Back in October I had the opportunity to drive down to Tucson to do some beta testing with Brian and Marc, macag handle here on ST. They have developed a drag sensor which can be mounted on a bike and software to calculate the results. The data is collected by a Garmin head unit. The test run is a mile out, mile back on a quiet bike path. For the beta test I just ran my basic race set up and we made some positional adjustments. I was very impressed with not only how consistent the data was but how the software can provide a confidence level for each run. If you get an aberration, it will let you know and you can run it again.

My bike is a QR V-PR, size 52, Vision Pro extension, Profile Design Aeria front hydration, HED Vanquish RC 8/8 wheels (we didn't have time to run the HED disc at the end), Elite Crono aero bottle on the down tube, and a single bottle in a cage zip ties to the saddle rails in the back. I wore my Zoot 2022 P1 aero race kit and a Giro Aerohead size L. We had time for about 8 runs in October. First three were to establish the baseline, which averaged out to a CdA of .240. We then moved out my extensions to get a bit lower and made some corrections to my head position over the course of three runs and brought my average down to .225 albeit with that is somewhat limited data. But still a nice overall improvement from when I arrived that morning, going from .240 to the low .230 range.

Fast forward to this past weekend. I wanted to do some equipment testing. I have my Aerohead and recently bought the Rudy Wing. So those needed to be vetted. I also was super curious about the water bladder down the front of the jersey. I have a perfectly sized Camelback bladder that can hold 70oz. I filled it with 3 water bottles of fluid. All other equipment was the same with the exception of a newer Zoot PI Ultra one piece race suit for 2023 and Silca socks. We made 3 baseline runs wearing the Wingspan and averaged .229. We then did a total of 4 runs with the Aerohead which averaged .229. Immediately back to the Rudy and was down to .225 with a best of .220. Keeping the Rudy, we then did three runs with the bladder. Let me say first off it does feel very odd having that on your chest. The first run was deemed low confidence due to power meter drop outs. The next two produced results of .219 and .223. It's worth noting the .220 with the Wing and these runs were at the end of the sessions and I likely am getting a bit lower as my back gets stretched out over time. So the bladder averaged .221 for the two allowable runs. So the bladder saved 5-8 watts and maybe 3-4min in an Ironman over my initial baseline and maybe a min or so faster then my best run without it.

So it sort of begs the question what other advantages might that convey. It holds so much I could probably finish the entire bike leg without having to deal with an aid station (3 bottles equivalent in the bladder, two one the bike, and the front Aeria holds a little over a bottles worth. Even if I needed a little extra it's easy to fill the Aeria. If the race is hot, the bladder could be half filled the night before and frozen. Top it off race morning and it could really keep your core temperature lower for longer. But all that navel gazing aside, I really wanted to share these experiences to advocate what Brian and Mark are offering in their testing service, how many things can be quantified, and how valuable that can be for your racing results.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project