Beginner Triathlete - Bike Tech articles

I bought a new road bike in April and want to know how to properly maintain it during the season when I'm riding often and during the off season.

I own both a road bike and a tri bike. I am wondering which bike I should be riding during off season training, or does it matter?

My back wheel needs to be trued up. It has a slight side-to-side wobble, and I feel at times like I'm going to lose control when I ride. Is this something that I should only trust to my LBS to do?

Is gear overlap from the big to small ring a consideration? Will the ratio increment of the compact setup be very beneficial to my riding?

What are the essential mechanical/maintenance skills that I as someone who rides a bike should learn how to do myself?

How often should you have a bike tune up and what should be included? Is it unreasonable to expect a refitting as part of the tune up?

What kind of time difference would one expect in changing from a road bike with aerobars to a tri bike with aerobars over a HIM distance if using the same wheelset?

Is it more important to be as steep as you can go and uncomfortable, or be in a more comfortable position and sacrifice some aerodynamics?

How do you determine VO2 max for cycling? I have my HR zones from a time trial, but don't know how to get VO2 max out of that.

What is your opinion on cleat position? Is there a general rule that you follow when you first fit an athlete?

Many things will influence your triathlon bike position, but if you are forced to set your position up on your own, there are several overall guidelines that should help.

I have a Specialized Allez Elite road bike with aero bars. It has the stock seatpost. I am interested in changing the seat post to one that is more forward. What would I look for?

The wheels are my first area of concern and I have started to shop around. I find it nauseating to think of spending the same amount for wheels as my bike. Any help?