What are some easy ways to reduce drag/improve speed on a 25K triathlon ride?
Question: What are some easy ways to reduce drag/improve speed on a 25K triathlon ride?
I am competing in a triathlon and want to know if there are some lesser known tips for increasing aerodynamics/reducing drag during the race. I have a Rudy Project Super Comp helmet, aero bars, flat-spoke wheels, no water bottle, pedal clips, absent granny gear, etc. What else?
Answer:
Answer by clambacke
I think an optimal body position gives you the best bang for the buck. The triathlon is decided during the running stage, don’t worry to much about the bike ride and I would keep the water bottle.
Check out this link…
http://www.nytro.com/Articles.asp?ID=119
Assuming your body position is the right balance between aero and power output, there isn’t a whole lot more available to you. Some evidence says having a water bottle on the seat tube but not the downtube is better than having none, but who knows for sure, there’s lots of dis information out there.
I agree w/ the above answer – you’re probably about as aero as you’re gonna get, so your best improvement will come from the run or swim, or overall fitness improvement.
You might get a bit better aero from using disk wheels – at the expense of weight (meaning it will be more effort to pedal through the hills and accelerate out of corners) and maneuverability (harder to corner – period!).
Low contact tires (high pressure, narrow width) will give less rolling resistance and possibly improve speed.
Body position! Stay in that aero tuck as long as possible. Keep the hands out front, with knuckles comfortably around eye level. Pedal with the knees in (no bowleggedness!), and breath regularly.
For a 25k distance, I probably wouldn’t use a water bottle either, unless it’s going to be a tremendously hot (over 35 C) day. There is a tapered bottle available (can’t remember who makes it off hand) that comes in two sizes. One is small, and tucks between the aero bars so all you have to do is sip at the straw from the tuck. The other is larger, usually mounts on the downtube, and has a straw that works more like those found on Camelbaks.
If you DON’T take water on the bike, make sure you have something handy for when you come into the transition to run – you’re going to need fluids then, and probably some energy supplements (depending on your effort level).