This article was originally written in 2007 and appeared in Triathlete Magazine. It has been updated as of October 2018 to reflect current trends and technology in the space. I’ve received conflicting recommendations as to what chain brand to use and why. Are there any meaningful differences between chains and does the chain you use…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine I want to get a new bike with Shimano’s Dura Ace components and with Zipp 404 race wheels. The problem is that I can’t afford both. Am I better off getting the race wheels and downgrading to Ultegra on the components or should I…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine I’m intrigued by some of the newer clip-on options to replace my Syntace C2 aerobars. My short list is the Easton EC70 Carbon, the HED Flip Lite, the Zipp clip and the Vision Tech Carbon. What is your impression of these aerobars and what…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine I absolutely love the ride of my Guru Crono. My only question is that the shifting does not seem to be as “snappy” as my old road bike. I recently had the derailleurs adjusted and replaced the cables, but it didn’t seem to change…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine My new bike feels slower than my old bike, but when I look at my times I am actually faster. How can this be? Emily, e-mail Dear Emily, Inaccuracies in our perceptions are one reason why test rides are not always reliable indicators as…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine Ian, I read an earlier Tech Support article (September 2006) comparing dimensions and fit on an Elite and Cervélo. This was helpful, but made me think a bit more about some of the other dimensions listed in frame geometry charts. I keep seeing “Bottom…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine I’ve been told that I am a Medium Elite T-Class or a 54cm Cervélo, but I don’t know what frame dimensions I should be paying attention to and how they affect the bike fit. I’m 5’10” with a 31” inseam. Thanks in advance for…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine After speaking to a number of people, I’m still confused about what really matters in regards to bikes and speed. Most commonly, I’ve been told that aerodynamics should be by far the most important thing to me and that I need to make sure…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine My coach wants me to start using a power meter when riding so that we can track my progress in the coming season in hopes that I can race more consistently. The two main options that I have found are PowerTap and SRM. There…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine I’m looking for a new bike and originally was thinking about titanium. However, some of the shops I’ve been in and many of my friends have been pushing me towards carbon fiber. Could you compare the two materials so that I can figure out…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine After surfing the net and talking to many friends, I’ve heard many different opinions about what is right and what is wrong in regards to bike fitting. What are some of the most common positioning misconceptions that you hear and what are the real…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine For some of the courses I race (like Ironman Lake Placid), I’ve felt that lower gearing would be helpful. I was thinking about a triple crank, but I’ve heard that compact cranks might be an even better option. Outside of lower gears, what else…