Originally Posted by
chaadster
Although it doesn't look like I'm suffering all that much-- and I'm not, really-- this was my first ever crit and I'm kinda excited to have something to post in this thread! Also, I did suffer later in the 4/5 race, so I'm not totally dodging the issue. I plan to go out harder for my third race tomorrow, so hopefully the photog, Markus Nee (mcniadh on Flickr) will again capture me, but with more visible strain!
That's me in the hi-vis.
On this 54cm, you are perched on top of the bike, whereas you would / should be nestled in on a 56cm.. Even if your TT is 57 ( doesn't look it ) your bike's geometry is still preventing you from attaining a flatter more efficient position when on the hoods at the front or off the front.
Your breathing is also restricted by being crunched up.. That bike may feel responsive, but ( as you say ) if you need to temper the front ends twitchiness, then you will find that in a crit corner mid pack at full speed, needing to adjust your line quickly will result in going down...