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TT bike

  • 22-08-2014 11:38pm
    #1
    Amprodude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭


    I spotted a tt bike in a bike shop today and was wondering would it make any additional improvements to my TT? I was using a full carbon bike with ultegra groupset and tt bars atm. I can afford the tt bike i was looking at but i would only purchase if it would increase performance. Advice would be great. Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    lennymc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,460 ✭✭✭lennymc


    I got a TT bike recently, and, for the effort you put in you do get more speed. I've done a few sessions on it, but plan on including at least one training session per week on it in order to get used to the different position - something about making power with an open hip position versus a regular further back bike, and getting used to the TT arms out position - i find after about 15-20 minutes in the tuck my shoulders get stiff. Getting used to it tho. Anyway, in answer to your question, a TT bike should be faster than a regular bike, but there are other things that will give more bang for buck. Helmet, skinsuit, shoe covers all cost a lot less and will give an improvement in times.

    on the other hand, N = your current number of bikes, and N+1 is always faster.


  • #3
    Amprodude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭Amprodude


    lennymc wrote: »
    I got a TT bike recently, and, for the effort you put in you do get more speed. I've done a few sessions on it, but plan on including at least one training session per week on it in order to get used to the different position - something about making power with an open hip position versus a regular further back bike, and getting used to the TT arms out position - i find after about 15-20 minutes in the tuck my shoulders get stiff. Getting used to it tho. Anyway, in answer to your question, a TT bike should be faster than a regular bike, but there are other things that will give more bang for buck. Helmet, skinsuit, shoe covers all cost a lot less and will give an improvement in times.

    on the other hand, N = your current number of bikes, and N+1 is always faster.

    Sound Lenny.

    can i ask what type of TT bike did u get? I was looking at a Cannondale one, i think it was a Cannondale slice. Last year in my TTs i was about 15-25 secs off the leader and all i had was my road bike with the ttbars and aero wheels. No aero helmet, no shoe covers, skinsuit. I was thinking of purchasing but then i would also need to get fitted etc.


  • #4
    Zyzz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,874 ✭✭✭Zyzz


    Amprodude wrote: »
    Sound Lenny.

    can i ask what type of TT bike did u get? I was looking at a Cannondale one, i think it was a Cannondale slice. Last year in my TTs i was about 15-25 secs off the leader and all i had was my road bike with the ttbars and aero wheels. No aero helmet, no shoe covers, skinsuit. I was thinking of purchasing but then i would also need to get fitted etc.

    These make a mahoosive difference..

    Why shell out on a new bike when you could get these for a fraction of the price? (slightly hypocritical as i would buy a new bike if I had the money but if it's actually speed/time you are trying to beat the bike isn't the best option)


  • #5
    ednwireland
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,575 ✭✭✭✭ednwireland


    bike fit one of the guys in our club reckoned he got an extra 20 watts on the tt bike after the bike fit . he has all the other stuff already.

    My weather

    https://www.ecowitt.net/home/share?authorize=96CT1F



  • #6
    Redmond101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 178 ✭✭Redmond101


    Amprodude wrote: »
    I spotted a tt bike in a bike shop today and was wondering would it make any additional improvements to my TT? I was using a full carbon bike with ultegra groupset and tt bars atm. I can afford the tt bike i was looking at but i would only purchase if it would increase performance. Advice would be great. Thanks.

    I think you've already decided!!


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  • #7
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,223 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    Isn't the Slice a tri bike rather than a TT bike?


