Coaching Smarter Triathletes: Brian Maiorano

Comparing a Road Bike to a Triathlon Bike

So I Bought a Tri Bike
For a couple of years I've been content racing triathlons with my road bike (with clip-on aero bars and forward seat post).  I knew that a tri bike would likely shave 5ish minutes off my bike split (on an Olympic distance course), and that it would help with my run (by not burning up my quads as much).  But I put it off, wanting to work on my swim and run, which are by far my weaker sports.  Even a few months ago I was convinced it would be at least another year before I bought one.

Over the past month, a couple of things changed.  First, I've made big progress with my swimming.  Second, on tempo rides with friends I couldn't keep up on my road bike when heading into the wind unless I drafted (which was annoying, because then we couldn't chat (hour-long steady-paced tempo rides can be a bit tedious without some socializing...)).  Third, it was pointed out, "Brian, guys are beating you who shouldn't be."  It might have been this last comment that mattered the most...

Is it Sleek and Sexy?
I did an amazingly little amount of research into bikes before I bought one--except for this: I knew that a proper fit is one of the most important factors in both being aero (going fast) and comfortable (able to stay aero the whole race).   So before I even looked at bikes, I went to the local bike shop and paid to get measured on a "fit bike".  

Is Aero Gear Worth the Cost?

It's easy to be lured into the idea of riding faster by spending money on "fast" cycling gear.  There are three ways to ride faster:

1. Develop a stronger "engine" (basically, your muscles and your lungs).
2. Make yourself and your bike lighter (this is most beneficial on hills).
3. Make yourself and your bike more aerodynamic.  This is most beneficial on the flats, when speeds are over 18 mph.

This post focuses on aerodynamics; the time saved versus the cost of the gear. 

Why is Aero Important?
On a flat course, at speeds between 20 and 25 mph, 75% to 80% of your power goes toward overcoming air resistance (5% is for mechanical resistance (bearings, chain, etc.) and the rest is the friction of your tires against the road).  The more slippery you and your bike are, the faster you'll go.  Of this aerodynamic drag, approximately 2/3 comes from you (your position on the bike and what you're wearing) and 1/3 comes from the bike itself. Of the drag that comes from you, almost all of it is related to your position on the bike.  A small amount comes from your clothing.

Standard Aero Gear and Costs
Triathletes seem to go through a standard procession of buying aero gear:

• Adding clip-on aero bars and forward seat post to a road bike.  $150-$250, plus $100 - $200 for a professional to set them up so you fit properly.
• Time Trial bike $2,000 - $5,000
• Aero helmet $75 - $150
• Disc and tri-spoke wheelset $1500 - $2500