Aero Jacket install for race rehearsal or just race day?

Josh Church

I finally ordered an aero jacket and my question is, when do you normally install it? I was thinking for my race rehearsal #2 and then race day. Or should I put it on and do one of my shorter rides with it during race week?

And if anyone has any other tips related to the aero jacket please feel free to share.

Thanks ahead of time

John Withrow

If it's your first time ever using the aero jacket, I'd put it on for your last race rehearsal and just leave it on through the race.   In future races though, once you know what it feels/sounds like to ride with it on, you can just put it on a few days before the race and do a quick 15-20 min ride with it to make sure it doesn't rub or anything and you'll be all good.

Josh Church

@John Withrow thanks John 

Brian Terwilliger

See you in Raleigh and Choo Josh!

Josh Church

@brian Can't wait, lets crush this season 

Al Truscott

Psychologically, it's nice to leave a few unused aero ticks for race day, like wheels, kit, hydration systems, etc. that, along with not having to slow for intersections, getting legal IM draft, being tapered etc all, usually mean a 10-15 minute bonus on IM race day.

Josh Church

@Al Truscott thanks for the reminder. I hope it's more on the 15 min side, lol, I have never used a full disc before so I'm counting on a difference. 

Derrek Sanks

@Josh Church, I agree with John W.  I wore mine for the first time last year at the Choo Camp and kept it on through race day.  Best of luck at Raleigh! 

Josh Church

@Derrek Sanks thanks, good luck the following week with Eagleman. Your strava is looking strong.