Yes, good question. I have never felt totally comfortable in IAB, particularly in a cross wind, which that course tends to have. I guess I ought to try and become more comfortable.

Do some terminal velocity testing, or ride next to someone with a PM like my aero testing on the cheap.

I think I can do some quick and dirty testing just targeting a specific speed or a specific wattage right?

Serious question, will shaving arms make a measurable difference in my 40km time?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3VL5JCqQhQ

Interesting practice for warming up for a TT. pretty much standard regardless of distance

No.

I use their protocol and have my athletes do the same. For Masters folks we will sometimes extend the first few durations...HR response can be slower.

It's not very far off the one I developed over the years. Small tweak here or there but that's about it.

Thanks, Ex. I like the fact that it is pretty much cut and dry, I will have to mark this one.

So I know I am going to get some flames for this question but does anyone have a recommendation for some simple clip-on aerobars that they think work pretty well?

I am going for simple design and cost is not really too much of an issue (I work at a shop). Anyone want to steer me towards or away from something? I am sort of leaning towards the Deda Alloy Blast bars but I am curious if they are too short.

Any suggestions?

My Profile Design T2+ bars work well.

Profile T2+ is a pretty straightforward setup, and you can find them cheap used. Pretty easy to put in custom extensions as well, though RX will surely have a suggestion on a foundational setup for such pursuits.

i'm surprised that the "TT Screen" doesnt have speed as a setting.

assuming they fit relatively equally. p2/p3/new p3?

I'm looking for "cheap" and from the local shop I like, so I'm eyeballing cervelo's right now. I have no TT bike, no TT experience, but will be good at TTs so would like something I won't want to be rid of in a year.

ideas/thoughts?

The differences in bike won't be too large assuming the fit is the same. If the budget allows, get as nice of a bike as you want. Just make sure to spend the bucks on someone that knows what they are doing fitting you to make sure you get the most out of it. But that can be done on pretty much any TT bike assuming you got the right size frame/stem/etc.

Thank you. That's what I was thinking. Specifically looking at the 2012 p3 ultegra. vs the "new" p3 dura ace. The frame differences seem tiny and in real performance I'm wondering if it means more than a second or two. ...

With the road bikes I just got whatever and tweaked the fit around. I'm getting measured up for the TT fit before getting a bike, as much as is possible, but I want to minimize my time dicking around with fit and just get into acclimation over winter.

I was going to start a thread on TT specific bikes, but thought I would post here first. I am looking for a bike, but don't have a lot of money to spend. What should I focus on with my meager budget? Frame/components/aero bar? I will most likely be getting a wheel cover for the rear and some type of Aero helmet so those are soon to be covered.

An aerobar is the first place to throw some money. Adjustability is really important when you first start out because you're going to monkey around and change a lot as you go.

TT helmets are not created equal, and are good/bad (or worse than a road helmet) depending on the person and position. The Giro Advantage II seems to work well on everyone, it my not be the best but it's usually in the top 3-4 when you test.

Thank you for the tips on both accounts. Should I be concerned with frames? I was just going to try to find something cheaper with components in good condition as most of the reading I've done hasn't placed a large emphasis on frame type or shape.

Define meager? If were talking under 3k, I would go with a Cervelo P2 or a Slice. If its under 2k, I'd just get a Chinese frame and used components / wheels.

Personally, I'd go with the frame. I'm not a fan of buying used carbon frames, the rest you can acquire.

There's a pretty good market of used TT/Tri stuff out there. After you figure out sizing you can work from there according to budget. Until you start getting at the pointy end of the stick and are rolling regularly in the 27+ MPH range, the frame is less an issue. The differentiation between frames (compared to other things) is not huge, and the slower you go the smaller that becomes.

Most of the published test data is run at 30 MPH or above, and there's a lot of variable within those tests that can move the numbers.

I do like carbon TT frames (I've owned a bunch on them used BTW) because aluminum tends to beat you up pretty good, the aero shaping doesn't leave a lot of room for compliance.

Definitely under 2k. I don't need new, don't mind buying used, and I don't need wheels so I am hoping to keep it low. I am seeing some older transitions and aluminum Cervelo's for around 1k, which is where I would like to be if possible. This is why I am trying to prioritize. We have 4-5 stage races in the area with all of the TT's being under 10 miles so I'm not too worried about having an expensive rig, just one that will suffice.

I'd probably go with the best quality / fit TT frame you can get for the price. Like RacerX said, the frames aren't that big a deal (I dislike Aluminum as well), the biggest thing they do is put the body in a quasi comfortable and aero position.

What size are you looking for? Height/inseam?

Height is 6'2" inseam is 33.5-34". Thinking something in the 56-58 range. Just found a 58cm 2004 Cervelo P3 for $300 locally that I might jump on

I just sold a full TT bike with DA/ultegra for under $1000, and it took a while at that price. So there are cheap bikes out there if you shop around.

There are also cheap S1/S2 bikes you could clip on, then you have a spare road bike too.


Im getting fitted on my new P3 tomorrow, which I suggest you just find the money and just buy because it is SEX-EH :P