Quantcast

maxed out bike

sflynn's picture
Posts
45
Member
969 days
started by sflynn on September 16, 2008

I'm just curious to know how some of you feel about maxing out a bike. Let me briefly explain. I have been racing for 3 seasons now and I keep a maticulous log of my training and races. In the first two seasons, I saw a similar trend in results with the second season being better than the first. In the third season, I saw a similar trend as the others up until about 3/4 of the way through the season where I seemed to plateau in terms of speed. So, I'm now trying to pinpoint why this has happened because its been pretty frustrating.
The bike, so far, is the only thing I can come up with. I've had the bike I own for 2 seasons and I've hit a speed that I just can't seem to get past. It is an entry level tri bike with all of it's original parts. It's been a great bike, but before I begin to upgrade parts, etc. I'm just curious, is it possible to outgrow/max out a bike?

jhudalla's picture
Posts
544
Member
304 days
jhudalla posted 9 weeks ago.

Watch this series of videos-> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvOIR5LWzxk

You should definitely buy a new bike if:
a) You are currently out performing these guys
b) Your bikes born on date is prior to 1989
or c) you have the money and would rather buy a bike than have your bank crumble and leave you with nothing.

Think about it.

Weary is the path that does not challenge.

tri-ac's picture
Posts
1821
Member
1080 days
tri-ac posted 9 weeks ago.

training plan adjustment are required most likely
but get yourself a new bike anyways!

Adam
Tri-ac

CadenceGuy's picture
Posts
291
Member
304 days
CadenceGuy posted 9 weeks ago.

Not to lie, I didnt even read the whole thing, or check out the link but saw someone say buy a new bike, sooooo just go buy a new bike, your significant other will understand, no worries.

Toothless's picture
Posts
112
Member
438 days
Toothless posted 9 weeks ago.

If your equipment is holding you back then I would upgrade. In my case, I can never blame equipment. I can always train smarter/eat better/sleep more - the things that I know will make me faster. However, last year I picked up a Scott Plasma and it sure is fun to ride!

fastdog5's picture
Posts
275
Member
799 days
fastdog5 posted 9 weeks ago.

What you need is an aero helmet. Just do it. You know you want one.

Triguy98's picture
Posts
2437
Member
1321 days
Triguy98 posted 9 weeks ago.

You dont NEED a new bike. I guarantee you bike is faster than you. But you "need" a new bike. That's understandable.

I have a Trek Equinox 7. Almost as entry level as a tri bike gets. I know the bike is faster than me, and thats at 24 mph or more for races and intervals. Sounds like you need more sweat work on the bike. Maybe some lifting in the upcoming off season, too. But your hard bike workouts should be so hard you have a difficult time dismounting. Thats how you know you are putting in the work. Dont know what I am talking about? Better find out before putting more money into something that wont help you.

Only exception? Your current bike doesnt fit right. Get a FIST fitting done and see if that the case. If it is, you'll know what to look for in a new bike.

Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.

jnrice's picture
Posts
221
Member
77 days
jnrice posted 9 weeks ago.

CadenceGuy wrote:
Not to lie, I didnt even read the whole thing, or check out the link but saw someone say buy a new bike, sooooo just go buy a new bike, your significant other will understand, no worries.

... and if they don't then you'll have more time to train and get even faster! There are two great points that are being hit here: 1) look carefully at how your training and what it takes to train better. 2) buy a bike that is comparable to your race ability. If people are asking for your autograph after races you should be on nothing but carbon and campi record. :) The rest of us will be on something that is a little less beautiful but equally fun.

sflynn's picture
Posts
45
Member
969 days
sflynn posted 9 weeks ago.

Thanks for the suggestions. Points all well taken.
Just to summarize:
a. train harder
b. train differently, and
c. give in to all common sense and practicallity and go splurge on a brand new top of the line bike with an aero helmet potentially wrecking my marriage but vastly improving my race times. hmm......
I better stick with a and b... at least for a little while.
thanks again.

fastdog5's picture
Posts
275
Member
799 days
fastdog5 posted 9 weeks ago.

sflynn wrote:
c. give in to all common sense and practicallity and go splurge on a brand new top of the line bike with an aero helmet potentially wrecking my marriage...

No, no, no. An aero helmet will have the opposite effect. Chicks dig the aero helmet. Your wife will love it!

mdd's picture
Posts
367
Member
825 days
mdd posted 9 weeks ago.

Triguy98 wrote:
You dont NEED a new bike. I guarantee you bike is faster than you. But you "need" a new bike. That's understandable.

I have a Trek Equinox 7. Almost as entry level as a tri bike gets. I know the bike is faster than me, and thats at 24 mph or more for races and intervals. Sounds like you need more sweat work on the bike. Maybe some lifting in the upcoming off season, too. But your hard bike workouts should be so hard you have a difficult time dismounting. Thats how you know you are putting in the work. Dont know what I am talking about? Better find out before putting more money into something that wont help you.

Only exception? Your current bike doesnt fit right. Get a FIST fitting done and see if that the case. If it is, you'll know what to look for in a new bike.

This sums it up the best. You do not need a new bike, you just need to change up your training and probably train harder. If you really want to spend $5k you should spend it on a coach instead of a bike because I think you will see much better results in the end. A new bike looks great in transition but what looks even better is standing on the podium after you win a race!

Good luck and good training!

mdd's picture
Posts
367
Member
825 days
mdd posted 9 weeks ago.

fastdog5 wrote:
sflynn wrote:
c. give in to all common sense and practicallity and go splurge on a brand new top of the line bike with an aero helmet potentially wrecking my marriage...

No, no, no. An aero helmet will have the opposite effect. Chicks dig the aero helmet. Your wife will love it!

I think rednecks in pickup trucks with guns on a rack in the truck window must also dig aero helmets! At first I just thought they were trying to run me over while I was time trialing but now I realize they were just attracted to my aero helmet and wanted to get as close as possible to it!! :)

danpatgal's picture
Posts
90
Member
457 days
danpatgal posted 9 weeks ago.

I had been riding a Bianchi Forza that I had since 1989, and got pretty fast with it. But, I thought a new bike would help me go even faster. So last year I bought a Felt S32 entry level triathlon bike. I like it, but I can go almost as fast on the old Bianchi (I should have just got some clip-on aero bars and that aero helmet). Also, I've had more trouble with the new bike than the old, with a bent wheel, shifting problems, bottom bracket problems, and a chainring bolt coming out ... and lots of trouble getting it to fit right. So, don't fall into the trap of thinking new = better.

spomeroy's picture
Posts
82
Member
284 days
spomeroy posted 9 weeks ago.

fastdog5 wrote:
sflynn wrote:
c. give in to all common sense and practicallity and go splurge on a brand new top of the line bike with an aero helmet potentially wrecking my marriage...

No, no, no. An aero helmet will have the opposite effect. Chicks dig the aero helmet. Your wife will love it!

No wait, I thought chicks dug the shaved legs on triathletes...

cheers
S.