In deciding what the next piece of gear on the “to buy” list is, I’d like to consult the infinite knowledge of the ST forums. Here goes…
Which of the following three things will give me the most cost-effective benefit in my training and racing? How so?
Race/disc wheels
Power meter
Aero helmet
I’m an intermediate-level triathlete that doesn’t have $2,000 to spend on aesthetics, so I’d like to get as much as I can out of my major purchases. If you all have any other suggestions, I’d be glad to hear them!
There are lots of “bang for buck” lists around but some of my favorites:
tight race clothes
fast tires and latex tubes
aero helmet
A power meter is a tool; unlike a lot of purchases it won’t do anything for you necessarily. There is an investment in time and energy to learn how best to use it and analyze how your training is working for you. It’s effective but not for everyone.
No question, the most benefit per dollar, at least in the short term, will be the aero helmet. Over the long run, it may or may not be the power meter.
No question, the most benefit per dollar, at least in the short term, will be the aero helmet. Over the long run, it may or may not be the power meter.
Agree and I’m a huge PM fan.
Depending on the OP’s need, I’d put a fit session above aero helmet although it wasn’t one of the choices.
Aero Helmet (“free” speed, and helps as much as a disc, but for only $100-$150).
Powermeter: For “bang for the buck” get an older, wired powertap. Unsexy, but works.
Race wheels, Start with a $100 wheelcover for the PT wheel. Buy used stuff on eBay or ST classifieds whenever possible.
The aero helmet seems the best choice for now. I do like the training benefit of the powermeter. It’s similar to that of the heart rate monitor, IMO, in that the feedback teaches you more about yourself as an athlete and helps you train more intelligently. Thanks for the input!
If you ever get a chance, look at the times from races when Mark Allen raced and others in history. They had crappy bikes (by our standards) and still pulled off 8’s in IM events. Obviously there are benefits to the new technologies, but there is no substitute for training. How about a good coach?!
I agree with the aero helmet. Cheapest, quickest return on the dollars spent.
Race wheels fall behind the benefit of the aero helmet. The PM is fine IF you plan all your rides/training around the data from the PM. Takes almost as much time to download and analyse the data as it takes to do your ride : ) Just go ride! : )
Don’t take it the wrong way but to be honest I think questions like this matter at the top end but at normal lower levels they just keep companies making an awful lot of money.
The only options you give are the obvious visible ones.
Until you reach a fairly decent level most of this stuff pales into insignificance to what can be achieved by training, diet, strategy etc. When I was buying my last bike I bought carbon everything, my pedals were about £100 more because they were the Carbon Ti ones and so about 40g less than the non Carbon Ti ones I bought SRAM Red cause it was slightly lighter. Were they the best bang for buck in losing weight absolutely not, best bang for buck there would have been to quit the pies for a few days and actually save some cash in the process, that way I would have been paid to be lighter and faster!
It would be interesting to try spending that amount on getting my old bike set up perfectly and to get some coaching as was suggested and seeing what the results were.
I was just looking for suggestions, assuming that if I’m going to spend money on one of the three pieces of gear I originally posted. Obviously it doesn’t do any good if I’m not putting in the work or training properly but that’s why I got the important stuff out of the way first (tri bike/fit, coaching, trainer, etc.). It was more one of those “If I know I’m going to spend money on one of these things, which should be first?” kind of questions. Thanks again everyone!
Good question.
But wouldn’t the answer depend on your average speed and the profile of the bike leg?
A flat bike course with a strong cyclist would entail different “optimum” aero gear.
A hilly bike course with a weak cyclist would also involve different approaches.
Or do I have this all wrong?
I’ve read this more than a few times.
my question is then how fast does one need to be to wear an aero helmet?
This is ST, I could get in serious trouble if I show up on race day with a helmet I don’t ‘deserve’ to wear…
I am assuming wind tunnel testing would also prove more aero benefit above a certain speed? Below that, is it worth it?
