Member Question from Gregkl

I have a Specialized Tarmac that I plan on riding for IMWI in 2010.  I currently have a set of PD Jammers on.  Should I take this set-up and get re-fitted since I got my initial fit before I added the bars?  I have the bars on to give me another position while riding and my hands don't extend out any further than when I am on the hoods.

Answer: While it sounds like your existing setup is fine, if going faster during the bike leg is a priority I recommend getting refitted in a triathlon-specific position with the PD Jammer aerobars.

When you were fit without the aerobars, your fitter positioned you in a road position. A road position is geared around the best power, comfort, and handling possible for a traditional upright hands-on-hoods riding position. The clip-on aerobars give you a more aerodynamic position option on your road bike, which will allow you to ride faster. You can typically adjust aerobar extension length, elbow pad width, and extension angle in order to make the position as comfortable as possible given the constraints of the road bike.

If you get re-fitted, your bike fitter can place you in a more triathlon-specific position. Lowering your aerobars and moving the saddle forward via a forward seatpost will allow you to maintain the same comfort and power from the road setup while positioning your body in a more aerodynamic position.  A triathlon position also has the added benefit of reducing strain on your lower back and often resulting in a faster run pace off the bike.

Or should I remove the bars and ride it as is, set-up for riding in the drops and hoods?

Answer: While this is certainly a possibility, I recommend the triathlon specific position since it’s faster. In this day and age of bike time cutoffs at major IM races, it makes sense to opt for the faster triathlon position to reduce energy and time spent on the bike.

If my average speed is 18-19mph should I run my Easton Orion II wheels or my Hed Jet60 C2's for IMWI?

Answer: The Hed Jet 60 C2’s are a faster wheelset given the importance of aerodynamics in IM triathlon bike legs. Although the Easton Orion II wheels are a great wheelset and nearly a pound lighter than the Hed Jet 60 C2’s, aerodynamics trumps weight in this case and you can expect the Hed wheelset to get you to T2 about 5 minutes faster than the Easton wheels.