  • #8
    mossym
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    Lumen wrote: »
    Isn't the Slice a tri bike rather than a TT bike?

    it has a swappable seat post for a tt or tri position
    i bought a slice at the start of the year, for triathlon. no question it's faster than the roab bike for a given effort, and it's much easier hold a sustained pace over distance than the road bike. on the flip side they don;t climb as well, and don't manoeuvre as well, but they have a purpose and do it well

    first month, 20 minutes and my back was aching. now, i'm more comfortable on the slice than the road bike. 4.5 hour spin last sunday, all of it in the aero position, and perfectly comfortable for the whole thing .

    will it increase performance? i've no doubt it will. love the slice, it's a smashing bike. just be aware if you don;t have a set of deep rim wheels better factor them in as well, you'll be wanting them soon after getting it:)


  • #9
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,223 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    mossym wrote: »
    love the slice, it's a smashing bike. just be aware if you don;t have a set of deep rim wheels better factor them in as well, you'll be wanting them soon after getting it:)
    This is a friend's 2009 Slice with trispokes. Reckons they're a bit scary in the wind but he's a triathlete and isn't dead yet so they can't be that bad. :pac:


  • #10
    mossym
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    mine, still loaded from the spin today.

    few changes from stock, 4za 50mm clinchers, power2max PM, Prologo tri saddle


    20140823_202924_zpsgbzyogyb.jpg


  • #11
    Amprodude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭Amprodude


    mossym wrote: »
    mine, still loaded from the spin today.

    few changes from stock, 4za 50mm clinchers, power2max PM, Prologo tri saddle


    20140823_202924_zpsgbzyogyb.jpg


    serious machine.


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  • #12
    Amprodude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭Amprodude


    Lumen wrote: »
    This is a friend's 2009 Slice with trispokes. Reckons they're a bit scary in the wind but he's a triathlete and isn't dead yet so they can't be that bad. :pac:

    Some machine also.


  • #13
    Amprodude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭Amprodude


    mossym wrote: »
    mine, still loaded from the spin today.

    few changes from stock, 4za 50mm clinchers, power2max PM, Prologo tri saddle


    20140823_202924_zpsgbzyogyb.jpg

    How long was the spin? Were u TTing? I would be doing 8km and 20km tts just on its own for this.


  • #14
    Amprodude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,034 ✭✭✭Amprodude


    Redmond101 wrote: »
    I think you've already decided!!

    The only thing in my favour is i have wasted money on other things that havent been of benefit. Cycling is my hobby and i dont think it would be a waste to me personally. I have been looking for a second one too but found nothing that rocks my boat.


  • #15
    mossym
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    Amprodude wrote: »
    How long was the spin? Were u TTing? I would be doing 8km and 20km tts just on its own for this.

    Today's was 70. Tapering for a half ironman next weekend. Last Sunday's was 130 on the tri bike


  • #16
    lennymc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,460 ✭✭✭lennymc


    @amprodude - got a second hand felt s22. Aluminium bike, shimano ultegra and microshift shifters, fsa TT chainset (52 big ring). Bought it without wheels, using pro rc 50 tubs, but will probably get a disc rear at some stage.


  • #17
    victorcarrera
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭victorcarrera


    Amprodude wrote: »
    ... Last year in my TTs i was about 15-25 secs off the leader and all i had was my road bike with the ttbars and aero wheels. No aero helmet, no shoe covers, skinsuit. ...

    If those were 20km TT's averaging 40km or more you should have won those races with an aero helmet alone. Shoe covers may be banned in your races. Also try moving the saddle forward as far as is legal and for 20km and shorter you might also try lowering the bars.

    http://cyclingtips.com.au/2010/04/biggest-bang-for-your-buck-in-time-trial-equipment/


  • #18
    harringtonp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,569 ✭✭✭harringtonp


    I sold me TT bike earlier in the year as I no longer do triathlons, TT's in stage races are short and it was seeing very little use.

    I have found however that riding with forearms on handlebars on my aero frame standard road bike is considerably faster than riding on the drops and most likely comparable to what I got with the TT bike. Riding on forearms, shaved legs,

    this helmet for 56 sterling:

    http://forum.slowtwitch.com/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/Lazer_Bullet_P2276139/

    and this speedsuit

    http://galibier.cc/product/speedsuit/

    more than make up for the loss of the TT bike.


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