Entry Level Road Bikes – The Next Frontier
Posted July 21, 2009
If you’re looking for a general review about the best entry level road bikes for 2009 then look no further than over here. However, if you’re looking to have a go at Time Trialling then you either need to adapt your road bike or to get a Time Trial specific road bike. Hopefully this should help you make your mind up and act upon your decision.
To be honest, I’m amazed that Chris Boardman hasn’t released a Time Trial specific bike. Through Halfords he has given us some beautiful road bikes, including a fixed wheel bike. And since Chris Boardman was a master of the time Trial, I would have expected him to knock out a TT bike. UPDATE - Boardman does make a TT frame, check it out - http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_AiR_TT.html
Saying that, the 2009 Chris Boardman bikes having a very race oriented geometry so will probably fair quite well round a 10 mile TT. If you’re looking for a cheap way to get involved with Time Trialling then there is one major thing you need and that is…
Aero Bars
There are a vast array of aero handlebars to choose from. But if you are to be using your normal road bike (as many people do) then you want to get the clip-on variety. As the name suggests, these simply clip on to your existing handlebars. They normally can be put on or taken off in under 5 minutes so they really are a great option if you just want to dabble in this dark art. Obviously it’s not worth spending a fortune but try and get some that are adjustable such as these. These bars are ‘draft legal’. If you’re wondering if ‘draft legal’ means that you’re suddenly to draft other Time Triallists just because you’re using special bars then I’m afraid you’re wrong, being draft legal refers to Triathletes, who are only allowed certain types of aero bars for competing with. An example of non draft legal bars would be these ones which are also good value bars and would work well for you if you’re looking to have a go at Time Trialling.
Aero bars are a massive benefit to speed, they help you get flat and therefore massively reduce the drag of your body (the greatest friction force whilst cycling). There is also something about holding on to some aero bars that makes you ‘think’ fast and aero. You feel like a jet fighter rather than a sailing boat. First time I put aero bars on my bike I took off 32 seconds from my PB, I’d say it was 70% science and 30% psychological. Either way I was pleased.
I definitely recommend getting some aero bars, they are a great introduction to the sport.
Fast Forward Seat Post
There is another simple modification that you can make to your standard road bike to make it more mean on the Time Trial circuit. Check out this Fast Forward Seat Post made by Profile. Here is a micro description…
This carbon post can effectively turn your regular road bike into a time trailing or Triathlon machine.It positions the saddle further forward, in the same way as a steeper seat tube angle, making for a more powerful aerodynamic position
I have one of these and I have to say it rocks. It basically moves your body forward relative to the pedals which is more time trial specific. It is less comfortable – you wouldn’t want to ride like it all the time but it’s fine for race condition. I two saddles, one attached to my normal seat post and one attached to this so that I can quickly swap them over on race day, having a quick release seat post fastener also helps but is not essential. Well worth the money.
Aero Wheels
Here’s the thing, buying some awesome aero wheels will undoubtedly make a big difference, but they will also hit your wallet hard, at which point you may want to simply buy a TT specific bike. However you can upgrade your wheels with a viewpoint of doing the occasional Time Trial, get some decent Easton’s like the Easton EA90’s that I discuss on my post about wheel upgrades for entry level road bikes.
Time Trial Specific Road Bikes
If upgrading your standard bike is not enough for you then buying a Time Trial specific bike can have some real benefits. Firstly you’ll always have a dedicated race machine sitting impatiently in the corner of the shed ready to go at a moments notice. Secondly you’ll undoubtedly shave time of your personal best with the more aggressive set-up. But they aren’t cheap. Here are a selection of reasonably priced beasts.
The Focus Culebro Tria 2009:
The Felt S32 2009:
The Felt B16 2009:
and one for the ladies; the Quintana Roo Ladies Chicqilo 2009:
Conclusion
Whilst it is possible to spend an absolute fortune on Time Trialling, it’s also possible to make a few massive improvements to your existing bike with not too much money (relatively). The most important thing is to give it a go. The only requirement for taking part is having a bike. So what are you waiting for?
Have you perused our store lately?
