I FINALLY had one of those days...
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I FINALLY had one of those days...
...where the legs felt good. Nothing that would make the evening sports report or anything like that, but some welcome improvement for a self-proclaimed middle of the pack cyclist. I often do short training rides around a small local lake. Pretty flat stuff. Today I decided to see how well I could crank it on the back straight and maintain a nice aero tuck. For me I topped out at about 31.something mph, which may not be a ton to most of you, but definitely a personal best for me.
Now the real quandry. I currently run a compact (50/34), and that had me in a 50-13 combination (front der. issue, couldn't shift down to the 12) with a cadence somewhere between 110 and 120 I think. I usually try to keep in the 90 range. Does this mean I need to pull the 53/39 out of the garage and switch cranks before my first event next month? It's a pancake flat sprint course. I didn't hold that 31 mph for long, but given enough real estate I think (wishfully) I might manage some mid 20s for awhile.
Now the real quandry. I currently run a compact (50/34), and that had me in a 50-13 combination (front der. issue, couldn't shift down to the 12) with a cadence somewhere between 110 and 120 I think. I usually try to keep in the 90 range. Does this mean I need to pull the 53/39 out of the garage and switch cranks before my first event next month? It's a pancake flat sprint course. I didn't hold that 31 mph for long, but given enough real estate I think (wishfully) I might manage some mid 20s for awhile.
#2
suburban rasta mon
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Atlanta GA
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just remember that a cycling TT is much different than the cycling leg of a triathlon. in a TT, you want to pace yourself so that you basically fall off the bike at the end. in a tri, you need to hold some in the tank for the run. you'd probably be fine with the 53/39 up front, especially if its flat or rolling. if nothing else, keeping the 53/39 on your bike will make you a stronger rider.
#3
Take Your Lane
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If you change anything on the bike, do it well enough in advance of the event to test it a few times.
Race day is not a good time to discover drivetrain problems.
Race day is not a good time to discover drivetrain problems.
#4
Body by Guinness
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Go for it. I'm not sure I agree with keeping stuff in the tank during a sprint. Feel free to hammer!
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Fredo, you're my older brother and I love you...but don't ever take sides, with anyone, against the family again...ever.
Fredo, you're my older brother and I love you...but don't ever take sides, with anyone, against the family again...ever.