Beginner time trial setup.

[HardManIron]

I am 15 and have been riding my road bike for quite some time. However I started becoming more interested in doing some time trials. Most of my gear I have from normal road cycling I will use for now. I have also already bought a new helmet and have a Giant TT bike but its about 7 years old ( http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/trinity.alliance/2425/32418/ ). I was just wondering if there were any upgrades I could do to it?

 

[Cuchilo]

That's a cracking TT bike ! The manager at my local Giant shop regrets selling his alu trinity .
About the only upgrade i would do is some deep section wheels but they wont make you any faster than actually riding the bike .
Do you have a turbo trainer ?

 

[Dirk]

About the only upgrade i would do is some deep section wheels but they wont make you any faster than actually riding the bike .

Not really an upgrade then?

 

[Cuchilo]

Not really an upgrade then?

Great input .

 

[MichaelW2]

Wasn't the Trinity a tri bike? Many tri bikes have a geometry which is not legal for UCI racing. You can use it on non-UCI races

 

[screenman]

In all honesty and with many years of racing behind me, I would say the best addition to that bike would be more miles.

 

[boydj]

Give yourself a few TTs and then see what you think needs upgrading. No point spending money until you have a better idea of what you need - and you know that you are going to continue doing TTs.

 

[Dirk]

Great input .

 

[HardManIron]

Do you have a turbo trainer ?

Yeah i have both a turbo trainer and an exercise bike.

Wasn't the Trinity a tri bike? Many tri bikes have a geometry which is not legal for UCI racing. You can use it on non-UCI races

Im not sure whether or not it is a tri bike as my dad got it quite some time ago. But i can ask the club that my friend goes to, if its allowed to be used. But if not i could use my current road bike for some tt until i can afford a nice tt bike. However i would still prefer to race on my trinity (providing its legal)

Give yourself a few TTs and then see what you think needs upgrading. No point spending money until you have a better idea of what you need - and you know that you are going to continue doing TTs.

Well I was hoping to do some more riding on my tt bike, and i will try and refrain myself from buying some nice new parts until a couple of races.

Thank you all for giving me great and useful input.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Wasn't the Trinity a tri bike? Many tri bikes have a geometry which is not legal for UCI racing. You can use it on non-UCI races

Most UK time trials are under the CTT https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/
I'm sure that bike will be absolutely fine for club time trials - why not check with your local club?

 

[HardManIron]

Most UK time trials are under the CTT https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/
I'm sure that bike will be absolutely fine for club time trials - why not check with your local club?

Okay, I am hoping to join a new one later once I am able to start riding again and I will ask them. However one of my friends goes to the club i want to join and says that they are quite relaxed about what kind of bikes you use.

 

[Cuchilo]

That bike will be perfect . You will be able to adjust the saddle and bars to get a legal position so i wouldn't worry too much about that .

 

[Justinslow]

I started last year and did a season on a £400 Argos road bike. Have a look in the "time trial" section, you can see mine and others stories. Your bike will be absolutely fine as others have said and way better than what I had!
I went from a first TT 10 of 28.30 down to 24.30 by by the end of the season on the same course.
Things like skin suits, aero helmets, shoe covers will help, but I wouldn't think major money upgrades on the bike will be worth it yet. My mate bought £600 campag bullets and went one second quicker!! Turbos and practice and lots of base miles rides will see you right.

 

[Cuchilo]

It's all about that base

 

[2IT]

I am 15 and have been riding my road bike for quite some time. However I started becoming more interested in doing some time trials.

Get a fixed gear bike and ride like Alf. Miles on a fixed will develop discipline and invaluable experience.