PedallingATX

Have any of y'all ever done one of these?

Our local FG boutique shop is putting on a TT that is open to FG riders only. Like most TTs, it's a basically flat course. Not sure the total distance yet, though.

Anyways, what gear would you run? I keep my track bike at 49/18 b/c Austin is pretty hilly, but I'm thinking I might want to gear up for this time trial. What would you guys run?

EDIT: I've never done a TT, period, let alone fixed. Any other advice would be appreciated. I guess you just try and stay aero the whole time?

mustachiod

i just rode 52/15 in a triathlon, on a SS. During the race, i felt i could have gone higher, but i probably could have pedaled faster too

go as high as you feel comfortable.

caloso

I'd love this. And as an amazing coincidence, I was just building up my old Trek 660 as a FG TT machine. I'm going to go 52x16 or 15, I'll see how it goes.

Is this going to be a Merckx-style TT, where no aero equipment is allowed? Or can you do aerobars and such?

PedallingATX

No, AFAIK you can use any aero equipment you want; there is only one rule: no freewheels.

I'm going to be on my NJS bike, so track drops will have to do as the only bullhorns I have are a 26mm clamp. But I think as long as I stay in the drops, I will be relatively aero. I will be using my road clipless and wearing a kit, and I might be able to borrow my friend's TT helmet.

Right now I have a 49t chainring, so I'm thinking a 14t cog would be good. I would have to buy it, though. I do have a 13t cog, but do you guys think 49/13 would be TOO big? I've never ran a gear that large on my FG...

Kayce

If its on a closed course and you have the fitness I think 49/14 would be about ideal. Most moderate level track racers run something similar on longer races. Also I think you would be better off buying a different stem and swapping it out with the bullhorns. Its much nicer feeling on your back/abs/theighs/etc and will help you get into a more aero possition.

For the state track pursuits here, I rode much better times with a pair of crappy short bullhorns and a goofy heavy block stem, than I did with my really nice drops and stem.

caloso

Play around with different combinations here: https://software.bareknucklebrigade.c...it.applet.html

I like this better than Sheldon's gear calculator for FG/SS because it allows you to click and immediately see your speed at different cadences.

Kayce

For a closed course its much more about how long can you hold a set cadence than speed. If its an open or turn-filled course spped matters a bit more. Any info on the route, PedallingATX.

And if you want to have even more info to dork out over. FixedGearFever(the best track racing forum/site around) has a gear calculator that figures in average speeds and times including a standing start. The other one listed assumes a set cadence/speed with no change(such as accelerating up to speed. Its here https://www.fixedgearfever.com/module...download&cid=1 then download The Ultimate Gear Spreadsheet

Dr. Banzai

My local velodrome limits gear inches. If you limited gear inches to 82, allowed anything except freewheels and derailleurs you'd find most just stuck tri bars on their track bikes and hammered.

It would be a nearly "engine only" race if you limited the gear inches. The prize should be some lame collector place or silver tea set plate, call it the "restrictor plate". Nascar fans will get what I mean.

PedallingATX

after looking at that chart, I think I might just go with 49/15. After all, this is kind of a "renegade" TT (read: not a closed off course) so there is a possibility that I won't be able to blow through every single stop sign...

I'll see if I can borrow a quill bullhorn setup from one of my friends.

mustachiod

i prefer this, no applets or javascript to get in the way. print it out for the garage
https://www.aboc.com.au/tips-and-hint...ike-gear-chart

that makes a HUGE difference for gearing. forget what i said about going high I ride 48/15 on my commuter and it's good enough to go fast with traffic but doesn't hurt my knees at the frequent stoplights

Kayce

Even if you dont normally ride full brakes, front and rear will help since youll want to be able to top on speed, you will want as quick of stopping as possible.

FKMTB07

How long is the course? I'd say 48/14, 49/14, or 49/15 would be good for some of the flatter parts of Austin.

Also, Kayce is right about the brakes. Having them/one will allow you to run higher gear inches and still be able to slow down quickly for stops and what-not. It'll save you some energy in your legs too, since you won't need to use them to slow down/stop.

How about aero-bars? If you've used them before and know how to use them and are comfortable using them, go for it. Otherwise, stick with what you're used to.

Kayce

With it being an open course this wont run like a time trial at all. It will run more like an alley cat with only one check point. No need for aero equipment.

PedallingATX

The route is a 8.5 mile loop through Austin's flattest area. Pretty low traffic, probably a dozen stop signs in total, all of them runable to varying degrees. Though this TT is happening at 6:30 on a Friday night...

I would run brakes if I could, but my bike is an NJS track frame, so it's not drilled.

Honestly, I don't know what to expect. I know most the ppl who will participate, though, and I think I have a decent shot at winning this thing.

I'll let y'all know how it goes

chasm54

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?663216-Fixed-gear-TT-ing-is-AWESOME!

Rude

We had a Fixed Gear only Team TT last week in LA, and as far as gearing goes i don't think any one exceeded 82 Gi, I mean it is an unsanctioned race and you are riding in the street brakeless im sure everyone esle will be using street gearing as well(unless you all have some massive legs). 49/15 seems way to high tbh. Then again i've never ridden in tx so i have no idea how traffic/streets are out there .

hairnet

That was Lord Of Griffith right? I wish I could have gone

craigcraigcraig

when is this??

Dr. Banzai

if it was flat the most I'd run is 49/16. I'd heave, spit and potentially puke too.

Soil_Sampler

fixed TT

https://www.fixedwheel.co.uk/index.htm

Rude

Nah, that was 2 weeks ago. I wasn't able to go either, but heres the vid of it https://vimeo.com/14225311
This was the TThttps://strykerlosangeles.com/blog/

PedallingATX

yeah, the more I think about it, the more i wish i had a 16t cog. Buttt, I only have a 15, so that will have to do. Plus side is that I ride this road 3-4 times a week, so I know where all the stop signs are and stuff. But 85.8GI is the highest i've ever ran brakeless...

It's either that or an 18t cog, which seems too low to keep up a decent pace.

Craig--meet at 630 at the capitol. race starts/finishes at 35th and Shoal Creek. Fast Folks FB page for more info

craigcraigcraig

ah, blast not having a car/road bike anymore. im stuck in san marcos at school. sounds fun though.

tgscordv6

Doing a TT on public road with traffic seems like a terrible idea. Stay safe!

NinetiesKid

sounds like a blast,

what's the grand prize??? kiss from a sexy woman?