TT's

[anonymous-user]

I am learning that TT's require a far deeper understanding than just buying a fast frame.

My PB (which is not that amazing) on the loal 'slow' course is 23:30, I am keen to get into the 22's and think it's possible (just) with my level of ability. After selling my Ridley I decided to use the Venge on the course and go without the powermeter and use std road wheels. Last time out I posted a 24:20 in windy conditions on my TT bike complete with aero lid. Last night on a road bike with no aero gear I was sub 24. Looks like 23:50, this does not make sense. I didn't have the powertap in so don't know the power. For pacing I went hard and tried to feel what 300+ watts was like all the time, I must have been around this as after 20 mins I started to feel slightly weaker which bears out what I have done on the turbo/sufferfest etc. The Garmin was set to 1 mile 'laps' and I tried to average 2:20's but thought I would be way off.

The Venge was faster around the roundabouts and on the flat parts I was holding 26-28. The slight drags seemed easier and the wind didn't bother me at all. As a ref. most were slightly slower than the previous week where conditions were apparently very good, I wasn't there.

I have a new TT frame coming and I am now thinking of a proper bike fit on that frame as something was obviously very badly wrong with me/position/bike. One guy the other week commented that the power (280w over 10 miles) didn't fit the time (24:20) and questioned the powertap. This was serviced and calibrated and having sat on a watt bike I know its within enough not to matter. I wish I had the power data from yesterday it would have made more sense. Strava seems to think 303w and from previous experience isn't that far off. My heart rate was at 92% average and peaked at 97% so I didn't have that much left in the tank.

Question is, is 23w enough to make the difference or is it that I didn't fit the TT bike well enough or that the Venge is indeed the magic mushroom of all bikes. Either way it was ace to be top 5 and I got a kick out of trying to hold off/beat as many TT rigs as I could.

However I am scared that the monster investment on the new TT frame might be a waste of money :/

[AyBee]

I don't ride TTs but I'd imagine that position on the bike has a LOT to do with your time. You need to be in a position to produce your maximum power from the legs whilst also being as aero as possible.

[Gargamel]

Any difference in the Gearing between the Venge and your normal TT Steed? That would of course be the obvious answer.

I would think pre match food intake, and on the day factors make as much of difference. What do you expect in terms of gains from an Aero lid ? 30 secs - less ?

[anonymous-user]

Gargamel said:

Any difference in the Gearing between the Venge and your normal TT Steed? That would of course be the obvious answer.

I would think pre match food intake, and on the day factors make as much of difference. What do you expect in terms of gains from an Aero lid ? 30 secs - less ?

The TT is 172.5 std 23-12 and the Venge 170 compact 23-11. Cadence was similar pulled top gear quite a bit with the compact, might have pushed slightly bigger gears I guess worrying about how much slower the road bike would be! I would say a lid is worth 10 secs or so over 10 miles and if I had to guess what the difference between a rider working well on TT vs road bike I would guess at at least 30 secs difference, so 40 secs+ overall on a 10 mile course like for like?

[andySC]

I've started doing TT's this year...currently done 4. There's an art & skill involved which I'm trying to pick up. I'm from a road racing background & regardless of how fit & strong you are it's sooooo easy to get it totally wrong.

A TT rig with the correct wheels in helps a lot as does position BUT the 2 things to remember are not to go off too hard & blow yourself to bits & secondly go hard on the hard bits...uphill, headwinds etc- go for it. This is where the most gains can be made. My 1st 25 was on a semi sporting potholed Cheshire course where sub hour is a good ride. I did a 59, week after I approached it differently & finished with a short 56 on the same course. So far I've had a second overall & a top 10 in open events so it's coming together...albeit painfully :-)

The more you do the better you get...apparently. Good look with it all.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Okgo

He's a right boring bd on all this TT numbers rubbish, but will be able to answer your questions. IIRC he bores on about someone in his club who rides c21 mins on 300ish watts as he has a very efficient position. I forget the details as I was half asleep when he was telling me but he'll be along in a bit to see you right.

