Time Trial / Time Trialling / TT

Yeah, I said before the race there was at least 5 riders that had already gone further than me, so I wasn't going in expecting a top-x place or anything. The 300 is literally all I cared about until it definitely wasn't gonna happen then with maybe 10-20min to go I though shit, maybe I can at least save a PB.

Did my first TT in forever last week. Only ridden fixed since I was a nipper so stuck with that but just increased the ratio as the course is fairly flat.
I was happy with my time but my heart rate was maxed for the whole ride bar the first five minutes as I try and ease into things. To be honest it was pure hell :-)
My cadence averaged 92 whereas when I ride normally I ride between 95 and 100.
Can anyone share any insight as to whether they think I should be gearing up more and lowering my cadence or gearing down and shooting for 105 to 110rpm?

How did it feel? There are no real rules - try gearing up and down and see which feels best / is fastest.

It felt like absolute fucking agony. I properly blew up at 9.5 miles with spit all over my face just a heart attack away from chucking the bike in the hedge and crying like a baby; but somehow found the will to drag myself through the last half a mile. My time was 4 minutes shy of my PB (which to be fair was set about 30 years ago) but I was still more than happy with my performance.
I'm sure you're right; the course is local so I'll try and get a few test runs done before the next official ride. On fast club rides I can sustain 105 without it feeling too fast so I'm thinking gearing down is likely to be in my favour.

My cadence averaged 92 whereas when I ride normally I ride between 95 and 100

There's obviously a difference between average (mean) and modal. A mean of 92 implies a significant amount of time above 95

On fast club rides I can sustain 105 without it feeling too fast so I'm thinking gearing down is likely to be in my favour.

If your heart is screaming louder than your legs, you're more likely to be undergeared than overgeared. I'd be inclined to try going up about 5% as a first experiment. There are no prizes for cadence except in a MG event, so don't try to impress anybody by averaging over 100rpm if it just means you take longer to reach the timekeeper.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FMw753Rb1o
The uploader of this video has some old national TT champs summary videos uploaded.

I dont know if anyone has posted any of them before, but they're a great watch. I thought some people in here might be interested. It's cool to see the different tech and positions from back in the day.

Thanks for the insight. I’ll see what chainrings and sprockets I have in the shed and get a few test rides in.

A bit late to this but I believe it only needs a sticker if it was designed after the cut off date. Frames designed prior to this only need to follow the dimensions, no stickerage or approval required.

Frames designed prior to this only need to follow the dimensions

UCI regulations and interpretations are very much a moving target, but the approval protocol refers to a design having "reached the production stage" by 1.1.2011
Of course, nobody is telling what "the production stage" means to the UCI

Pondering releasing my T3 to the wild. Any interest?

How tall are you again? And will the price make me cry? I don't need it.

Bought for £28.50, can anyone make use of it, £25 posted or £20 collected? Not even mounted but have got rid of the packaging. Still up there with the fastest you can ride, tubeless ready etc.

2 Attachments

I have some TT related bits for sale - PM me for pics so as not to clutter the thread.

23mm Corsa Speed - £10
Adamo TT - £45
Xlab torpedo BTA mount - £10
Saddle mount bottle cage bracket - £10
Top cap bottle mount - £5

Well. 1 week to remember how to pilot the TT bike.
Should be fun. Who's the other LFGSS'r?
(Epsom 25)

Also looks cold af.

Who's the other LFGSS'r?

That would be me

I always thought you rode for a different club, but should have put name together.
See you there. Not excited about the temperature.

Not excited about the temperature

It's always a punt at this time of year, I'm now wishing I'd entered as "road bike" for the later start 🙂

There's a small but growing chance I'm not going to make it- may have to work (or rather join a discussion about work) at that time.

There's a small but growing chance I'm not going to make it

That's OK, we never had a third counter for the team prize anyway 🤣

All being well, I will be there.
Out of shape and very, very fat at the moment, and also no idea what the hell to wear given the temperatures.
Bike had so many mechanical issues today. Absolute fucker to sort out.

I’ll be there - Hounslow rider though. Like you, not looking forward to the temperature

All being well, I will be there

I've sent my apologies, asthma and single-digit temperatures are not a good mix for me. There's always next year.

c.57 minutes.
Power meter broke so rode within myself for much of it.
Wind was a bitch. Road surface was interesting.

....and I apparently forgot to sign out-> DQ.
What an absolute twat I am.