Curious on how much a Rudy Wing will gain me on a flat IM (Cali) vs an older Air Attack w/o the shield. I’m a back of the pack racer and expect average speed to be 19.5 mph on the bike (assuming no wind, basically < 150 watts on the bike course).
It’s potentially going to be warm (it’s < 2 weeks out and low 90’s today) The course is mostly in the sun except for about 3 miles where it’s going to be bumpy but shady. My air attack seems to be cooler when riding compared to the wing and I don’t feel a speed difference on simple tests.
If you haven’t noticed a speed difference on your tests, than it would be what I would recommend for you. However, have you gone on long rides with both? I am guessing the 112 miles could be a bigger factor than 50 mile ride…obviously not knowing how many tests you’ve done and at what distances and at what temps.
Couldn’t you also do the wing without the shield and use glasses…would that be better?
Thx, I used the air attack in my last (only) IM, I got the wing for last years cancelled race and have used it exclusively when on the tri-bike. I went back to the air attack today for a short ride and it seems fine.
I guess I do more testing since I have a week till the real thing. yes I’m aware that I shouldn’t change stuff up so close to the race but I was expecting a much colder October and it’s been warmer than usual.
I’m about the same speed as you. I’m guessing you are about a 6 hour IM bike ride based on the speed you posted (which, BTW, would be more MOP, not BOP). For these long races in the heat, I decided to go with the cooler option of the aero road helmet like the attack - I’m using the Giro Vanquish. For me, I feel the time gained by staying cooler, is a lot better than the potential aero savings of a full aero helmet but over-heating in it.