I’m going to be making my first attempt at Ironman @ Lake Placid next year, and am wondering about any upgrades I might consider for my bike (yes, yes, I’m doing all the training, with a coach ). I have a stock 07 Cervelo Dual, Dura-Ace gruppo, with an XLAB flatwing back.
Wheels are Easton Vistas (stock), am wondering if there is any benefit for upgrade to a more aero set. Considering the Flashpoint FP60s. Also considering a compact crank, but I climb pretty strongly, and don’t often have to hit the granny gear (through the hills of Ontario, which I’m told are pretty good training ground for LP).
So in mind of this, wondering if there’s anything I should consider adding to my bike. Also, how about those aerodrink things for the front of my bike?
Ummmm… it’s about 360 days to the race, yeah aerodrinks are good, just don’t forget to fill it up tonight! You might forget it
As for the race wheels… I wouldn’t make an investment only for one race. just look at the courses you are racing in general and make your purchase according to that.
It depends on where you stand on the race. If you’re going to race it, yes. Survive it - no.
Keep in mind you’ll put the least miles on one of the most expensive parts. Most people have race wheels for 5 years and barely put 1000 miles on them. Take a good look at used wheels through the classifieds or craigslist. You have plenty of time to find a good pair around $600.
IMLP 2007 was my first IM, so take my advice with that in mind.
I bought a set of HED Jet 60s and loved racing on them this season. Do they make me $1,300+ faster? Who knows.
As for aerodrink (ST loves debating this one - mainly about which system is the best), I find that I drink more if I have a source of fluid right in my face, and that was pretty huge during the IM. I had so many other things on my mind that it was nice to have that straw in my face reminding me to drink. I didn’t want to be in the position where I “forgot” to drink for even a relatively short amount of time. I use my aerodrink for water only and use my Hydrotail for InfiniT. The aerodrink investment is low, so I’d get one and see what you think. If you don’t like it, you’ve only wasted $20-something.
You might want to consider renting wheels from raceday.com to see if you like them or want to buy them.
Convenient, affordable, try different kinds, etc
My .02
A powermeter will help you if you are looking to either race it, or survive it. Come race time you can always rent wheels like i did this year. $ 160 for rental 808s and a powermete is better than investing 2k in wheels.
I’d rent them. A set of racewheels is going to save you ~4-8minutes IMO. Cool factor - yes. Needed - no (unless you are going for a Kona slot…) Aerodrink will help you stay hydrated which is always a good idea.
FWIW - I race with a Dual and Circuits for 99% of my races.
). I have a stock 07 Cervelo Dual, Dura-Ace gruppo, with an XLAB flatwing back.