[anonymous-user]

Rocksteadyeddie said:

Okgo

He's a right boring bd on all this TT numbers rubbish, but will be able to answer your questions. IIRC he bores on about someone in his club who rides c21 mins on 300ish watts as he has a very efficient position. I forget the details as I was half asleep when he was telling me but he'll be along in a bit to see you right.

I'd be surprised at 300w getting into the 21's but never say never. For me that sort of time is dreamland, 22's are something to aim for though

[BPC7]

andySC said:

I've started doing TT's this year...currently done 4. There's an art & skill involved which I'm trying to pick up. I'm from a road racing background & regardless of how fit & strong you are it's sooooo easy to get it totally wrong.

A TT rig with the correct wheels in helps a lot as does position BUT the 2 things to remember are not to go off too hard & blow yourself to bits & secondly go hard on the hard bits...uphill, headwinds etc- go for it. This is where the most gains can be made. My 1st 25 was on a semi sporting potholed Cheshire course where sub hour is a good ride. I did a 59, week after I approached it differently & finished with a short 56 on the same course. So far I've had a second overall & a top 10 in open events so it's coming together...albeit painfully :-)

The more you do the better you get...apparently. Good look with it all.

I have my first ever 10mile TT this Friday and I have been around the course to check it out. The first couple of miles are a steady incline then it flattens out a bit for another couple before it goes slightly downhill and undulating for the remainder. Where should I target most of my energy?

Here's the course

http://www.routeyou.com/route/view/309169/cycle-ro...

[anonymous-user]

BPC7 said:

I have my first ever 10mile TT this Friday and I have been around the course to check it out. The first couple of miles are a steady incline then it flattens out a bit for another couple before it goes slightly downhill and undulating for the remainder. Where should I target most of my energy?

Here's the course

http://www.routeyou.com/route/view/309169/cycle-ro...

First 500 yards up to speed then settle down. Go strong but not maximum pace for the incline. Build up on the flat then push the same intensity downhill (not worth backing off on a 10) then maintain pace to the end. If you finish and are strong you haven't gone hard enough, if you fall apart on the 7th mile you went too hard. You will only find out after racing the course 2-3 times. The biggest issue is going into the red at the start, do that and it will hurt the first 4 miles whilst your body tries to recover.

Also. I am not an authority but for your warm up ride at least 15 miles, 20 is better at a reasonable pace. Arrive at the start when you are warm. The warmup makes a big difference and despite thinking your burning up energy your muscles will be much more effective once properly up to speed.

Pacing either use a powermeter or split into 10 x 1 mile laps and set a target on a Garmin, say 2:20 for a 24:00 time.

[okgo]

It's ALL about position.

As Eddie says the chap he mentions his extremely fast off bugger all. Did 50.40 and won a 25 this last weekend with 303 watts. And did a mid 19 ten on 330.

We have worked out that I am 50 watts slower in terms of position than him. And most people say I look aero on the TT bike! And I do have a top end bike etc.

[BPC7]

yonex said:

First 500 yards up to speed then settle down. Go strong but not maximum pace for the incline. Build up on the flat then push the same intensity downhill (not worth backing off on a 10) then maintain pace to the end. If you finish and are strong you haven't gone hard enough, if you fall apart on the 7th mile you went too hard. You will only find out after racing the course 2-3 times. The biggest issue is going into the red at the start, do that and it will hurt the first 4 miles whilst your body tries to recover.

Also. I am not an authority but for your warm up ride at least 15 miles, 20 is better at a reasonable pace. Arrive at the start when you are warm. The warmup makes a big difference and despite thinking your burning up energy your muscles will be much more effective once properly up to speed.

Pacing either use a powermeter or split into 10 x 1 mile laps and set a target on a Garmin, say 2:20 for a 24:00 time.

Thanks for this. I am having to drive to the start so will have to get there early so can do some miles to warm up first. As you say I am going to have to try it a few times to see what works and then work out where to push harder. Weather looks like a 17mph headwind along the north straight then a cross wind which will be fun on the S5 down the south run. Tail wind for the final bit which should help.