Time Trial / Time Trialling / TT

NB: Don't stop. It's not good for your time.

Entered the De Laune CC open 10 on the Q10/24 this Sat. Will be my first "open" event and also first TT on a course that isn't Bexley. Should be interesting, hopefully the weather won't be as shitty as it is today...

Fixedwheelnut has raced on that a few times should you need any course info. All I know is that it's pretty exposed so it'll be best if there's minimal wind.

That might trouble most people, although it wouldn't trouble rik.

Hmm, I'll need to have a look at the course and maybe the weather to make my mind up. Right now I'm still shagged so even 30min on the turbo was a real chore.

Trust Tester and me: it's a fast course.

However, like all such courses, it's only fast on a good day and this is why it would be a tragedy to miss a float morning if you have got a chance to exploit it.

Forget the bloody turbo. Just spend as much time as possible between now and Sunday morning sleeping and eating.

25.51 on h10/2

Another 27 seconds off...

:)

23:50 on R10/16a

A bit faster than expected seeing as all I've done this year is commute and a few mtb rides.

22.47 on A10/11, 70 seconds faster than last Saturday in arguably worse conditions... Nice to see some sort of form coming together

Thanks to ^ and ^^ for reminding me that there are still big improvements to be made!!

To that end (and I realise that fitness and experience are both going to be bringing me much more substantial gains) I have earmarked the planet x 82/101 wheels as my next purchase, is this the best use of the cash in buying speed or would a professional bike fit and a aero helmet be a better option?

Bike is a trek equinox which is essentially the right size, helmet is a giro atmos and I have a garmin with speed and cadence on the bike...

Suggestions including keep your cash in your pocket and train for a while welcome!

I did my first ever flying 200m TT (does this even get respected as a time trial?) on Wednesday night. I got 12.53s which is 0.13s off the current track league record. The track was damp so at least I have an excuse. :-P

To that end (and I realise that fitness and experience are both going to be bringing me much more substantial gains) I have earmarked the planet x 82/101 wheels as my next purchase, is this the best use of the cash in buying speed or would a professional bike fit and a aero helmet be a better option?

Definitely get the aero helmet first, much better VFM. Then a skinsuit, then wheels. Or wheels first, cos they look and sound fast :) Play around with your position as well, Adam Tophan's book is pretty good at explaining how to get a decent position and is a very good general guide to TT'ing IMO.

I'm only in my second season, and was doing similar times to you last year. Unfortunately I've bought pretty much all I can justify in terms of aero, so I can only go faster through training now :(

I've not read either of these in a long time but I believe that articles like these recommend that in terms of energy saving per dollar, that an aero lid and lots of lycra are the best 'value' improvements after getting an aero position (here and here).

Compared to others on here my experience is very limited, but one thing I would say is that when I started out (mainly in Tri) I threw quite a lot of money at buying aero kit (it still gives me a massive buzz to go out on my disc etc) but I'm starting to wonder if that money mightn't have been better spent on tools that would help me train to become a better athlete (eg. getting a power meter in a training wheel and a cheap disc cover).

Thanks to ^ and ^^ for reminding me that there are still big improvements to be made!!

To that end (and I realise that fitness and experience are both going to be bringing me much more substantial gains) I have earmarked the planet x 82/101 wheels as my next purchase, is this the best use of the cash in buying speed or would a professional bike fit and a aero helmet be a better option?

Bike is a trek equinox which is essentially the right size, helmet is a giro atmos and I have a garmin with speed and cadence on the bike...

Suggestions including keep your cash in your pocket and train for a while welcome!

What sort of wheels do you have now? Better position and probably an aero helmet are almost certainly worth more time than wheel choice. Do you ride in a skinsuit?Your body provides soemthing like 70% of the total drag so it's more important to get that right. Nice wheels always look nice though so that's why people always buy them :)

Definitely get the aero helmet first, much better VFM. Then a skinsuit, then wheels. Or wheels first, cos they look and sound fast :) Play around with your position as well, Adam Tophan's book is pretty good at explaining how to get a decent position and is a very good general guide to TT'ing IMO.

I would test positions first and buy an aero lid that suits the position you come up with. Some helmets work better than others depending on your back and how much you can drop your head, etc.

Thanks to ^ and ^^ for reminding me that there are still big improvements to be made!!

I've only ever done a TT on this course so I know it well. Makes it a lot easier to pace yourself when you know the course like the back of your hand

Compared to others on here my experience is very limited, but one thing I would say is that when I started out (mainly in Tri) I threw quite a lot of money at buying aero kit (it still gives me a massive buzz to go out on my disc etc) but I'm starting to wonder if that money mightn't have been better spent on tools that would help me train to become a better athlete (eg. getting a power meter in a training wheel and a cheap disc cover).

Training tools >>>> aero bling (unless you're a slevless, of course ;o))

unless you're a slevless, of course

Crawls back into hole...

You've seen the light, don't be afraid :)

I've raced triathlon. It doesn't have to be all about the gear.

I have earmarked the planet x 82/101 wheels as my next purchase

I have these wheels and they are very good for the money. Not sure how aero they actually are in the grand scheme of wheels but I guess they are better than shallow rims, plus they sound good which is totally a reason to buy them...

Unfortunately I've bought pretty much all I can justify in terms of aero, so I can only go faster through training now :(

Exactly what I did! I am convinced that the aero helmet (first time wearing it) knocked about 6 seconds off my PB for a 10 a few weeks back.

Is there a discussion somewhere on the best front wheel to run?
I know it'd be Zipp 808, hed h3. But is there something discussing the reasons and differences?

Can see anything obvious on TTF.

This is pretty detailed actually. But is not about the fc zipp.
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/forum/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/Zipp_808_vs._HED_H3_Flamme_Rouge_P3738057

From my reading, the 808FC is best with the HED3 used when cross-winds might be an issue.

This is pretty good.
http://forums.transitions.org.au/index.php?showtopic=53090&st=75

Get Schick onto this:
http://www.zipp.com/_media/productreviews/tour%20mag.pdf

Yeah that first link references to the tour test here and there.

The 2nd link, refutes what you said about Hed best in wind. But it's n=1 test.

Yeah that first link references to the tour test here and there.
The 2nd link, refutes what you said about Hed best in wind. But it's n=1 test.

The second link says HED better than 808FC but it wasn't a tunnel test. I wonder what the scope for error is in his tests?