pletcgm
06-18-04, 08:46 AM
Does anyone do time trials? I am starting to train for one in September and was wondering if you all train the same way a triathlete trains for cycling? I am using my triathlon bike.
Road Cycling - Time Trials
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.View Full Version : Time Trials
AeroDog
06-20-04, 02:35 PM
Does anyone do time trials? I am starting to train for one in September and was wondering if you all train the same way a triathlete trains for cycling? I am using my triathlon bike.
How long is the TT?
How long is the TT?
oneradtec
06-20-04, 04:44 PM
One of the best ways to train for a TT is to get out and train alone. Ride at a solid tempo...add in some intervals. Some of this training should be done at high intensity. Make sure you add in some recovery days...and even a day off each week. Pay close attention to your bike and position. Get someone to help you obtain the optimal TT position...and then spend some time training in that position. Yes it is far different training for a TT than say a RR or crit.
You can really do some damage(in a good way) out thjere training alone on the open roads. This is how I love to train most...alll by my lonesome. My goal is to suffer enough in training so that I don't suffer so much in the races. I prefer to do my suffering out on the training rides.....then the races seem easy. You have to train hard to go fast and long! But the key is balance....balance between hard days and easy days. You have to recover to get stronger. Resting is as important as intensity! Balance!!!!!!!
You might also benefit by putting longer cranks on your bike...say going from a 172.5 to a 175mm. Only do this if you have time to train with the longer cranks. You definitely do not want to make the change a week before the event.
Endurance is a big part of TT success. Many riders are strong and solid...but they tend to weaken near the end...and this will cost them alot of time. Good TT riders are able to sustain their efforts...and consequently do not lose so much time. So it might be good to throw in atleast one long ride per week...say 25-50% longer than most of your training rides. All serious cyclists that work a full time job should have atleast one long day per week...where the primary focus of the ride is distance and endurance. These long rides will also add a bit to your power output. Raw power is absolutely essential to being a strong TT rider.
Good luck!
You can really do some damage(in a good way) out thjere training alone on the open roads. This is how I love to train most...alll by my lonesome. My goal is to suffer enough in training so that I don't suffer so much in the races. I prefer to do my suffering out on the training rides.....then the races seem easy. You have to train hard to go fast and long! But the key is balance....balance between hard days and easy days. You have to recover to get stronger. Resting is as important as intensity! Balance!!!!!!!
You might also benefit by putting longer cranks on your bike...say going from a 172.5 to a 175mm. Only do this if you have time to train with the longer cranks. You definitely do not want to make the change a week before the event.
Endurance is a big part of TT success. Many riders are strong and solid...but they tend to weaken near the end...and this will cost them alot of time. Good TT riders are able to sustain their efforts...and consequently do not lose so much time. So it might be good to throw in atleast one long ride per week...say 25-50% longer than most of your training rides. All serious cyclists that work a full time job should have atleast one long day per week...where the primary focus of the ride is distance and endurance. These long rides will also add a bit to your power output. Raw power is absolutely essential to being a strong TT rider.
Good luck!
oneradtec
06-20-04, 04:48 PM
I hope that you find this link helpful.......
http://www.timetrial.org/resources.htm
http://www.timetrial.org/resources.htm
NZLcyclist
06-20-04, 07:46 PM
I'll second the longer cranks, unless you have quite short legs (I have 35" inseam) 175's are great. But if running 170's go up to 172.5 etc - I used to ride 130~rpm on 172.5 cranks. Now I find I can sit at 105rpm quite happily on 175's, and even dip to about 90 without hassle. On short small gradient hills I'll power over without changing gear. With the shorter ones I would of had to change to keep the spin. I find it easier to keep a smooth power delivery at these lower RPMS while on aerobars, if I try and spin fast I loose my straight line and rigid body.
SPIN RPM classes at the gym with a fixed gear type of setup really does help with pedalling style and smoothness. I take my shoes and pedals to class and make the most of it. I have noticed with the improvement in spin I can use a gear higher, coupled with more power from the intervals, another gear higher.
Get some decent clip-on aerobars if you don't have them. I have some ritchey's, and they can be adjusted in just about any way you could ever want. http://www.ritcheylogic.com/bars.htm go down to the bottom. Have your position adjusted by someone in the know.
I know that apart from the spin classes, these ideas may cost a little, but IMHO they are well worth it.
If you know of anyone that has flash aero wheels (deep section rim, trispoke, Rev-X spinergies or a disc,) do your best to borrow them. They will help dramatically.
Take a close look at your cassette ratios. I run 9spd:
23,21,19.18,17,16,15,14,12. I never use the 13 or 12, even when road racing or descending, hence the gap.
Hope it helps,
Brendon
SPIN RPM classes at the gym with a fixed gear type of setup really does help with pedalling style and smoothness. I take my shoes and pedals to class and make the most of it. I have noticed with the improvement in spin I can use a gear higher, coupled with more power from the intervals, another gear higher.
Get some decent clip-on aerobars if you don't have them. I have some ritchey's, and they can be adjusted in just about any way you could ever want. http://www.ritcheylogic.com/bars.htm go down to the bottom. Have your position adjusted by someone in the know.
I know that apart from the spin classes, these ideas may cost a little, but IMHO they are well worth it.
If you know of anyone that has flash aero wheels (deep section rim, trispoke, Rev-X spinergies or a disc,) do your best to borrow them. They will help dramatically.
Take a close look at your cassette ratios. I run 9spd:
23,21,19.18,17,16,15,14,12. I never use the 13 or 12, even when road racing or descending, hence the gap.
Hope it helps,
Brendon
pletcgm
06-20-04, 11:43 PM
How long is the TT?
40 kilometers
40 kilometers