TT w/ or w/o power?

IMO, yes not only for the pacing aspect during the race, but perhaps more importantly for the data you collect during the race that helps you pinpoint both pacing issues and aerodynamic issues.

I assume you're riding PT hubs and ride under strict UCI rules (and don't have access to a PT disc wheel) when you talk about 'aero penalty'. In the US at least it's legal to ride in USAC events which account for the vast majority with a PT hub and a set of wheel covers. Crank based systems avoid this issue.

-Dave

Thanks Dave,

I'm assuming the aero measure is speed/watts. I like the idea.

Actually the choice is between a PT or non PT disc.

Thanks

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by gnd46 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

...I'm assuming the aero measure is speed/watts.

Speed per watts or better yet watts/speed which is basically total resistive forces is crude but not bad. You can do a lot better though by importing your TT file into Golden Cheetah with its Aerolab feature that helps you determine CdA/Crr relationships assuming there wasn't a lot of wind during your race. Or you could export power files into Excel and use one of the Chung method spreadsheets that are floating around the web to do the same thing. You could plug power, speed and body weight numbers into the on line calculators over at: http://www.analyticcycling.com/ForcesPower_Page.html to get a handle on how aero your position and equipment choices are.

So no possibility of getting a set of plastic wheel covers for the rear PT wheel. You can even make a decent set with a couple of sheets of plastic and some electrical tape. Data is great but if you've got a shot at placing well in this TT it's hard not to run a fully covered wheel or the disc. I guess it depends on how competitive you think you'll be in this TT and how much you want to learn from it vs. how important it is for you to place highly in this race. If you're a newer racer and you want to improve then I'd go with the PT wheel covers or not. If you're pretty competitive and strong in your category but just don't do a lot of TTs then I might opt for the disc but if you struggle or work hard and don't place as well as you'd hoped the data can be very useful in terms of improvement for future and perhaps more important races.

Tough call...

-Dave

Thanks Dave

I'll have a look.

Cheers