What Time Trial bike to buy???

[oldroadman]

I have a Felt S22 which I got off ebay (of all places). It was a 2007 model I got for £600.

Seeing as it's my first TT bike, I quite like it, it is nothing majorly serious, and I am really 'growing into it'.

The chain seems to come off a lot after anything resembling a small pothole, but I don't know if that's a standard problem or whether I just need to renew the relevant bits and pieces! (more likely).

In terms of speed and aerodynamics, you could do a LOT worse though (I couldn't get over how fast it was when I first got it), and a new model probably won't have the same problems mine does (I can practically get the chain back on to certain bits whilst I'm still moving! ).

The lost chain is a mechanical problem, check adjustment and everything for wear. It may be you need to change the cahin, worn chains can jump easily as they don't fit "tight" the the rings. Then the rings could be worn out as well, and when a chain changes often the cassette or at least sprockets will be worn because they all wear in together. It's false economy to change one bit of transmission without others.
So far as going faster is concerned, the comments about position set up are right, and it will take time to get used to the low position, so work on flexibility, remember cycling does nothing for flexibility and stretching, so this has to be a priority. All the trick stuff in the world is useless unless you can exploit it to the full, so the physical bit (and learning to really focus all through the ride) are key to improving. Got a coach?

 

[scott s10]

id have thought some deep rimmed wheels would save more time than an aero helmet. an aero helmet took about 10 seconds off my pb but now iv got all the kit. tt frame, zipp disc wheel, deep rimmed front, skin suit, aero helmet and of course loads of training i am consistently putting 23s out on hilly courses and the slowest iv done this season is 24.30. wheels must make at least 30 seconds

 

[amnesia]

The Orbea Ora 105 is a good looking bike. Noodley on here has one... and has made me want one too, even though I've never done a TT

http://www.epic-cycles.co.uk/Orbea_Ora.html

 

[a_n_t]

This helped me to a 57:21 25tt this season, well chuffed.

 

[RedBike]

I have a nine-year old Trek 2200, which I don't use. Could that be upgraded to TT spec, or would that just be a bit sad?

When it comes to TT bikes 'fit' is everything; and apparently to get the ideal fit Ideally you'd want your TT bike to be slightly smaller than your road bike. However its certainly worth looking into adapting the bike. You need to take your bike along to someone who knows their stuff. Someone who can try out several different stems / bars and work out just whats needed.

 

[e-rider]

This helped me to a 57:21 25tt this season, well chuffed.

All very nice but that must have cost a fortune. I can't even afford the aero helmet as the moment!

 

[a_n_t]

erm, I've not actually worked it out, probably best not to!!