I am a poor grad student who has recently developed a love for tri’s. I have a schwinn prologue bike which is probably one of the lowest end tri bikes. Because of the low budget, improvements have to be made slowly. My questions deal with aero equipment.
- Is it better to have an aero helmet or disk whells.
- Does it make sense to put disk wheels on my current bike being it is a little on the heavy end?
- Is there any difference between the never-reach hydrating systems and the behind-the-seat bracket? Any preferences?
I appologise for the lack of intelligence behind these questions. I am new to the sport and have limited knowledge in the area. Any information or opinions you can give me would be great.
Well, I would start with the aero helmet over a disc wheel for money reasons. You could however, have the best of both worlds by getting a disc cover from Rich at wheelbuilder.com and the helmet too. It depends on the course you’re on for the “weight vs. aero” debate. Since the wheel covers aren’t expensive, or heavy, I’d go with it and save for an aero front wheel. As for the hydration issue, I’ve never used the never reach system. I have used the PD Aqua Rack for years. I use sideline bottles from Gatorade, they are a bit bigger around, hold more liquid, and don’t eject out if I run over an earthworm. Welcome aboard to the site!
Thanks for the info (and the welcome). I have been looking into wheelbuilder a lot lately. You think it is a good option?
Also…I have been experiencing a lot of…numbness…at the end of longer rides and am considering switching saddles. Do you know anything about the Blackwell Adamo?
Welcome to the sport!!
To answer your questions -
- The aero helmet, because it is 10x cheaper and gives as much aero benefit as a good set of aero wheels. I know this is hard to believe, but it’s true. Make sure you get a good one.
- Sure, plus you can always transfer the wheels to your new bike, when you get one.
- Please do not get a neverreach, the dork factor is excessive and they are not nearly as aero as they look like they ought to be. Behind the seat bottles, as close to your body as possible, and secure them with a rubber band or something so that Fleck does not become apoplectic
Yeah I really like working with Rich at wheelbuilder. When I got my cover, he e-mailed at least a few times to work with me on the custom cut option for my Rolf wheel. The cover is great and the price is a lot less than, like a Zipp or something. I mean, yeah I’d love to be sponsored by Zipp, but I aint! So the cover was a great option.
Here is the basic order you should buy stuff
tight fitting clothing
helmet
front wheel
rear wheel (yes last!)
Saddles are very personal - any place that allows returns is great- I am a huge fizik fan!
I am a poor grad student who has recently developed a love for tri’s. I have a schwinn prologue bike which is probably one of the lowest end tri bikes. Because of the low budget, improvements have to be made slowly. My questions deal with aero equipment.
- Is it better to have an aero helmet or disk whells.
- Does it make sense to put disk wheels on my current bike being it is a little on the heavy end?
- Is there any difference between the never-reach hydrating systems and the behind-the-seat bracket? Any preferences?
I appologise for the lack of intelligence behind these questions. I am new to the sport and have limited knowledge in the area. Any information or opinions you can give me would be great.
- a disc wheel is always the fastest way to go. Bang for the buck is an aero helmet, which is almost as fast as an aero wheel at most yaw.
- If you can average about 20mph (or more) or think you will be able to grow into the disc wheel it makes sense to get one.
- I keep the bottle on the frame and /or get a profile style mount for your handle bars.
The blackwell adamo is an amazing saddle! Give yourself a week to get used to it, and the boys will thank you.