capetomb wrote:
So at what point can one justify buying a cover and not look like a "fred?" Does one have to be a podium or near-podium finisher to avoid the hecklers? Or will it provide enough of a difference to help even those of us still climbing the ranks? (in anticipation of the typical questions, yes I have invested in my own training/strength first, invested in a bike (blue triad w/ AC420s) and have an aero helmet).
If it makes you feel any better, there were plenty of slowsters at my last race that had super uber pricey gear, and it made no difference to me or anyone else around. While I myself do think it's Fredly to be BOP and rocking the most expensive gear on the planet, in reality on race day and even in transition etc., I don't care at all - have never looked at anyone I passed or even blew by and thought 'what a poser.'
Anybody who knows enough about the sport to even worry about this stuff knows full well that it's all about the rider - the aero gear helps, but only a teensy amount.
I recall passing at least 4 guys and gals in my last race who had Zipp 1080 front/rear or Zipp 1080 front+Zipp disc, current-gen TT bike like a Shiv, aero helmet, and they were whomp whomping away quite happily - I'm not even that fast, but I passed them at literally twice the speed they were going, and this wasn't even a hill. I didn't think they were posers, and even now, don't think they were posers, even if I wouldn't do the same at their speed.
Just rock your stuff. The aero disccover is sufficiently inexpensive that nobody will think you're a poser just for rocking one. In fact, they'll think you're smart for maximizing bang for the buck. I'm dead honest when I say that I fear the younger men using disc-covers than the young men with all-out Zipp wheels, as the disc-cover guys are often just like me - we spent a good chunk of change on the sport, but we prioritize performance far more than bling/looks, and the aerojacket fits these criteria completely. Not saying Zipp users aren't training hard to maximize performance, but it's also highly unlikely that someone who's more into the gear than the performance will choose an aerojacket when they can purchase the slightly cooler looking and way cooler sounding full carbon disc wheel. I waged an epic bike battle of 56 miles against 2 guys with aerojackets in my very last race so it's imprinted on me well!