DFW_Tri wrote:
I don't know why anyone would carry 8 gels (or any on their bike) but Cervelos unscientific experiment suggested that the average AGer does. We have no way to prove or disprove that but it would hardly be shocking to see an average AGer making a poor setup decision from an aero perspective
There is actually a way to prove or disprove, and I've attempted it to counter Cervelo -- and, it turns out, Cervelo is pretty much right and I am pretty much wrong. Goes like this
1) Go into the results for last year's Kona.
2) Pull the bib numbers of the Umeke winners. Try for an obsessive compulsive age bracket like M30-34 or M40-44. It doesn't matter really.
3) Go to Finisherpix. Type in Bib Number. Scroll to side profile shot in the lava fields.
4) Review hydration and nutrition and storage setups.
The reality is this. Even the best age groupers in the world are carrying bottles on the down tube in a hot 140.6. Even the best age groupers in the world commit aero sins. In general, their setups are far cleaner than the MOP'r at your average MDot race. They don't have gels strapped on the top tube. But they aren't necessarily all out aero, as I was in the tunnel.
Do I agree with how Cervelo designed the bike? No, not really, not for
me. But I understand why they did now that I've done some of my own research.