homebrewk

Yeah, that really is interesting. Never knew that the longer sleeves would make a difference.

Dear Carleton,

Do you think that there isn't enough saddle to bar drop on my CAAD 10? I don't plan on "slamming" it but I often find myself in the drops most of the time and constantly trying to bend my elbows. Pic:

Kayce

Castelli sponsors the Garmin-Cervelo team. It makes sense that they would be working together for new technologies. Garmin- Cervelo is on of the most forward thinking teams.

Lilcphoto

While we are on the topic of long sleeves...

Long Sleeve Jersey, or short sleeve with arm warmers? Same goes for pants/shorts?

homebrewk

I'm not Carleton but I like to wear short sleeves with arm warmers, when it's really cold just long sleeves with a thermal jacket.

I've always worn shorts with thermal tights over them on the bottom but I'm trying out leg warmers this year.

kabex

Team Sky is the one wearing skin suits on road races(sometimes).

carleton

Hahaha.

I don't have any info off hand. But, I remember reading somewhere that skinsuits made of certain materials is faster than bare skin. Bare hands are faster than gloves, which is why guys like Chris Hoy ride bare-handed during time trials when there is much less of a chance of crashing:



Saddle-to-bar drop is not a metric that drives bike fit. Please understand this. This has come up in a different thread recently. The saddle to bar drop is a result of lots of other fit characteristics, but a value in centimeters or a percentage of something is not the way to do it.

Saddle-to-bar drop is as important of a metric as shoelace spacing. "Are my shoelaces to close together?"

+1

That's the one!

I use all 4.

The arm/leg warmers are great for the transitional seasons of the year when the temperature is subject to change dramatically during the ride. Just pull them off and stuff them in your pocket.

Jaytron

Ah, pretty shaweeet congrats!

Squirrelli

Dear Carleton,

On the topic of skinsuits, I know a lot of pro peloton teams wear them during time trial but not road races, but how come a lot of pro CX racers wear them?

himespau 

is it because it's a colder part of the year for cx and they'd be wearing a warmer kit anyway? no idea, just asking.

carleton

Time trialists wear them for the aero benefits. Their skinsuits are thin and are often made of materials that deflect air.

CX skinsuits are thicker and some even come with winter lining in them for the winter racing as well as an attempt to keep water from reaching their skin. So, they are both technically "skinsuits" but made of different materials.

carleton

Thanks!

Jaytron

Carleton,

I was browsing some of your posts in the track forum. You said that bike choice matters on what kind of rider you are. I'm more of a bigger guy (bout 6ft, 195lbs) what would you recommend for my "rider type" between the few I've seen mentioned multiple times (looking to spend about $900 complete):

Felt TK3
Trek T1
Moto Team Track
Fuji Track 2.0
Leader 725 (build)
Cinelli Mash (never saw you recommend this, but is it a good track frame?)

Kayce

Throw out the mash, its not a track frame at all. I have mixed reviews on the T1, but I loved it as a smaller guy with not a ton of power. I have only ever heard great things about every track bike Felt makes, including the TK3. The Felt TK2 is by far the most popular bike here. I dont know much of anything about the Team Track. Another bike to add to your shopping list is the Giant Omnium. Its a very nice ride, but gets lots in the shuffle of people looking at track racers.

#OBVIOUSLYNOTCARLETONTAG

evilcryalotmore

Dear Carleton, If you have loose bearing hubs, And you want to upgrade them to something with less drag, What would you do? I know you can get ceramic cartridge bearings like for Mavic or Zipp.

homebrewk

Got it. Thanks!

carleton

+1

The Team Track is the original Fuji Track Pro frame design. It's tried and true...even for big sprinters. Same frame design as the Fuji Track 2.0. I haven't compared components. Alexander Gil is one sprinter who comes to mind used to ride the hell out of an older Fuji Track Pro. He now rides a BT.



I don't have any info on the Leader. The MASH was designed as a street bike first.

Squirrelli

Cipppooooooooooooo

The guy next to him has a funny cockpit set-up, are those backward base bars?

carleton

Just to be clear, you can't put sealed bearings in a loose bearing hub. You can only replace the loose bearings with maybe higher quality loose bearings.

If you choose to get a new hub that has cheap sealed bearings, the best thing is to upgrade to some quality steel sealed bearings for something like $30/pair (one pair is required for each hub). Ceramic provide the least bang for the buck of any cycling upgrade...even for racers and time trialists. Your money could be better spent in other areas.

carleton

Ha. Looks like that but it's probably due to the camera angle. I think they are EC90 Track Bars with the Ergo Bend which has flat spots:

Squirrelli

Ah, that'd make more sense. Thanks, Carleton!

evilcryalotmore

Oh im not upgrading my bearngs i know that(: I was wondering what people do for loose bearings, Btw whats a nice steel bearing to go for?

8bits

Carleton,

Since we are talking loose bearings, what do you think about the (current) campy pista hubs? Are they of similar quality to a dura ace?

Squirrelli

I know some trackies squirt linseed oil on their loose ball hubs each race but I'm not sure if that actually helps, maybe Carleton could weigh in on this.

carleton

I have no idea...but cheap.

I think so. I have an old Shamal wheel that has loose bearings and it's really nice.

The oil has a very low resistance, but doesn't last long. It sort of dries up and/or leaks out.

Jaytron

Why are they running straps if they already have clipless pedals?

Looks like I can't go wrong with a TK3 or 2, Moto Team Track, Fuji Track Pro. Thanks guys!