Endurance Innovation

42 - Go Faster on the Bike Pt 2

Episode Summary

The second episode in our series on getting you a faster bike split covers clothing, shoes, bike fit, and saddles.

Episode Notes

2:00 race suit (kit)
3:00 what makes a race kit NOT aerodynamic: wrinkles or flapping fabric. Fit is everything.
4:45 be careful with buying kits online without trying it on first
6:00 sleeved vs sleeveless suits / jerseys. Sleeves good for sun protection and aerodynamics when fitted and worn properly
8:00 write / tattoo race numbers on your forearm(s) if you’re wearing a sleeved suit!
9:30 kit comfort
12:30 all about the pockets
14:30 side short pockets are the enemy of aerodynamics on the bike
16:00 if using pockets, look for ones with sufficient volume and with side-entry or flaps to cover the tops
18:00 don’t let the pursuit of marginal aero gains compromise the key requirements of racing like having sufficient nutrition or carrying necessary tools
18:30 sun protection
21:00 the role of fabric texture: designing trigger points for turbulent flow
23:30 cooling
24:30 a tight fit is key for optimal evaporative heat transfer
27:00 shoes
28:00 drainage holes keep feet dry-ish
28:30 road cycling shoes vs triathlon-specific shoes
30:00 pros and cons of flying mounts / dismounts
33:30 to stiff or not to stiff
38:45 bike fit
39:30 comfort (in the aero position) equals speed
41:30 lower (front end) /= faster
42:30 assessing stability on the bike
45:15 consider starting your early season riding in a more relaxed / higher / more slack position than your race position from last year
48:00 saddles
50:00 saddle preferences change over time and with position changes
50:30 saddles also wear out and should be periodically replaced
53:30 listener question on wheel depth

Listen to our first installment on how to get fast in Episode 38. Also worth checking out is our chat with Daniel Schade of Gebiomized in Episode 40.

To get your hands on the now-in-stock 4iiii Fliiiight trainer, visit their sales page.