I thought some of you triathlon troops might have better insight into my issues:
I just got my new Guru - see attached photo of that absolute gorgeous ride!
I have no experience with disk wheels or tubular tires. I have one of those little pipe-like brass air chucks to put air in disk wheels, but for the life of me I cannot find a technique that allows me to fill the thing without someone holding the chuck. When I try to pump and hold, I'm good for about 80 pounds of air, which brings up another issue:
I run Contenental Competitions - 19 front and 22 rear on a Zipp 999 wheelset. Maximum recommended pressure is 170. I know that there is the contingent that believes that rolling resistance increases above 120 psi. That is difficult for me to believe in that when you increase the pressure, you decrease the contact patch, hence rolling resistance should decrease - at least to a point of no returns.
What do you guys/gals run in your tubular tires when you race tris? Also, if someone has a technique for putting air in the tires sans assistance, I would appreciate it. I know that the local bike wrench has a technique whereby he holds the chuck on with one hand, and uses body weight to push down on the pump handle. If that works, I must not be using the correct technique. Perhaps it will be helpful to put the chuck on the end of a pump rather than clamping the air chuck that comes on the pump onto the pipe-like chuck.
Bottom line: When I get air in that beauty, she rides like the wind. BTW, I am not a triathlete, but will be using the bike for time trials.
hoodlum
04-17-05, 07:51 PM
I have also run into this problem. We call the little brass things "crackpipes". Take one look and you will see why. I don't really have an answer to the question about going solo on the pump, when I try to do it myself I can't hold the hose on the valve once I get over 100 psi. It hasn't been a problem, as there is always someone around to help on raceday. I do run tubulars on my Hed3's. My tires are rated for 205 psi, I usually run about 160 in them on race day. I never train on my race wheels so my experience with them is a lot more limited than with the clinchers.
ZackJones
04-17-05, 07:53 PM
BTW, I am not a triathlete, but will be using the bike for time trials.
Well since you're not a triathlete we can't help you, sorry.....just kidding. Will you have that bike with you tomorrow? If so we'll see what we can figure out? BTW, ETA, is between 11:30 and 12:00.
skydive69
04-17-05, 08:10 PM
Well since you're not a triathlete we can't help you, sorry.....just kidding. Will you have that bike with you tomorrow? If so we'll see what we can figure out? BTW, ETA, is between 11:30 and 12:00.
Zack, I decided to bring it so I could show it to you. It is absolutely gorgeous! I took her out for about 45 miles this morning, and perhaps it was the excitement of a new bike, but I was able to hold around 29 mph for a pretty long clip without going anywhere near LT - that was with the cheapie wheelset that came with it. I can't wait to strap on my Louis Garneau Rocket helmet, skinsuit, booties, pump up that beautiful wheelset, and crank!
I noticed something interesting about the fitting. My seat is not only slightly higher, but the pedals are slightly lower - hence I must have more leg extension on this bike than my road bike. It makes me wonder if it is a function of the position on a tri/tt bike or it needs to be looked at again. I haven't had a chance to measure it, but I believe the FSA carbon cranks are longer than the Dura-ace cranks on my road bike. While on my ride, I happen to pass my fiance's son who is a pro triathlete, and past two-year member of the national team. He opined that I looked like my leg extension was a bit long.
I don't think I mentioned it, but the development I live in is called Timacuan. Hopefully your computer guide (Mapquest or Google) gave you clear instructions. I'm looking forward to seeing you Zack.
skydive69
04-17-05, 08:14 PM
I have also run into this problem. We call the little brass things "crackpipes". Take one look and you will see why. I don't really have an answer to the question about going solo on the pump, when I try to do it myself I can't hold the hose on the valve once I get over 100 psi. It hasn't been a problem, as there is always someone around to help on raceday. I do run tubulars on my Hed3's. My tires are rated for 205 psi, I usually run about 160 in them on race day. I never train on my race wheels so my experience with them is a lot more limited than with the clinchers.
It's too bad that someone doesn't make a chuck similar to the "crack pipe" with a lock. I guess I will need a crew for my races! :D
ZackJones
04-17-05, 09:21 PM
Zack, I decided to bring it so I could show it to you.
You realize this may cause us to never leave the garage :)
I can't wait to strap on my Louis Garneau Rocket helmet, skinsuit, booties, pump up that beautiful wheelset, and crank!
So when and where will you get to turn the pedals in anger as they love to say on OLN? If it's not too far south in the state I might try to come back down for it.
I noticed something interesting about the fitting. My seat is not only slightly higher, but the pedals are slightly lower - hence I must have more leg extension on this bike than my road bike.
Since you have longer cranks on this bike than your road bike I would expect your saddle to be lower, not higher. I believe a little tweak is in order.
Hopefully your computer guide (Mapquest or Google) gave you clear instructions.
Yupper, Garmin 2610 GPS will be showing me the way.
I'm looking forward to seeing you Zack.
Same here. Only problem is knowing I'll actually get to see that beauty up close I probably won't sleep a wink tonight. :)
skydive69
04-17-05, 09:27 PM
Zack:
I'm surprised that you are still up! Yeah, I was thinking the same thing about the tweak. The fitter did mention that he suspected we would be adjusting things as we went along, and indicated that eventually, he would like to remove a spacer(s) from the head tube. They were really swamped when I was getting measured. There was a triathlon in town on Saturday, and then there is the monster one next weekend - St. Anthony's which will have an entry of 3000, plus a small even called the Meek and the Mighty the day before on Saturday. This LBS is the hangout for triathletes.
AAMOF, the after tri party which is put on yearly by the Mad Dogs tri club is traditionally held at my fiance's B&B. She also happens to be a member.
Enthalpic
05-14-05, 03:11 PM
Its just feels faster after 120psi man. The increased road buzz makes it seem like your going quicker. Like riding in a car low to the ground or in a big truck; the same speed will feel very different. With very high pressure your contact patch gets smaller but the vertical displacement of the whole wheel increases when going over lil bumps. Your supple tire should suck those up for less energy cost.
skydive69
05-14-05, 03:54 PM
Its just feels faster after 120psi man. The increased road buzz makes it seem like your going quicker. Like riding in a car low to the ground or in a big truck; the same speed will feel very different. With very high pressure your contact patch gets smaller but the vertical displacement of the whole wheel increases when going over lil bumps. Your supple tire should suck those up for less energy cost.
Well, I wound up racing it at 140 psi, and it was one rapid ride!