Clyde's that do Time Trials?
 

Anyone do time trials?

I'm getting the itch. How much difference does a TT bike make? I've heard 3 - 5 mph -- sounds like a lot, but would be a nice excuse to add to the stable!!!:innocent:

I haven't ridden a TT bike, but I suspect it makes a huge difference! Did a test-ride of the Cervelo S2 during their 48-hour demo program this summer. The S2 has an aggressive road bike riding position, but is much more aerodynamic than the Cervelo RS I normally ride. I was skeptical about the "aero benefit" but test-riding the S2 made me a believer: above 18mph, the S2 was much easier to keep moving than my RS. And that was with heavy, non-aero wheels. Sadly, it climbed like a brick and the ultra-rigid mast-style seatpost made the ride rather uncomfortable.

If you are currently on a road bike without aero bars then a TT bike would likely add about 2-3 mph on flat ground with comparable wheels. Now, if you go all the way to a full TT bike disc wheel, trispoke, aero helmet, then, you'd get as much as 5-7 mph gain on flat ground depending on your position change. No promises but it will definetly help.

This pretty much sums it up. You can get clip ons and try and borrow a brain bucket and give one a try before popping the big bucks for a TT rig. Entry level rigs are often for sale in my area and it's a temptatation, but I've done some time trialing in my day and can't find the love, lol.

Do a couple before you commit. Check the MABRA site and find some early season rides, or ask around and see if any clubs are holding some casual TT's. You can buy a one day USAC license for $10 if you need to. It's enough to start learning why it's called the race of truth.

If you are really into suffering, you have found your Mecca.

It's cheaper to just see how tightly you can squeeze your head in a vice and and for how long. It's much the same sort of enjoyable experience.

Sounds like just the thing!.....and buying a new bike adds the fun of burning hundred dollar bills whilst doing so.

Actually, I think I might like it, but I like strange things.

If your interest is greater speed and not UCI-sanctioned racing, you could just get yourself a bike that'd be as aero as a TT bike and not require going to great lengths to get yourself into an optimized aero tuck. And if my understanding of upright TT bikes is correct, the riding position is far and away the most crucial element of achieving excellent aerodynamics.
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I treat every ride as if it's a Time Trial! All you need is a route and a stopwatch or bike computer...

But it is possible to find stuff that's a bit more organized. My local Cervelo dealer, for instance, sponsors weekly informal TTs during the summer. They're along open, though lightly traveled roads, with wide shoulders. No race license needed; just show up, sign the waiver, and go. Of course, they just happen to bring a van-load of Cervelo bikes, Zipp wheels, and aero helmets for you to test-ride...

If you are one of those big motor kind of guys, sort of a diesel engine who can rev up and hold it forever TT's are for you. It also helps if you are into S&M and don't mind a little sustained suffering.

UCI has jacked with all of the "approved" geometry rules and come out with a list of approved wheels and set requirements for wheel depth and spoke count requirements. The good news here is that if you are not doing UCI sanctioned races there may be some good deals on used equipment from thise who do!

Seriously though, used TT bikes are not that expensive if you stay away from the really high end stuff. A good source for used gear is your local Tri association as well.

Remember that 99% of group rides will not you ride a TT set up so it becomes a very individual bike, as is the end use. The beauty, and agony, of a Time Trial is that it is you against yourself and the clock. It can be a very lonely ride, but it can be rather addicting.

Check the Racing sub forum and read the sticky started by Doc McD. Lot's of good info there.

I have a bit of a tendency to jump into things with both feet. Got measured up and put an order in with a sailing friend (who is now the local Jamis dealer) for this fine torture device. He made me a deal I could not refuse..... I also have a very understanding and loving wife.

My equipment excuses will be somewhat limited.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...2010JamisT.jpg

There are lots of great deals on older time trial bikes on ebay.. Found this one and it is a steal at 350.00.. Make a few modifications with bars and you will have a nice ride.. It is just impractical for many people to get a 2k+ TT bike for use only a few times a year..

http://cgi.ebay.com/LANDSHARK-TIME-S...item5884b32ec0

On the Settings page, this thread appears as "Clydes that do Time...." I was afraid to read the thread. :-)

That wouldn't be consistent with my "both feet" plan, and I'm not so much a fan of the vintage funny bike thing. Most of the "modern" TT bikes on the used market are not all that cheap.

Agree, that TT bikes are oddly spendy and not as useful as a good roadbike.. that's the hell of specialization I suppose. I thought about getting a frame set like the Scattante T560 and going low buck, but like I said, my bud made me a deal I could not refuse.

And how much sucking up did you have to do to the wife??

putting a room in the basement for her new treadmill.

years ago I got semi serious about time trialing. At the time I was riding a Klein Quantum, I'd install clip-ons on the friday before the TT and take them off again after the race was over. Later i bought a more touring oriented bike, having sold the Klein. I continued to TT but was wasn't nearly as successful. With that bike the clip-ons stayed on the bike most of the season those i rode with on group rides trusted me not to use the aero bars unless i was on the front.

Sweet! I think Jamis is a very under rated brand that give huge bang for the buck.

If you really want to go all out on the suffering at home I know where there is a set of powertap wheels, with everything except heart rate monitor for $600.:D