Looking for speed

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m new to the sport and looking for speed. Will I gain more speed from a very aero frame with regular wheels or from a somewhat aero frame with very aero wheels (HED 3, etc)?
thanks

2

Actually it’s neither. A lot of people go out and buy all of the fancy toys before they’ve even completed their first season. Trainining will make you faster than any race wheel or frame combo that exists.

Aside from that, I’d say a somewhat aero frame + race wheels would be your better choice. Usually a disc in the back and a 3-spoke in the front is your best bet.

4

Hey Gary - welcome to the wonderful world of triathlon! Looks like you’re getting some good advice. I definitely concur with the others that the first thing you should do is to make sure tri is something you’re really into before you go throwing a bunch of money into gear. If it’s definitely for you, then the best thing you can do is train smart - you’ll more than likely make huge gains in speed as your fitness develops. That being said, if you’re serious about buying some ‘free speed’, you’re best off spending money on wheels.

5

Engine first.

Then…

If you are trying to be aero, make sure you are in an aero position - look for a frame with a low front end and install the aero bars appropriately. Flat back is the target here.

Aero frame? Does that even matter? Not for most of us… Aero wheels do make a difference, but not as much as an aero position.

6

Start with wheels. Whell Suggestion are:

American Classic 58 mm deep v

Zipp 404 Clinchers

HD3

Any full disc for the back wheel

All will add aero dynamic speed.

Build the engine for efficincy, get the technique down and it will make you faster. The wheels will help though.

7

If you find some, tell me where you got it. I need some too.

8

The engine is the most important thing but here’s a good article about bicycle aerodynamics to give you a bit of an idea about the different components

http://home.hia.no/~stephens/aero.htm
.

9

The absolute truth is engine first, but doesn’t everyone train a little more diligently when they get the toys.

10

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11

Is a disc and a three spoke the right combo for someone new to the sport? I’d be a little concerned about controllability vs. bike handling skills. Just a thought. I’d recommend a disc in the back and a Zipp 303 or a Reynolds Stratus in the front. A Zipp 404 might blow you around like a tri-spoke (not as bad but significant enough to get your attention). If you only race in lightwind conditions then go for the tri-spoke.

12

“Is a disc and a three spoke the right combo for someone new to the sport?”

Good point. Even I don’t like a deep dish or tri spoke in wind. I’d recommend Campy Shamal and disc(actually CH Aero covers).

13

“looking for speed”

If you said that on the street you would get arrested!

14

If you’re looking for speed and new to the sport, don’t forget to practice your transitions on and off whatever steed you purchase. Nothing will piss you off more than to look at the standings and realize you could have been 1 or 2 or more places higher with faster transitions.

15

Thanks to everyone for the advice. The aero cover seems like a good, cheap step for a beginner. Do you think it will fit my Ritchey wheels or what do you recommend to use to build a race only wheel?