I have about 800 bucks I have been secretly siphoning from my bank account (hiding from my better half) to spend on my bike/triathlon gear, and would like some advice on where to spend it.
I have read that a aero helmet > carbon wheels, is this always true? Right now I have a 2013 giro atmos, and am wondering what I might be losing by using it vs a run of the mill aero helmet such as a bell javelin.
Flo Cycling has their next order going live in a few days, and I thought about a 60/Disc combo as right now I am without a set of aero wheels of my own (always rent some from my shop).
I also wouldn’t mind some better shoes as I am still using my first pair of cycling shoes (cheap shimano) but don’t know if there is much to be gained by upgrading them.
Right now I ride a 2013 QR Lucero lite that has been fitted with SRAM Red group (upgraded my group after my original bike was trashed and QR gave me a discount on the Lucero frameset). My cages have been moved to a rear x-lab wing set up since this pic was taken. I also learned that I was supposed to have my big chain ring engaged for glamour shots, so excuse this as well.
Why would you need flos when you have zipps already? I would get an aero helmet and spend the rest on a nice dinner with your other half since you hid the money from her!
Why would you need flos when you have zipps already? I would get an aero helmet and spend the rest on a nice dinner with your other half since you hid the money from her!
because those are rented from my shop for a race, its in the original post… i think.
ah my fault for not reading the whole thing. Wheels and helmet are the 2 i would focus on then and in that order. Saves you money renting wheels for every race.
Everything with my other half is on sale for $100. One time I got busted and I told her the shop made a mistake and typed an extra 0 in there
If you chose to not upgrade to FLO’s, then I think one of the best bangs for your buck is a disc cover. Then I’d buy an Aero Helmet. Look on the classifieds here. I found a mint Rudy Wingspan for $120 shipped. I forgot already if you had put it in your OP but a good fit would be also a great way to get you aero. Maybe upgrade your kit if it’s old and stretched out. Your shoes would be important to upgrade if they are uncomfortable because they are worn out causing foot pain. If you want to maximize your bike (beautiful BTW) get some Omega brakes, and a new aerobar with a nice air foil. A cheap upgrade you can do is tighten up the cables behind the stem with a zip tie so the cables aren’t flaring out on the sides of the bike, if they even do that. I did that with my P2 because they’d stick out a bit.
Aero Helmet, BTA bottle and ditch bottle on seat tube, latex tubes, good tires, Flow 60 for front, disc cover for rear.
You have Sram Red but don’t own a decent set of race wheels?
You might consider a different saddle that will allow you to rotate forward to get the front end lower. Getting low isn’t about bending or leaning forward more or being flexible… but to be comfortable, you usually need to sit off the front so you aren’t mashing squishy parts. If you can sit in a chair and lean forward maybe 10-15 degrees while keeping your back flat, now stick your arms straight out parallel to the floor, then bend your elbows 90 degrees. Then take that entire position and rotate it forward almost 90 degrees. The limitation may still be your neck at some point.
$250 - 1 night at hotel - Race entry fee
$400 - wine and dine her - Flo Disc Wheel
$100 - massage for her - 2 Gorilla cages
$50 - take her car and fill up the tank - bartape and cleats
After all of that, come clean, promise to never hide anything again and pray she doesn’t get too mad. Just my .02 cents
Aero Helmet, BTA bottle and ditch bottle on seat tube, latex tubes, good tires, Flow 60 for front, disc cover for rear.
You have Sram Red but don’t own a decent set of race wheels?
You might consider a different saddle that will allow you to rotate forward to get the front end lower. Getting low isn’t about bending or leaning forward more or being flexible… but to be comfortable, you usually need to sit off the front so you aren’t mashing squishy parts. If you can sit in a chair and lean forward maybe 10-15 degrees while keeping your back flat, now stick your arms straight out parallel to the floor, then bend your elbows 90 degrees. Then take that entire position and rotate it forward almost 90 degrees. The limitation may still be your neck at some point.
I can’t tell for sure, but isn’t that an adamo saddle?
Aero Helmet, BTA bottle and ditch bottle on seat tube, latex tubes, good tires, Flow 60 for front, disc cover for rear.
You have Sram Red but don’t own a decent set of race wheels?
You might consider a different saddle that will allow you to rotate forward to get the front end lower. Getting low isn’t about bending or leaning forward more or being flexible… but to be comfortable, you usually need to sit off the front so you aren’t mashing squishy parts. If you can sit in a chair and lean forward maybe 10-15 degrees while keeping your back flat, now stick your arms straight out parallel to the floor, then bend your elbows 90 degrees. Then take that entire position and rotate it forward almost 90 degrees. The limitation may still be your neck at some point.
I have red because my last bike was demolished in a bike accident last year, SRAM discounted my group as a replacement deal so I upgraded. I had a set of planet-x 50’s and they were trashed too, so i DID have some race wheels… cheaper ones, but race wheels no less.
I have been thinking about dropping my bars lower as I do feel too upright when I am in aero, I am not uncomfortable and would give up some comfort for a more aero position. Why do I need to replace my ISM saddle to do drop down? I can tilt my seat forward rather easily and my rails have room to move forward as well. I’d actually love to get fitted to a more aero position, but the retul cost 200, I just cant justify that when I can buy an aero helmet for the same cost.
I don’t mind posting pics of me on the trainer if you want to check out my fit right now… would be taking this thread ina diff direction but, meh.
Also, I am not replacing my base bar/aero bars(earlier reply). Thats a Profile design T3 Carbon set of aero bars, I know they aren’t flat or integrated but I paid too much to ditch them.
Aero Helmet, BTA bottle and ditch bottle on seat tube, latex tubes, good tires, Flow 60 for front, disc cover for rear.
You have Sram Red but don’t own a decent set of race wheels?
You might consider a different saddle that will allow you to rotate forward to get the front end lower. Getting low isn’t about bending or leaning forward more or being flexible… but to be comfortable, you usually need to sit off the front so you aren’t mashing squishy parts. If you can sit in a chair and lean forward maybe 10-15 degrees while keeping your back flat, now stick your arms straight out parallel to the floor, then bend your elbows 90 degrees. Then take that entire position and rotate it forward almost 90 degrees. The limitation may still be your neck at some point.
I can’t tell for sure, but isn’t that an adamo saddle?
oops. Didn’t double check that. Just noticed the bar position.
Aero Helmet, BTA bottle and ditch bottle on seat tube, latex tubes, good tires, Flow 60 for front, disc cover for rear.
You have Sram Red but don’t own a decent set of race wheels?
You might consider a different saddle that will allow you to rotate forward to get the front end lower. Getting low isn’t about bending or leaning forward more or being flexible… but to be comfortable, you usually need to sit off the front so you aren’t mashing squishy parts. If you can sit in a chair and lean forward maybe 10-15 degrees while keeping your back flat, now stick your arms straight out parallel to the floor, then bend your elbows 90 degrees. Then take that entire position and rotate it forward almost 90 degrees. The limitation may still be your neck at some point.
I can’t tell for sure, but isn’t that an adamo saddle?
