This has probably been discussed here before, but allow me to ask again:
I was wondering if there are two kinds of triathlon/TT bike fits: #1 is TT specific: for hammering a TT and not much else. #2 is perhaps less aggresive and allows for the athlete to run better off of the bike…while maintaining best possible aerodynamics.
Would a reasonably proficient bike fitter know the difference, or is the ‘Fast TT’ fit the only choice?
Look at the main page where Julie Dibens and Joe Gambles got their ‘final fits’ at Retul in Boulder (presumably this past week)
Both of these people were right at the front rolling into T-2 in Quassy (which speaks well for the Speed Concept) but neither of them had a ‘good’ run. Gambles rolled his ankle at Wildflower I think and maybe it was a lingering injury issue. Perhaps Julie just had an ‘off’ day. However, maybe their Retul fit was the #1 kind of fit = Fast TT. And, because these fits were presumably done the same week as the race, perhaps neither athlete had enough time to get in the groove and work out the kinks with their ‘final fit.’
I’m sure the folks at Retul do good work and like any good bike fitter would allow you to go back for some fine tuning…for free…if you sense something is amiss. Maybe this is what Joe and Julie will do.
I think a bike fit that allows one to hammer a 40K TT is probably a different thing than a fit that allows one to run well after 56 or 112 miles.
I’m obviously no expert on this subject…but my gut feel is that they’re going to be pretty much the same, with your #2 scenario possibly slightly higher in front, mostly to help in fueling/digestion
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I have two bikes with different set ups. My Planet X Stealth is my short course “go fast” bike. I can hold the position for about a HIM and still run. I have done training rides in the 80 - 100 mile range on the PX and it was a bit uncomfortable.
My Litespeed Saber is my long course bike. The drop is not quite a steep. The seat tube angle is 78 deg (as opposed to 76 deg on the PX). My seat position is farther forward on the Saber. I can sit comfortably for 120+ miles.
The kicker is, I have been training a lot on the PX. As a result, I was actually able to drop 2 spacers on my Saber.
One more thing, I ride far on the nose on my PX, but, sit more on my sit bones on the Saber.
I was fit on both bikes with my specific courses in mind.
Going from 2.4 miles of being horizontal to 112 miles in the aero-position might mess with a persons digeston, especially considering all the fuel you need to take in.
Good point.
I think there is something else though, having to do with the lower back and hips that would be part of the long course tri bike fit.
Were you fit on both bikes by the same person, or did you fit yourself: making adjustments based on how you felt while riding?
Same person fit me on both bikes. I made minor adjustments on both bikes, primarily with the saddle for/aft position. However, as I mentioned above, after spending quite a bit of time on the PX, I have now taken two small spacers of of my Saber.
