Interesting article

[Chris Tasker]

Hello 

I thought that the coaching area was looking sparse and came across this v interesting article about the merits of various aero equipment.  Worth a few minutes of your time to save seconds in the future...

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/how-aero-is-aero-19273/

Chris

[Mark Pope]

A really good article. It's Interesting how the so-called 'Race of Truth' is the least fair event out there. It's a shame that the UCI didn't clamp down on aero bars, ET helmets, disk wheels etc years ago and make everybody time trial on standard road bikes, which would have trickled down to the mere mortals at club level who usually can't afford the aero bling. The time/power differences associated with the aero kit detailed in the article are staggering.  Still there's always the special fridge at the Muscle Beach Gym in Barry Island. Apparently with the £30 special supplement you can break 20 minutes for 10 miles in a wheel barrow, never mind on a bike!

[Chris Tasker]

I have mixed opinions Mark, I like the technology aspect but we only have to look at the results that Forza riders have posted to see how fast a good rider can be on a road bike.

[Rob Jones]

Its a weird science. The technology doesn't seem to affect people equally. For example I seem to benefit massively from it whilst others, including certain forza guys, seem to benefit proportionately far less. What most analysis on the subject forgets is that it is far more difficult for most people to deliver anything like the same power in an aero position compared to the position a standard road bike puts you in. I kind of agree with Mark but can also relate to Chris on the issue of aero technology - once you have time trialled with the technology its not much fun without it, going quite a bit slower!

[Chris Tasker]

it is far more difficult for most people to deliver anything like the same power in an aero position compared to the position a standard road bike puts you in.

That'll be specificity of training Rob, spend at least one session per week on the TT bike (all year round) and your body will become more used to that position.  As we head into autumn with the prospect of more regular turbo sessions why not aim use the TT bike.

That's providing the bike fits the rider of course!

[Rob Jones]

That's not an issue for me Chris. Like I said, I benefit massively with the aero gear compared to without. That's not to take anything away from your point.

[Shawn]

Rob

Your aero benefits obviously come from your massively bulky frame 

[Shawn]

Hi Chris

On the old forum you posted a really good article (recommendations about various bits of kit etc), I think written by a RAF rider if you still have it in word format or on email, could you re-post.

Thanks
Shawn