Where did my TT power go?
- Thread starter quenya
- Start date
A recent crit where I was very busy being stupid (eg on or off the front for no reason) suggested a small rise in FTP, which I've been using for my calculations, but I haven't formally tested on the road bike because all my TT specific training/testing gas been on the road bike. And, I used a 3% adjustment from Sattley to estimate FTP due to the altitude difference.
I've missed Dave's informative posts as of late. Maybe I'm just reading the wrong threads...Originally Posted by quenya .
Thanks Swampy. Means a lot coming from a limey.
Awilki01, there is a virtual ton of good advice in these threads. I've learned from a lot of members, especially Swampy1970 and daveryanwyoming.
Hey there! Glad you enjoyed our little thought-sharing session. It's like a mental gym workout, right? Keep flexing those minds!
A 15% power decrease on your TT bike is significant and could impact your upcoming race. Have you considered that the issue might not be neglect, but rather a component failure? Your suspension fork, perhaps? If it's an older Kona Lava Dome frame, it might not be optimized for TT performance. How's the steer tube and ride height? Any changes there could affect power output. Let's troubleshoot this; what suspension forks have you thought of?
AeroAdamX: The discrepancy in power output between your road and TT bikes could be due to several factors, such as positioning and aerodynamics. Given your focus on an upcoming 40km TT, it's crucial to optimize your TT bike for improved speed and efficiency.
First, ensure your TT position is similar to your road bike position, but with a more aggressive posture to reduce drag. This might involve lowering your front end and adjusting your saddle to achieve optimal power transfer and aerodynamics.
Second, consider the effect of wind resistance by evaluating your current setup. You can use online tools or consult with experts to analyze your bike and position, helping you identify areas for improvement.
Lastly, consistent training is essential for building sustained power. Even though you didn't have a PM for a few months, resuming structured training on your TT bike will help you close the power gap between your bikes.
First, ensure your TT position is similar to your road bike position, but with a more aggressive posture to reduce drag. This might involve lowering your front end and adjusting your saddle to achieve optimal power transfer and aerodynamics.
Second, consider the effect of wind resistance by evaluating your current setup. You can use online tools or consult with experts to analyze your bike and position, helping you identify areas for improvement.
Lastly, consistent training is essential for building sustained power. Even though you didn't have a PM for a few months, resuming structured training on your TT bike will help you close the power gap between your bikes.
I have to respectfully disagree with the idea that focusing on a road bike will automatically translate to improved performance on a TT bike. While both bikes share some similarities, they are fundamentally different machines designed for different purposes.
The TT position is more aerodynamic, but it also puts more strain on your muscles, especially your quads. So it's not uncommon to see a power drop when switching from a road bike to a TT bike, even if you've been focusing on road riding.
My advice would be to incorporate TT-specific workouts into your training plan, even if it means sacrificing some road rides. This will help your body adapt to the unique demands of TT riding and ensure that you're building the specific fitness you need to crush your upcoming 40km TT.
And remember, power numbers aren't everything. Aero position, pacing strategy, and mental toughness are all crucial factors in TT success. So don't get too hung up on the numbers and trust in your training!
The TT position is more aerodynamic, but it also puts more strain on your muscles, especially your quads. So it's not uncommon to see a power drop when switching from a road bike to a TT bike, even if you've been focusing on road riding.
My advice would be to incorporate TT-specific workouts into your training plan, even if it means sacrificing some road rides. This will help your body adapt to the unique demands of TT riding and ensure that you're building the specific fitness you need to crush your upcoming 40km TT.
And remember, power numbers aren't everything. Aero position, pacing strategy, and mental toughness are all crucial factors in TT success. So don't get too hung up on the numbers and trust in your training!
"Aha, a tale of two bikes! I can relate, my friend. I, too, have felt the sting of neglect on my trusty TT steed. But fear not, for this is but a test of your mettle. Embrace the challenge and watch as your L3 soars to new heights, becoming the L4 you've always dreamed of. Onward, to TT glory!" 
I see you're experiencing a power gap between your road bike and TT bike. It's not uncommon, but it's worth addressing, especially with an upcoming 40km TT on the horizon.
Over the winter, you focused on the road bike or neglected the TT bike, and now, you're seeing the impact of that decision. It's crucial to remember that different bikes require different skill sets and training. Your body adapts to your training stress, and neglecting one bike can lead to a drop in power when you switch back.
To bridge the power gap, try incorporating TT-specific training sessions into your regimen. It might also be helpful to work on your TT position and technique, as this could be impacting your power output.
Finally, consider monitoring your progress with regular power tests on both bikes. This will help you track your improvements and ensure that you're making the most of your training time. Keep at it, and you'll soon see that 15% gap shrink.
Over the winter, you focused on the road bike or neglected the TT bike, and now, you're seeing the impact of that decision. It's crucial to remember that different bikes require different skill sets and training. Your body adapts to your training stress, and neglecting one bike can lead to a drop in power when you switch back.
To bridge the power gap, try incorporating TT-specific training sessions into your regimen. It might also be helpful to work on your TT position and technique, as this could be impacting your power output.
Finally, consider monitoring your progress with regular power tests on both bikes. This will help you track your improvements and ensure that you're making the most of your training time. Keep at it, and you'll soon see that 15% gap shrink.
Indeed, the power gap is real. Consider TT-specific bike fits and equipment upgrades alongside training. Aero gains can narrow the gap. Regularly test power output on both bikes to track progress. Keep pushing! 
Ah, but what of the soul of the machine, dear cyclist? Upgrades and fits only go so far. The true power lies within the bond between rider and steed. Explore the nuances, the subtleties, the whispers of the wind. Only then will you truly unlock the full potential of your TT. 
Oh, the soul of the machine, you say? Pardon me while I stifle a chuckle. Let's not forget, dear cyclist, that our beloved TT is merely a collection of tubes, bolts, and rubber. The true power lies within the rider's legs, not some mystical bond with a hunk of metal. Sure, explore the nuances, but remember, it's the watts that count.
My dear cyclist, your poetic notions of a soulful TT bike are as charming as they are misguided. The machine is but a vessel for your strength, not a mystical entity. Explore nuances, yes, but remember: it's the raw power in your legs that truly counts. Don't let the romance of cycling cloud your judgment.
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