Improving my speed...an unfortunate conclusion

[LocalLad]

Had my first cycling event yesterday - a sprint triathlon with an 18 mile ride.

Unfortunately, it went a bit wrong - much hillier than I'd expected or trained for. So, at lunchtime I decided to figure out how to improve for the next one.

Started thinking about gears...surely it's because I'm on a cyclocross rather than a road bike? Nope, a 50/34 front and 11/32 rear gives me a good range (29 to 122 inches).

It must, therefore, be the tyres...nope, whilst 30 wide, they're relatively slick.

Weight of the bike? Could save a bit...

Hmm, must be the weight and power of the engine....bugger, guess it's the hard route to improving then!

On a serious note, without spending a fortune, does anyone have any tips for upgrades that would provide a decent bang for my buck? I've currently got a stock specialized diverge sport (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/diverge-sport-2015-adventure-road-bike-ec070560). My thoughts were some new, lightweight wheels with narrow road tyres, or perhaps aerobars.

Seems to me changing wheels would be expensive, and not sure how much better aerobars would be...any thoughts?

 

[screenman]

Aero bars could buy you speed, training harder may get you faster still.

 

[uclown2002]

Before you start throwing money around, are you at your optimum weight and fitness?

 

[Drago]

Lose some weight. It's not as exciting as buying bling, but it's cheaper and usually brings vastly better performance gains.

 

[LocalLad]

I knew you would all say that

I've easily got another stone in me, and I need to get out pushing some hills...need to keep motivated over winter I guess.

Sounds as though any new toys would give marginal gains in performance

 

[Smokin Joe]

I knew you would all say that

I've easily got another stone in me, and I need to get out pushing some hills...need to keep motivated over winter I guess.

Sounds as though any new toys would give marginal gains in performance

A well set up bike would be faster, but only if you are fit enough to take advantage of it. Get yourself in shape first and then worry about the bike.

 

[Smurfy]

It must, therefore, be the tyres...nope, whilst 30 wide, they're relatively slick.

Make sure they are pumped up fairly hard, unless you are expecting some very rough road surfaces, and need extra cushion to reduce the fatigue from vibration.

 

[LocalLad]

I pumped them to the Max pressure on the side wall...about 90 iirc.

Decided to give the bike a rub over just now (still covered in sweat and pool water), and put the front wheel back on having taken it off to get it in the car. Playing around, I noticed the rear wheel seemed to slow down quite quickly without braking.....ah, turns out the rear disk brake was rubbing slightly. A quick Google, and fixed it by slackening the main bolts that holds the brake on, then retightening whilst holding the brake lever. Probably not catastrophic for my performance, but probably something to check every now and then...oops!

So we now have three clear winners...loose weight, get fitter, don't cycle whilst simultaneously braking. Sounds like a lot to do before splashing on aerobars, then wheels

 

[LocalLad]

Make sure they are pumped up fairly hard, unless you are expecting some very rough road surfaces, and need extra cushion to reduce the fatigue from vibration.

Oh, and forgot to say..the road surface was awful in places, and it felt like I was riding a hammer drill!

 

[Sharky]

What was your actual time for the cycling section? If you did 20mph or better, then you should be pleased with your first event. Going faster could take a few seasons of practice and training.


Cheers Keith

 

[Crandoggler]

Slow and steady mate. Have a good bash through winter and utilise the turbo to get some good sessions in and then come spring you'll be fresh as a daisy.

 

[LocalLad]

I definitely didn't beat 20mph!

For a first event, I'm over the moon. Finished slightly outside my target time, which was pretty good to say I used everything up on the bike, so the run was a write off.

This winter will be much more running, and more time in the saddle, along with some coached swimming sessions.

I only got in a pool for the first time as an adult about a year ago,and bought my first adult bike at Easter, so chuffed with my progress, but got quite a way to go

 

[LocalLad]

A turbo is something I've been pondering, but the fun of cycling for me is being in the open air, taking in the scenery. Might just try to plough through and use the gym if it gets icy

 

[Citius]

Oh, and forgot to say..the road surface was awful in places, and it felt like I was riding a hammer drill!

Not surprising if you are running 30c tyres at 90psi. Drop 20psi and you will probably roll better.

 

[LocalLad]

But would that come at a noticeable loss of performance?