If you’ve not already then I’d recommend reading this thread

https://forum.slowtwitch.com/...6558249/?page=unread

Some sensible suggestions there.

Dan

Are you pretty good at selecting the optimal gear for the terrain you are racing on? In other words, are you grinding/lugging up hills or spinning at a more comfortable cadence? You will lose most time on hills if you don't pay attention to details. I think your current bike setup is sufficient, so it has to be something else that's holding you back. At mid 20's, you are on your way up to your cycling peak and should be able to average more than 14mph.

What brakes are you running? Tririg Omega X are great and will work well on your P5. I run a P5 as well and actually swapped out my Magura RT8 TT brakes for these and prefer the braking with the Omega X. And interesting aero data here.

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Amateur recreational hobbyist cyclist
https://www.strava.com/athletes/337152
https://vimeo.com/user11846099

Also your shoes/pedals could be more aero. If they fit you, a laced shoe, perhaps Gerlach-ized if you're concerned about transition time, will likely be more aero. If you're willing to change pedal systems (which would require you to get a PM on your bike), then Speedplay Zero Aero pedals.

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Amateur recreational hobbyist cyclist
https://www.strava.com/athletes/337152
https://vimeo.com/user11846099

I am going to ask what might be a stupid question...

Are you able to breathe comfortably in aero?

If the position on the bike is constricting your breathing, it may be compounding problems related from your chemo.

If you are working with a respiratory, occupational, or physical therapist; it might be worth showing them your position on the bike.


I don't know how comfortable you are on your (or any) bike; but i wonder if a more comfortable ride would make you significantly faster.

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I do the same thing as them, just slower

Warning, rant ahead: The mentality of having to throw money at the sport to increase speed is problematic in and of itself. I think cost is a huge hindrance to entry already and, IMO, if you're not in the top ~3%, the marginal gains you'll reap from insanely expensive gear are hardly worthwhile. Sure, if you're riding a Huffy it's probably a good idea to get a decent bike, but more for the safety aspect. But a good bike can be had for $1,000 and a really nice bike for $2,000. Throwing another $5k+ for minimal gains (when on the lower end, as OP has mentioned) just seems ludicrous to me. But, then again, I can't tell you how to spend your money. However, as advice to a 20-something-year-old, you'll probably want to save some of that money. Then again, we were all young and stupid with something in our 20s, so if this is it for you, I'd say you're doing pretty well. But please promise you aren't going into massive credit card debt to buy all this gear.

I'll leave you with a quote from the great Chrissie Wellington:

"It’s all about having equipment that’s fit for purpose and trusting in it. I’m not a weight-weenie and I didn’t start shaving things off to enjoy every single advantage. I focused my efforts on having a body and mind that was as powerful as it could be. At 140km into a bike, it’s your mind that’s telling you to quit – it doesn’t matter what bike’s beneath you."

What is your race power and how tall are you? Knowing that would go a long way to determining what your position is like (as well as a photo).