ways to cheat in a TT

HillClimber101

how to save time?

redddraggon

Aero helmet (+ aero bars)

But if you've got a flat back on the drops get a helmet

dennisn

Have a car pick you up and drop you off. I see course records without breaking a sweat.
Sorry, just couldn't resist with a title like that.

Dennis Noward

Shavedlegs

Aero helmet.
Often the last purchase of TT'er yet the normal road helmet is designed to catch the air and cool your head - important on a 5 hour ride. Not so in a 1 hour TT, where low air resistance is the key. Worked for me anyway.

grahamcp

Wasn't there an article in C+ a few months back that did a semi-scientific investigation into the % gains of the various things you could try?

btw I don't think anyone can seriously argue against aero-bars being the most effective add-on for an amatuer TTer.

fnb1

I think perceived wisdom is,

Aero Bars, then work hard on your position to get Aero, but not forgoing being able to get the power down, so set your saddle for best power delivery/efficiency, then play with the bar set up (may need to think frame depending on your budget) to get the optimum aero postion. From there Aero Helmet, skinsuit, aero overshoes etc, then aero wheels, front being the most important then rear. SOmehwere in the mix here you might want to consider faster tyres (at the right pressure for your all up weight and road/surface conditions).

Once you have that all in place and depending on your budget (and whether you are trying to get form a 28 min ten to a 26 or a 22 to a 20 etc) you can either use the measurements of this set up to spec a whole new TT with aero frame, seatpost etc, or work on gradual imporvements, aero bottle and cage perhaps (if you use one) etc etc until you are using a power meter to measure your output to maintain a steady/optimal known speed (25mph would be a good taraget speed as Aero effects/benefits are well in play by that speed) over a set course/distance (one of the outdoor velodromes could be ideal for this) and see what different slight changes in position/set up make to the power requiements to maintain that speed .

Meantime train hard (well) to get the power and endurance and learn to deal with the agony that TTing can be (this last one might give some of the biggest gains)

Tom Butcher

What are the thoughts on aero helmet vs no helmet. I don't normally wear a helmet TTing anyway - but I bought a cheap Limar aero lid last year second hand - not sure whether to use that or stick to no helmet where it's legal (ie every TT I ever did bar one).

fnb1

I do recall reading some stuff that had broken down the various benefits in terms of wattage saved, I think close cropped hair bettered standard helmet but was still some way behind aero fairing. Perhaps shaved head?

It is worth noting that a aero helmet only works well if your postion is good in the first place and you do not ride head down i.e. tail of the helmet sticking up into the airflow..

Alex_Simmons/RST

I'm currently coaching a guy who will be attempting the UCI world hour record for his age category. In this category pursuit set up rules apply.

We tested two aero helmets (indoor velodrome). One required 20 watts more than the other at same speed. That is enough to make the difference between breaking the record and not.

markwalker

ephadrine

gabriel959

Alex_Simmons/RST wrote:

I'm currently coaching a guy who will be attempting the UCI world hour record for his age category. In this category pursuit set up rules apply.

We tested two aero helmets (indoor velodrome). One required 20 watts more than the other at same speed. That is enough to make the difference between breaking the record and not.

Which helmets where those?

Simon Notley

Alex_Simmons/RST wrote:

I'm currently coaching a guy who will be attempting the UCI world hour record for his age category. In this category pursuit set up rules apply.

We tested two aero helmets (indoor velodrome). One required 20 watts more than the other at same speed. That is enough to make the difference between breaking the record and not.

Do the age categorised versions still allow modern kit then? Or are there different versions?

Alex_Simmons/RST

Simon Notley wrote:

Do the age categorised versions still allow modern kit then?

UCI regs for pursuit set up apply.

Alex_Simmons/RST

gabriel959 wrote:

Which helmets where those?

A Uvex and a Specialised.