New bike questions

Paul Takac

Hi team,

Posed question to RnP as well but wanted to get additional feedback and ideas from the team. I just bought my first tri bike (a new 2009 Felt B16 at a screamin' deal). I switched out the PowerTap rear rim and added a 52/36 crank as well. Right now, I'm 10 weeks out from the Longhorn 70.3 in October.

I know that it will take some time to get used to the handling and new geometry but have some questions about the transition, FTP and training, etc. Have others who've made the switch from a road bike to a tri bike noticed a difference in watts? If so, have you retested FTP for each bike or should I just try to hold my current watts and see how it goes? Any other suggestions for making the switch easier? I'm hoping to avoid any overuse injuries or strains, particularly with brick runs, etc. I assume that 10 weeks out from race day is enough time to safely switch bikes. Thoughts on that?

Thanks for any and all suggestions! Pics soon.

Paul

Beth_S

Yes! Tri bikes and road bikes are very different machines. I've started to think of my road bike as the workhorse truck and the tri bike as the powerful, yet prissy sports car. You have had a good bike fit, yes?

Check out this thread, where WSMs answered my questions about road bikes and tri bikes behaving differently.

I wouldn't worry too much about overuse injuries. But I will tell you different hip muscles were sore and I spent a lot of time with Leigh's brilliant stretching/foam rolling tutorials on Athletes Treating Athletes. I actually like running off the bike more now.

David Flint

Hi Paul - good spot on preventing injuries - when I switched over it seemed to coincide with straining my left hamstring - I noticed on my very first aero-ride that I was recruiting more glute than before (good thing for me!).
My injury could have been completed unrelated but perhaps not............

Mebbe graduallyl intro the new bike & position into training - even a few 2 bike sessions perhaps? Have you have it professionally fitted?

Paul Takac

@Beth: thanks for the reminder on the Skills thread... I followed that too and listened to the podcasts. Wish the video and/or pics were available. THat said, I'll definitely review again. I have had IT issues in the past so I'll be sure to check out Leigh's advice as well.

@David: that's exactly the kind of thing I want to avoid so I'll definitely take it carefully.

And yes, I did have an experienced guy at my LBS do the fit. We spent about 2 hours and set everything up pretty well (we think) but I'm scheduled to go back for last minute adjustments and switch out a shorter stem tube we have on order. Right now, I'm set up with a pretty conservative 8 cm drop but may get that more aggressive if all goes well.

Thanks for the responses!

tuckerm

Paul, I would think that you should try to hold your FTP watts in some intervals and see how it goes but realize going into it that you may not be able to do it. I spent all winter sitting up on the trainer and when I finally got outside and into aero I wasn't able to hold those watts. It took some time before I was able to do so. You should still be going faster due to better positioning though. The main thing for you will be just riding in the aero position to get your body used to it. 10 weeks should be more than enough time. Sit up when you need to sit up to give your body a rest.

Cary Blanco

Congrats on your new bike. Once you get your bike fit happening I'd try to do your intervals at the road bike values and see how it goes, definitely do your next test on the tri bike with your arms in the aerobars.

10 weeks should be fine for getting used to the bike. I'd practice riding in a variety of situations to get used to it. Keep away from riding with other riders for two weeks, to get your feel, and even afterwards, keep some distance from other riders, tri bike are not about control - fast and foreword is their modus operandi.

Also listen to Rich's podcast from the IMWI camp about bike handling.

Paul Takac

@Tucker, Cary, all:
Thanks for all of your advice. 1 week so far and as expected I'm finding holding the watts to be a bit of a challenge. <15-20 watts seems to be about right but I have an FTP test scheduled tomorrow (Week 4 of the 12 week HIM plan) so I'll have accurate numbers then. In the meantime, I've been taking it (kinda) slow in order to not overstress new muscles while adjusting an getting fitted, etc. [FWIW, spent about 2 more hours swapping out stem and readjusting after a good hard ride... overall the fit seems pretty good although I may eventually confirm that with the TTBikeFit folks.] I'm also spending a lot of time in a big empty parking lot practicing handling, turns, etc. So far so good but I'm sure it will get better with time. Again.. thanks to everyone for your help and advice! <br /> Paul
PS: Cary.. loved the IMUSA podcast! Congratulations!!

Paul Takac

Hi all,

Really happy today after my FTP test! I was able to test 100% in the aerobars and still hit my previous NP of 252 (first 20' was 250 avg and second 20' was 259; both with VI of 1.0). Was totally gassed at the end but you're supposed to be, no? Guess that good fit really worked! Now I just need to keep hitting my intervals and continuing practicing handling. Thanks again all for your help and advice!

 

Thanks again,

Paul

 

tuckerm

Congrats Paul!

Coach Patrick

Paul that's great news...only now you have no excuses!!!

Cary Blanco

GLad you're enjoying and able to do hard work on your new machine!!

Paul Takac

 Thanks all!

 

Coach P: yeah, that thought crossed my mind in the last 5-10 minutes.. .what am I doing?! 

 

BTW... here are some pics (finally)... hope it works