There was an intersting artcle on Top Uk TT Michael Hutchinson (clocked a 47-15 at this years champs) - http://www.omegacycleworks.co.uk/michaelreview.pdf. His Omega titanium TT machine uses DA 9 spd (with SRM cranset with a DA 7700 non drive side arm) probably so he can use cheap sram PC59 chains that he chains every race as a dirty chain can cost upto a 10% loss of power “I would rather buy 5 £5 chains than one expensive DuraAce chain”. Last year he road Oval bars this year Heds with s-bends and MDT carbon rests. His bike is custom made as he rides a slack 74 rather than the stock 78.
It seem he goes against the steep angle triathlon type setup stating the Chris Boardman moved his position further back the more riding he did as you tend to relie on your legs rather than yourback for power - though he says for someone spending 3 - 4hours a week on a bike a steep position may be better. He also thinks a lot of the positions riders use are to low to generate good power.
This was an interesting article. Mike’s a great rider but you have to remember there is a difference between triathletes and pure TT’ers. Besides one size does not fit all… My point ? Take a look at his common front wheel choice - a very light, low spoke count, but shallower rim Rolf Vector Pro… Not the aero ideal but one he has stuck with through all of his modern sponsorship deals.
Take a look at his common front wheel choice - a very light, low spoke count, but shallower rim Rolf Vector Pro… Not the aero ideal
His testing shows it is
He said in the article he never formally tested wheel combo’s. He does own a 4 spoke which he uses occasionally though.
Actually in the article he says that he hasn’t tested discs versus other wheels. He has tested front wheels and from that testing his Rolf is his preferred weapon for important races.
Apart from his actual racing which obviously produces high levels of results do you feel that this is the most aero he could use ? It’s light though…
The potential flaw in his testing is that it was done on the track, where there are no crosswinds. Maybe there are marginally faster wheels but this year his winning margins have been such that it wouldn’t affect the results anyway. In championships such small differences between wheels would actually have more effect on the placings of someone like me, which raises the ironical situation that the fastest rider has less need of the most optimal equipment.
I guess not many multisport athletes are going to be doing over 20 hours a week on the bike. Interesting though as a recient thread suggest the CSC’s and Disco’s TT’ing ability was partly due to there adaptation of TT’ing in the triathlon type position. I guess it is finding something that works for you.