Bicycle Mechanics - Time Trial Bike

Time Trial Bike

Started doing our locale individual time trial event four years ago. There are five 20-K ITT events that take place on our State Park, which is as flat as a pancake. I usually take second place in my age group missing out of first by 30 to 40 seconds. I’m thinking of purchasing a Time Trial bike. How much difference if any between a road bike with clip on aero-bars vs. a time trail bike? Could I expect to better my time? The person I keep losing to rides a Time Trial bike.

I suspect that the correct answer will depend on other things. For example, how flexible are you and how big is the tummy? If the time trial bike will allow you to adopt a lower, more aero riding position, I think you might possibly close in on your rival. If you aren't able to hold that low position for the whole event, it probably won't make much difference.

Compared to pushing your torso through the air, all of the other aero thingies are small potatoes.

The whole point of a time trial bike is a more aero position to reduce wind
resistance and minor points of finesse to the bike itself to the same end. Rider
position is only slightly more aero on the TT versus aero bars and a standard
bike. By far the largest component in wind resistance is your relative
speed with respect to the air you are moving through, and resistance goes
up with the cube of the speed. If your average speed is above perhaps 25mph
you just might make up the difference but it is unlikely in such a short time
trial. The percentage gain of a TT bike over an aero bike is small compared
to the difference between a standard bike and either an aero or TT. Some
riders who very lithe can achieve very aero positions on a standard bike though
it is hard to pedal long distances in such positions without a good bit of training.
Aero positions tend to restrict lung volume and chest expansion. Steve

The whole point of a time trial bike is a more aero position to reduce wind resistance and minor points of finesse to the bike itself to the same end. Rider position is only slightly more aero on the TT versus aero bars and a standard bike. Steve

Most tri specific bikes have a more vertical seat tube angle (77 degrees) compared to a road bike (a relaxed 73.5 degrees). This seats the rider directly above the cranks (as opposed to the position on a road bike) allowing better power transference for the shorter distances. Also, the top tube is shorter to accomodate aero bars, so the rider doesn't have to collapse the lungs, as Steve says.

If you have the money, buy the bike. You could find a few duathlons do try as well. ;)