IMLP Veterans:
2727
Member
1280 days
Anton posted 1 year ago.
Everytime you see someone on the IMLP during the race on a tri bike..more often than not thery are on the cow horns. If you look at the schematic of the elevation on the course there is ALOT of up and down..I think you'd find the road bike more comfortable.
I've raced the course twice on a road bike and last summer had the chance to ride the course on a borrowed Cervy...honestly,considering the hills ...up AND down..I'd go with road.
What will make you go fast at IMLP...is good consistant training this winter and spring...including time spent riding in the hills...
Heck...you live in Boston..go up and ride the course.
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
My Blog: http://anton.trifuel.net
3337
Member
1325 days
RV posted 1 year ago.
For your winter training - I heard that Spinervals is going to be releasing a DVD that takes you through one loop of IMLP bike course.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
478
Member
1387 days
kona_expat posted 1 year ago.
Plenty of folks do IMLP on a tri bike. What's critical is that you have the right gearing. If you're not a good climber, or even if you are but you train or race in hills often, you might be better off with a compact crank setup. If you ride a conventional double, then you'd want a 12-25 or even 12-27 on the back. I'l be taking my 12-27 in 2007.
I did IMLP as my first IM, and I was an idiot and had an 11-23 on the back and suffered mightily. But I spent a lot of time in the aerobars nonetheless.
I've done IMWI on the tri bike and would do it that way again.
When you see people on their cowhorns a lot in a race, it doesn't mean they should be on a road bike; it just means they aren't accustomed to staying aero for a long time, including during long climbs.
2727
Member
1280 days
Anton posted 1 year ago.
Oh...sure they do IMLP on a tri bike...I'm ot saying not too...and I am not saying to eschew aero-bars either..I use clip ons for the flats...I think seeing people on their cow horns means several things...One of which is they want more power going up hill...
Per: Friel. "Generally the steeper setups that are appropriate for bullhorns don't climb as well as more moderate bikes that are appropriate for STI shifting (Regular road bike:My insertion) For this reason,most athletes will find that a more traditional road setup is more powerful and comfortable on the hills." Prior to that he states:"For all atheletes there is a trade off between power and aerodynamics.When you need to make a choice between these two,you are usually best served by choosing power. It takes alot of aero to overcome any material loss in power."
Charmichael notes: "The most economical climbing position is seated with your hands on the tops of the handlebars." He also notes that riding this way or with the hands on brake hoods "opens the chest for better breathing which lowers heart rate..."
Climbing long hils like the miles worth you get at IMLP is simple more effecient out of the aero position.
On the flats ...of course not.
And too remember at IMLP you need to be comfortable doing 50 or MPH downhill in the aerobars... I just think on that course...a road bike with clip-ons is a better option.
See Ya there!
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
My Blog: http://anton.trifuel.net
86
Member
667 days
Donna posted 1 year ago.
Oh yes. I certainly plan on taking a few weekends to ride the course. It's only a 5 hour drive. And of course I will be training hard all winter and spring. Getting a more compact crank set may be a good idea. I'm still ambivalent about getting the tt bike. Maybe I should get the bike and just not ride it for the IM.
See you there, Anton!
Set goals...... but be here now. Enjoy the ride to the finish line.
2727
Member
1280 days
Anton posted 1 year ago.
Donna...if you love it and want it..get it...you've got plenty of time to ride both on the course and decide!
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
My Blog: http://anton.trifuel.net
Hey everyone. I'm doing my first IM in LP in 2007 and am very psyched about it. So here's my situation: I've been riding a road bike with aero bars for the last few years. I've just joined a new team and can get a sweet deal on a carbon tri bike (although its still really expensive). Anyway, I'd like to get the bike but someone told me that a tri bike in Lake Placid is not as good of an idea because of the hills. What do the veterans think? Is it worth shelling out the cash? In LP: Will a tri bike make me go fast like Ricky Bobby?
:-)
Thanks for your help!
Set goals...... but be here now. Enjoy the ride to the finish line.