Endurance Innovation

38 - Go Faster on the Bike Pt 1

Episode Summary

Andrew and Michael kick off a new mini-series devoted to making you faster on the bike with an episode about the fastest wheels, frames, and helmets.

Episode Notes

• 7:30 wheels
  • Deeper is faster in conditions with side winds.
  • The stronger the side wind, the greater the effect
  • Rear disk wheels are an excellent choice! But they are not always allowed
  • Buy newer generation toroidal (rounded tip) wheels. Avoid ones that come to a sharp point.
  • Michael’s pick for triathlon: 60mm + disk, with a 60mm rear as backup
  • Andrew’s pick: 90mm + disk
  • There’s negligible aerodynamic performance difference between High end American / European brands and Chinese open mold
  • +1 for aluminum brake surface wheels for improved breaking performance
• 28:00 frames
  • Most modern triathlon frames offer very similar aerodynamic performance
  • Why you should be very skeptical of aerodynamic test data presented by manufacturers
  • Optimal fit is the primary factor in selecting the ‘right’ frame
  • Storage integration is becoming a design consideration and competitive advantage
• 40:00 nutrition and hydration storage on non-integrated bikes
  • Between the arms bottles are both aerodynamic and convenient
  • Behind the saddle bottle can also be quite aero, but are harder to access
  • Two versions of BTA setups and their pros and cons
  • Best storage options for nutrition
• 47:30 helmets
  • The optimal helmet choice is heavily influenced by the rider’s preferred head position
  • Helmet priorities: safety, comfort, aerodynamics, cooling
  • MIPS and similar novel safety features
  • Our struggle to pronounce Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
  • Helmet fit: front lip of the helmet should not be more than one finger width’s north of the eyebrows
  • Aero recommendation: if your head is clearly above the line of your back, and you can hold it there, then a long tailed helmet is a good bet. If you keep your head low, then a short tail or tail-less helmet is the more aerodynamic choice.
  • The strong case for aero road helmets: cooling and light weight

For a deeper dive into the aerodynamics of cycling, have a listen to episode 36, where we break it down.