Starting Time Trialling


For time trialling you need two things mental strength to put up with the pain and concentration and a good set of wheels. For some nitty gritty geek stuff read on...



Bike

1    You want a reasonable bike with light but strong wheels. You have a choice of two types of wheel "wire on" or "tubular". Wire ons are what you get on most bikes, tubulars (commonly known as tubs) are what the majority of racing cyclists use. Tubs are stronger and lighter due to their box profile to which the tub is glued refer to this <http://tinyurl.com/9q43x> whereas wire on rims are heavier and have flanges that are more easily damaged by pot holes <http://tinyurl.com/afx89>. 

The other advantage of tubs is they corner much better and if you have a puncture they are much faster to whip off and replace with a new one during the race. The price of tubs can get scary but all you need is a 19mm Victoria or Continental similar to this <http://tinyurl.com/9x4hc>

2    Next on your bike wish list would be a pair of tri bars, preferably detachable ones <http://tinyurl.com/9fdhk> so you can take them off if you want to do a road race plus they are also cheaper than buying an all in one set. <http://tinyurl.com/alkda>

3   Carbon disc rear wheel, this would be worth it if you are getting up with the top flight folks otherwise forget it as it will set you back  £500 or more.

4    If you do get a puncture during a race you need a fast way to reinflate the tub the best method is to use a gas cannister (something like this <http://tinyurl.com/afub8>) You strap it to your spare tub which you strap onto the underside of your saddle.

5    A computer, this can be a double edged sword as it also will show how slow you are going! Usually I set it to show my average speed to ensure I am near my target time or distance travelled so you know how far you have to go.

Clothing

1    Cycling shoes with cleats like Kate uses or for the more minimalist get a pair of single sided racing Look pedals like these <http://tinyurl.com/ckxgq>

2    Cycling shorts for longer distances but in Triathlons you just jump on yer bike with your swimming cosi (makes for a pretty view from behind!). Getting changed into cycling shorts will cost you a good couple of minutes or even more.

3    Track mits if you find your hands hurt but if you are hardcore then forget em'. I would use them when training and longer rides but for Tri's I wouldn't bother.

4    A good comfortable helmet, if you are in with the top notch guys then an Aero Helmet will eek out a few more seconds but the ventilation is usually poorer than an ordinary helmet.

Fuel

1    Either a simple bike bottle on your bike or use a Camelback. Carbo drinks such as <http://tinyurl.com/9xus7> are good but can be hard to drink after a while on long trips eg 12 hour races and audaxes.

2    For most tris you won't need any other than the carbo drink. On longer events such as the Iron Man then solid fuel can be a welcome break from the carbo drinks. My favs are bannas, fruit cake and watered down rice pudding! The best 12hr race I did was done just on carbo drinks.

It would be worth getting out with the ERC guys on a Saturday or a Sunday as you will learn a lot and you will find that there are others that are faster than you which will give you a target to aim for as you improve. Also building up stamina on the bike just takes doing some miles and doing it on your own can be hard plus you tend to work better when you have others challenging you.

Posted: Tue - August 23, 2005 at 08:57 AM          

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