a clean healthy diet as I played competitive tennis for a few years before this. I also have a TT specific bike that will be completed next week sometime (Colnago TT specific frame with 60 rear 40 front carbon tubulars as well as a carbon disc). What kind of difference will having the time trial bike with the aerobar setup and these wheels make if any at all. I do understand though that the time trial bike is limited by my limitations.
That new bike should pop you right into the 20mph average range, maybe 20.5. Also working on getting the right position is just as important as getting a new bike. For example: having your aero bars really close together may be more aerodynamic, but its not faster if you cant breath since it closing up your lungs.
I did my first time trial today. I rode it on my Guru road bike without clip ons. The course was a fast and flat smooth rode along a levee. I have been riding 3 months doing about 4 rides a week slowly building my fitness level (hopefully). All in all I was pleased with my time 1:07 with an average of 18.8 or 18.9 I think. I was just curious if anyone that has been where I am could give me some feedback on what I should be focusing on to break into the 20-21 mph speed. I am of decent physical condition at this point with low body fat and a clean healthy diet as I played competitive tennis for a few years before this. I also have a TT specific bike that will be completed next week sometime (Colnago TT specific frame with 60 rear 40 front carbon tubulars as well as a carbon disc). What kind of difference will having the time trial bike with the aerobar setup and these wheels make if any at all. I do understand though that the time trial bike is limited by my limitations.
Any feedback appreciated.
Work on these three things: riding lower (larger seat to handlebar drop), riding narrower (legs close to down tube, keep elbows in) and of course the most important training hard. Try riding 2x20 min at a very hard pace twice per week or 6-8 efforts of 4-6 min at a very hard pace again 2x/3x per week and then one long ride somewhat longer than your longest TT/road race at a fairly relaxed pace.
Time trial equipment will take more time off your TT than for a faster rider, assuming equal drag area. A lower drag area rider will benefit even more than a high drag area rider though, so if you can lose weight while keeping the same power will automatically result in faster times.
After only three months of riding, you're just beginning to scratch the surface as far as your potential on the bike is concerned. While the new bike you'll have soon is a great setup, its ultimate contribution to your improvement will be marginal compared to the benefit you'll see from intelligent and consistent training.
How are you going to feel when some guy riding the tops on a K-Mart Huffy cruises past you while you're in a tight aero tuck on your Colnago TT bike with carbon disc tubies? It could easily happen until you put in the miles.
Don't get obsessed with equipment, especially so early in your cycling experience. Pay attention to riding, riding a lot, and riding smart. There's where your biggest payoff will come.
After only three months of riding, you're just beginning to scratch the surface as far as your potential on the bike is concerned. While the new bike you'll have soon is a great setup, its ultimate contribution to your improvement will be marginal compared to the benefit you'll see from intelligent and consistent training.
How are you going to feel when some guy riding the tops on a K-Mart Huffy cruises past you while you're in a tight aero tuck on your Colnago TT bike with carbon disc tubies? It could easily happen until you put in the miles.
Don't get obsessed with equipment, especially so early in your cycling experience. Pay attention to riding, riding a lot, and riding smart. There's where your biggest payoff will come.
