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How much faster is a triathlon bike?
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How much faster is a triathlon bike than a road bike? For example, if I ride 20 mph on a Specialized Roubaix, how fast would I go on a good tri bike, all other things being equal? (no drafting)
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [xpda] [ In reply to ]
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1-2MPH faster.
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [jawatson] [ In reply to ]
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jawatson wrote:
1-2MPH faster.

2-3 mph with that aero helmet you wouldn't dare wear on a road bike.
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [Frenchman] [ In reply to ]
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Frenchman wrote:
2-3 mph with that aero helmet you wouldn't dare wear on a road bike.

I'm considering a viking helmet with wings, to take some weight off the tires.
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [xpda] [ In reply to ]
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With just your regular wheels and helmet, I would say around 1-1.25 mph faster. (Based on my exceptionally unscientific studies).
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [xpda] [ In reply to ]
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Depends on your flexibility, bike fit, etc.

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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [xpda] [ In reply to ]
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xpda wrote:

I'm considering a viking helmet with wings, to take some weight off the tires.


You should come to the Fremont Solstice parade :)

Edit: replaced potentially NSFW pics of body-painted crazy bikers with links:

http://www.destination360.com/...-solstice-parade.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/...99531_0bfca5974c.jpg
Last edited by: Frenchman: Apr 11, 12 11:30
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [Frenchman] [ In reply to ]
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The gap is a little big.But i think it sometimes depends on yourself.
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [xpda] [ In reply to ]
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [TriSRV] [ In reply to ]
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [xpda] [ In reply to ]
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xpda wrote:
How much faster is a triathlon bike than a road bike? For example, if I ride 20 mph on a Specialized Roubaix, how fast would I go on a good tri bike, all other things being equal? (no drafting)

On a 20.1 mile rolling loop I've done over the last 3 years - best time on :
2010 Cannondale Six ultegra c Hed3's 20.0 mph
2012 Felt B12 c Hed3's 21.7 mph

The road bike # was hit on 2 occasions on a good days with wind, traffic, legs coming together
The Tri bike is consistently in the low to mid 21's after a couple of weeks getting used to it.

So on a short ride for this rider with regular helmet the delta is ~1.7 mph..
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [xpda] [ In reply to ]
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The best thing I've ever read on this is the A2 wind tunnel white paper. They tested it on the track and wind tunnel and their answer was 2.5 mph. It's really interesting: http://specialized.com/...research%20FINAL.pdf

Edit: oops see someone beat me to it.
Last edited by: phil combs: Apr 11, 12 6:10
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [TriSRV] [ In reply to ]
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That is a huge gain.

220 watts to average over 40kmh! I really need to fine tune my fit/bike.
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [Frenchman] [ In reply to ]
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hey thanks for the nude photos in a thread about triathlon bikes, I'm glad I wasn't at work when they showed up on my screen
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [xpda] [ In reply to ]
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Great article in last month's LAVA on this (I believe it was by Rapp)......the issue w/ Heather Jackson on the cover.
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [2moremiles] [ In reply to ]
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2moremiles wrote:
So on a short ride for this rider with regular helmet the delta is ~1.7 mph..
That fits pretty well with the paper's 2.5 mph, since the difference in air drag between 21.7 mph and 24.9 mph (40 kph in the paper) is almost 25%.
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [FTDA] [ In reply to ]
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I hear ya.

"We don't inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." --Chief Seattle
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [TriSRV] [ In reply to ]
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how much is ...position, clothing and helmet worth vs just the bike?
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [Frenchman] [ In reply to ]
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I expect this is a favorite race for "1fastbeaver"...

John Snyder @URNotAsCoolAsMe
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [rhayden] [ In reply to ]
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [jackmott] [ In reply to ]
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jackmott wrote:
rhayden wrote:

how much is ...position, clothing and helmet worth vs just the bike?


depends

lol...there you go!
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [spadddd] [ In reply to ]
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Sorry spadddd didn't think of it. Edited post to protect others.
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [rhayden] [ In reply to ]
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rhayden wrote:



how much is ...position, clothing and helmet worth vs just the bike?

look here,,,, http://www.bikeradar.com/...-aero-is-aero-19273/
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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [xpda] [ In reply to ]
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The 1-2 mph faster is probably about right but you gotta be comfortable in the aero position and be able to hold it the entire time.

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Re: How much faster is a triathlon bike? [xpda] [ In reply to ]
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3 mph in my case and I'll give you my numbers from a couple of different situations.
This data taken yesterday using my field test methods: Regular road bike on the drops, standard box section rims + training tires and tubes (Crr=0.004), jersey and helmet: CdA = 0.38 and modeled speed for 220 watts at sea level = 20.8 mph
Data taken years ago Wynn custom steel Tri bike with radical low position, disk rear, aero front, good racing tires and tubes (estimated Crr=0.003), aero helmet. In this particular measure I had on a tight fitting thermal jacket plus I was probably 10lbs heavier back then: CdA = 0.26 and speed for 220 watts at sea level = 23.8 mph.
I am probably a best case scenario because something about my build makes me a brick on a road bike and I am willing (and able) to use very far forward and low positions on a TT bike. So I would agree with others saying 1-2 mph typical but 3 mph or more is possible.
I'll get numbers for my new Cervelo with a skin suit in the next few weeks and hopefully those will be even better.
Cheers,
Jim
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