To try to stop us (me) starting a new thread every time we find something related to bike tech or fit interesting to talk about. Thought I would start a general thread to try to consolidate thing.
Anyway, starting things off. Here is a very interesting video from Robert Wilkowiecki recent visit to a wind tunnel with the Aerow in prep for Kona.
What stood out to me was how varied the testing was. Seems they went through loads of stuff like:
Comparing frames: Cervelo P5 vs Ku Cycles.
Load of positions variation: high hands, superman.
Cockpit type: 2 formed extensions vs mono extension.
Helmets and Wheels.
Unfortunately they didn’t show any of the testing results but seeing what he uses on race day will give some idea.
It’s only the 2nd time (other was a Lidl Trek post) seeing someone use the Arm style brackets for testing lots of positions back to back without having to spend loads of time changing parts between test. It’s a very smart idea.
Do you think we see a single pro in the top 10 not running some form of bracket, extender or adapter to give longer reach than the standard frame cockpit would provide?
Based on the setup, I’d say “No.”
He is riding stretched, but does so by bolting the cups forward and then having his elbows quite forward on them…not by having an extender (which would be cleaner).
Interestingly, many pros were riding stretched in the early '90s; mostly due to the slack seat angles at the time. As they slid forward, they became less stretched and now the front ends are stretching back out.
It’s simple : as more people test, more people find what is fastest.
Fit doctrine of the past didn’t take this in consideration
But is it sustainable over long distance ? I think some are still experimenting. There is a breakpoint where it stops being faster and it’s suboptimal beyond that point.
I thought it was very interesting on triathletes magazines post about Sam Laidlow‘s bike that Sam himself called the front of his bike, a fairing (oops) he meant a sail. IM can we just move on from stupid rules you don’t enforce…
Well I have to say Lange’s setup is looking pretty standard in the reach department. It’s still a fancy Canyon mono fairing, but position not very extreme otherwise. Just needs to make the top 10 and I was wrong.
Bækkegård stack and reach extender is very funky. Looks metal 3d printed from the structure (or just CNC) but would have though solid would actaul be more aero with the sail effect.
Interesting triple rear bottle setup for Ditlev. Most others going for 2,3 BTA bottles but he is sticking with just the one.
But the Wilkowiecki one in the wind tunnel is adjustable but probably not safe to ride on the road. Will have a final component made match the best position.
Some really nice photo galleries here from Tririg:
What tech or equipment stood out to you on race day?
Sam and Magnus both using tape to make trip strips down the shin.
Not a new idea, with the Danish pursuit team doing it in the 4km TTT in the semi-final of the 2021 Olympics (and examples even before that). But still clever for a none wetsuit swim.
Though it does appear Magnus had one come loose. Imagine the penalty of it flapping in the wind outweighs any gain.
Still lots of variation of positions on show.
Giro Aerohead 2 still not making it into the triathlon world yet.
With its size and weight, will it ever?
KB wins the most Triathlete award on the bike from wearing his massive sports watch.
Yes, it was a pretty unique looking setup.
Shame his body didn’t let him show what it and him can do.
Apparently he has been getting heart arrhythmia issue.
