Give it a TRI

[Zama7]

17 minutes ago, Andymann said:

Looked back to see if I could see what bike you used in the end - was it a road bike or did you settle on the MTB?

A lot of Athletes that we coach use MTB cleats in place of Road cleats - they actually prefer it because they are able to put their MTB shoes on in transition and run with their shoes already on - running in road shoes is always a bit sketchy.  Unless you have budget to buy new Tri shoes with new pedals I don't think that is something you need to worry about right now.

 

Yeah went with a road bike - Bought a 2nd hand Merida Scultura 400. Just want to repalce the wheels to 28", then add try bars and I am running a 2x10 105 with Dura ace shifters, think i want to sell teh Dura Ace Shifets and maybe just get 105 shifters so everything talks to each other. Will probably also buy tri bars just looking to build the best value bike for speed without breaking the bank 

[Andymann]

Unless those Dura Ace shifters are worn out they should be fine with the 105 RD - I wouldn't spend money replacing them.

A set of TT clip-ons isn't that expensive - there will be loads of used ones for you to buy.

The rule of thumb for speed is to look at everything that rotates - so check that your BB is in good condition and then keep an eye out for a nice set of wheels - there are lots available now that everyone is going to disk brakes and because you are still on 10sp, there are really bargains - a lot of the older Zipp 303 and 404 wheels can't be upgraded to 11sp so they are basically only useful to someone like yourself.  And they are bulletproof too,

 

 

Edited November 27 by Andymann

[Zama7]

51 minutes ago, Andymann said:

Unless those Dura Ace shifters are worn out they should be fine with the 105 RD - I wouldn't spend money replacing them.

A set of TT clip-ons isn't that expensive - there will be loads of used ones for you to buy.

The rule of thumb for speed is to look at everything that rotates - so check that your BB is in good condition and then keep an eye out for a nice set of wheels - there are lots available now that everyone is going to disk brakes and because you are still on 10sp, there are really bargains - a lot of the older Zipp 303 and 404 wheels can't be upgraded to 11sp so they are basically only useful to someone like yourself.  And they are bulletproof too,

 

 

 

Yeah they are new but feels like gears slide a bit when chaning, also not an expert but when I serviced the bike the guy told me they are compatible but not ideal. 

[shaper]

8 minutes ago, Zama7 said:

 

Yeah they are new but feels like gears slide a bit when chaning, also not an expert but when I serviced the bike the guy told me they are compatible but not ideal. 

Shimano of the same speed is cross-compatible, so the guy is giving you bad advice!  Dura-ace is lighter and better than 105.  You could probably pick up DA front and rear derailleur fairly cheaply if you want to make it all the same.  

If after a service it does not work as should, then the guy's ability to service a bike is the same as his advice!

[Zama7]

Thanks best cycling shop in PTA ? Bike is current at Hot Spot cycles asked them to fix my break after Ironman, will speak to the guys there they seem helpful

[Andymann]

15 hours ago, Zama7 said:

Thanks best cycling shop in PTA ? Bike is current at Hot Spot cycles asked them to fix my break after Ironman, will speak to the guys there they seem helpful

We're also based in Pretoria and have been using Hot Spot for ages.  They are a nice bunch.

Shameless plug here but Dinamic Coaching Gauteng is also based in Pretoria so if you really want to take your Triathlon journey further, or just have questions you are welcome to drop me a message and I will help wherever I can.

[Zama7]

Hey Guys

 

Finally got my bike back, a couple of newbie questions:

 

1. What is the pink sediment coming out the fork ?

2. Want to change the wheels & tyres to 28" and add tri bars, assume the system will still work ?

3. Any other upgrades besides tri-bars you guys would recommend for an half ironman  ?

[JayLow]

The pink sludge is lubrication.

Tri bars are a good idea, it's the cheapest way to get significant aero gains. Make sure you fit the bike to aero position (it will differ from your road bike position), and spend a lot of time training in the bars. 

Also get a feed bag for your top tube (Temu).

Eventually you'd want some deeper section wheels for the next level of aero gains.

Try to get a power meter (stages can be cheap on le hub) to help manage effort and train more precisely (and have some lekka data to analyse).

I did a couple of sub-6 IM703s on a similar spec bike with clip on tri-bars, so resist the urge to splurge!

[SwissVan]

Moving your water bottle cages to behind your seat (would need an attachment to your seat rails) also worth considering.

While providing some aero benefits be warned there are risks involved, it’s easy to drop your drinks bottle while reaching behind and depending how high the bottles sit it can make getting on and off the bike tricky (getting your leg over). 

As mentioned previously, the biggest time savings are from TT bars and aero rims. Get used to riding on the TT bars and being comfortable in the TT position so you can use them all the time.

Do some brick sessions in training to get used to running after cycling.

Practice your transitions and limit lost time in the transition by riding and running in the same clothing.

[Zama7]

Thanks yeah transissions killed me last time will definately need to up my game easy 5-10 minutes I can save there. What areo rims or time bars do you guys recommend ? Looking for the best bang for buck and still want to use the bike for road races every now and then.

 

 

[IceCreamMan]

This came up on my Facebook memories today. gave me goosebumps. Loved Ironman. Maybe it’s time. 
 

 

 

[SwissVan]

3 hours ago, IceCreamMan said:

This came up on my Facebook memories today. gave me goosebumps. Loved Ironman. Maybe it’s time. 
 

 

 

Memories of the swim chaos then having to fight of draft dodgers for 5 hours or so before fighting nausea on the walk/jog….. Think I’ll give it a miss 😆

Have fun

 

[IceCreamMan]

11 minutes ago, SwissVan said:

Memories of the swim chaos then having to fight of draft dodgers for 5 hours or so before fighting nausea on the walk/jog….. Think I’ll give it a miss 😆

Have fun

 

You getting old. 😂

[reteid]

I have been on the motorbike on the bike route the last 2 years of this event. The number of people having aero bars and sitting upright is extremely high. If you go the aero bar route make sure you are comfortable sitting in the bars.

[SwissVan]

16 hours ago, IceCreamMan said:

You getting old. 😂

sTrue 

With age comes wisdom🤔