I’m doing this little duathlon for the 5th time this weekend, its a 2 mile run, 14 mile bike and then the same 2 mile run. This is the bike course in question. I used my road bike for the first 2 years (splits 48:16, 48:18). Then my P2 for the last 2 years (45:01, 41:54). I’m a wuss and can’t go completely aero on the P2 down route 28 but I feel comfortable getting way down in the drops on my road bike. Both bikes will be equip’ed with race wheels and I’ll be wearing an Air Attack helmet.
I predict I can go just as fast down the 5 mile descent and faster up the 1 mile hill on the road bike. If my fitness level between this year and last year is pretty much the same which bike should I choose? Thanks.
Tri bike.
always and forever.
I think you should use the tri bike. This is how I see it. At 20 mph with .32 Kg/m drag typical road bike setup vs. .24 Kg/m drag TT bike is the difference of 28 Watts. The typical swag that I have seen with power differences in Road vs TT bike positions is in the 5 to 10 W range. So at least a 10 W savings on the TT bike. (20mph average speed the last race that you posted)
Judging by the course profile, I say TT bike. Ignoring the course profile … I still say TT bike.
Tri bike.
always and forever.
Thread over.
Mark
I’m doing this little duathlon for the 5th time this weekend, its a 2 mile run, 14 mile bike and then the same 2 mile run. This is the bike course in question. I used my road bike for the first 2 years (splits 48:16, 48:18). Then my P2 for the last 2 years (45:01, 41:54). I’m a wuss and can’t go completely aero on the P2 down route 28 but I feel comfortable getting way down in the drops on my road bike. Both bikes will be equip’ed with race wheels and I’ll be wearing an Air Attack helmet.
I predict I can go just as fast down the 5 mile descent and faster up the 1 mile hill on the road bike. If my fitness level between this year and last year is pretty much the same which bike should I choose? Thanks.
If I’m in the race - please use the road bike.
Thanks for the feedback everyone, P2 it is.
Why can’t you descend on your tri bike with your arms on your bullhorns but in a more-tucked position? Your body is not locked into a set position. The drops on your road bike lower your body position more so than your arm position. You can mimic the same position on a tri bike by holding on to your bull horns and just leaning forward etc.
I did my usual left arm out, right arm on the bullhorn and it went well. Someday I’ll find my nuts and go full aero with deep wheels on steep downhills. Luckily a massive headwind on the back half of the course killed everyone’s time. Thank gravy I didn’t do the road bike. Thanks for the advice.
Tri bike.
always and forever.
Thread over.
Mark