Because I work with a large range of athletes, from pros and top age groupers to people buying their first road or tri bike, I thought a bit of perspective on positioning might be helpful as there is a lot of often contradictory information about proper positioning and fit technicians out there. Many industry triathlon…
By Ian Buchanan Much of the bicycle industry has done a good job of creating the impression that different materials offer different ride characteristics. Aluminum is supposed to be stiff and light, but is also known for diminished durability and harsh ride quality; Titanium is supposed to be light, durable, comfortable and compliant, but a…
Frame Geometry and Handling – Energy and Power Use Breakdown* % of Total Power Consumption: Frame Geometry and Handling: Intangibile. The bottom line: A bike’s geometry and design combines with your position on it plays a large role in how comfortable you are on the bike, how stable the bike is, and how well it…
Weight of Bicycle – Energy and Power Use Breakdown* % of Total Power Consumption: Weight of Bicycle: ≈08% of overall energy/power consumption The bottom line: First, never forget that you the rider are 85-95% of the total vehicle’s weight – the bike and components are only 5-15%. Bicycle weight plays a comparatively small role in…
Rolling Resistance Energy and Power Use Breakdown* % of Total Power Consumption: Rolling Resistance: ≈10% of overall power/energy consumption The bottom line: Rolling resistance is affected by friction caused by the weight of the vehicle (bike and rider) and how much of that weight has to be absorbed by the tires while riding. Rolling resistance…
Stiffness & Compliance – Energy and Power Use Breakdown* % of Total Power Consumption: Stiffness and Vertical Compliance: ≈15% of overall energy/power use The bottom line: Unless a design uses an effective suspension system, side-to-side stiffness and vertical compliance/comfort will be directly linked. In almost a 1:1 ratio and regardless of material, as a frame…
Bicycle Aerodynamics Energy and Power use breakdown* % of total power consumption: Aerodynamics Total (combination of rider aerodynamics and bike aerodynamics) – 65-85% Total Bicycle Aerodynamics ≈15% of total power use and ≈25% of total aerodynamics Wheels – 5-9% of total aerodynamics Fork – 6-9% of total aerodynamics Frame – 4%-9% of total aerodynamics Other…
Rider Aerodynamics (Fit and Positioning) Power Use breakdown* % of Total Power Consumption: Rider Aerodynamics: ≈50% of total power use (75% of total aerodynamics) The bottom line: If you are on a solo ride and average 20 mph over a 100 miles of varied terrain, lowering aerodynamic drag by 10%, without changing power output, will…
Tech Center Archive Ian Buchanan, co-owner of Fit Werx, VT has written Triathlete Magazine’s “Tech Support” articles as a contributing writer since 2001 and is a Serotta International Cycling Institute (SICI) core instructor. Dean Phillips, co-owner of Fit Werx2, writes” Bike Tech by Fit Werx” for beginnertriathlete.com Power Consumption Variables Power Consumption Overview Rider Aerodynamics…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine Part one of this series provided an overview of the most common manufacturing processes used in carbon fiber manufacturing in bicycles and bicycle component fabrication. In part two, we will discuss the raw materials (the ingredients) that go into making the carbon fiber prepreg…
A version of this article was originally published in Triathlete Magazine After being a long time supporter of Ironman Canada, I have decided to attempt the distance. This is actually my first attempt at any distance triathlon. I have been riding the typical cycling drivetrain set-up (53/39 with a 11-23 rear cog) and am now…
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…