TT beginner on a road bike?

Baby Trek

Hi, I would like to try a few time trials next year with my local club - perhaps the 5 or 10 milers. I have a normal road bike and no gear for TT whatsoever...did not want to be investing before seeing how I get on.
Is it worth a go or will I stand out like a sore thumb and be at a massive disadvantage because I do not have the right TT kit and bike?
I am putting in some training efforts doing high cadence speed work on the A6 - is this the best way to go to improve and build leg strength and endurance? Thanks.

BillyMansell

Go for it! You don't need anything more to start with and the good thing about club TTs is you don't have to worry about competing against anyone else. Do a few to compete against yourself and see if it tickles your fancy before investing too much. You could look at getting some aero bars if you want.

diplodicus

Definitely go for it. Most riders at a club tt are friendly and supportive.

I did my first year on a road bike, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Beware it does become addictive though

hstiles

Have a look at this article. Getting the right position on the bike is, in terms of bang for buck, the thing that will benefit you the most. Unless your road bike has incredibly relaxed 'sportive' geomtery, you should be able to dial in a nice aero tuck position by dropping the bars and bringing the seatpost up and saddle forward.

http://www.active.com/cycling/articles/buying-time-which-aero-equipment-offers-the-most-benefits

I would definitely recommend investing in some clip on aero bars. £50 will get you a pretty decent set. They also crop up in the classifieds.

There will always be people at TTs on incredibly flash rigs. Don't worry. It just makes beating them on a road bike with clip-ons even more satisfying.

ju5t1n

You’ll probably find half the riders will be on normal bikes

I won my club’s ‘fastest 10’ trophy this year on my road bike

Jim C

Road bike is fine. Normally at least half the riders will be on a normal bike, nothing special. If you are using time trials as any sort of training for road or circuit racing, don't use aerobars. Find a good position on your drops and work on getting aero. This is important for younger riders.
On the other hand , if TTs are your priority then get some clip ons if U want and can afford it. If in a club, there will be lots of sets going cheap, currently hanging in peoples sheds :-)

supermurph09

Yeah, as mentioned above just go for it. Lets face it chances are you wont be winning anything just yet so you are really just competing against yourself. I did a few last year with no aero equipment or TT bike, no-one cares its just you against the clock! See how you get on and if its something you enjoy or want to specialise in then get the toys.

pete.whelan

Go for it. The club I am with, Plomesgate CC, in Suffolk, runs 5 & 10 mile TTs. We aim the 5 mile events at beginners, and get people turning up on a range of bikes. Most clubs have a handicap system based on your first ride and how you improve through the season.

MountainMonster

One of the local clubs to me starts their TT runs from across the street from my house. I regularly see road bikes out for the TT, and even a few commuters now and again. It's all about what you can pull on what you have, and it's a race against yourself for most amateurs. Give it a shot, and if you get into it then buy some decent gear for it! It's great fun.

onemoresolo

Regular road bike is fine - it'll be a long time before you're limited by your bike! Just work on your riding position and you can make some "marginal gains" by not wearing a loose top and that sort of thing.

outcastjack

Go for it, the bike i use for TTs normally has mud guards and panniers and no one seems to bat an eyelid.
On a fun vs cost basis TTs are the best events you can do on a bike.