38 - Go Faster on the Bike Pt 1

What this episode covers

* 7:30 wheels * Deeper is faster in conditions with side winds. * The stronger the side wind, the greater the effect * Rear disk wheels are an excellent choice! But they are not always allowed * Buy newer generation toroidal (rounded tip) wheels. Avoid ones that come to a sharp point. * Michael's pick for triathlon: 60mm + disk, with a 60mm rear as backup * Andrew's pick: 90mm + disk * There's negligible aerodynamic performance difference between High end American / European brands and Chinese open mold * +1 for aluminum brake surface wheels for improved breaking performance * 28:00 frames * Most modern triathlon frames offer very similar aerodynamic performance * Why you should be very skeptical of aerodynamic test data presented by manufacturers * Optimal fit is the primary factor in selecting the 'right' frame * Storage integration is becoming a design consideration and competitive advantage * 40:00 nutrition and hydration storage on non-integrated bikes * Between the arms bottles are both aerodynamic and convenient * Behind the saddle bottle can also be quite aero, but are harder to access * Two versions of BTA setups and their pros and cons * Best storage options for nutrition * 47:30 helmets * The optimal helmet choice is heavily influenced by the rider's preferred head position * Helmet priorities: safety, comfort, aerodynamics, cooling * MIPS and similar novel safety features * Our struggle to pronounce Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy * Helmet fit: front lip of the helmet should not be more than one finger width's north of the eyebrows * Aero recommendation: if your head is clearly above the line of your back, and you can hold it there, then a long tailed helmet is a good bet. If you keep your head low, then a short tail or tail-less helmet is the more aerodynamic choice. * The strong case for aero road helmets: cooling and light weight For a deeper dive into the aerodynamics of cycling, have a listen to episode 36 [http://x3training.com/endurance-innovation-36-aerodynamic-breakdown-analysis/], where we break it down.