First TT intimidation

Since 2001, over 90,000 cyclist's have joined Cycling Forums to discuss topics from general cycling to equipment, training, racing and travel or vacation destinations (especially in europe during the tour de france). We also feature an great deals in our online store, 100's of articles, classifieds and product reviews.

I just rode my first TT this week; 22 miles in 18 degree weather with 20+ mph crosswind. If that wasn't bad enough, I pull out my new Trek 1600 with clip-on aerobars as 4 guys warming up roll by on Cervelo P3 carbons with Zipp 909 wheelsets and full Campy Record setups. After seeing some more rediculously expensive toys, I was told that at least 3 riders, of 13, were top 10 in the state championships, including the winner. Needless to say, this was not a good race to pick for my first. Anyone else feel completely out of place at their first race. Finished 11th of 13:o

I just rode my first TT this week; 22 miles in 18 degree weather with 20+ mph crosswind. If that wasn't bad enough, I pull out my new Trek 1600 with clip-on aerobars as 4 guys warming up roll by on Cervelo P3 carbons with Zipp 909 wheelsets and full Campy Record setups. After seeing some more rediculously expensive toys, I was told that at least 3 riders, of 13, were top 10 in the state championships, including the winner. Needless to say, this was not a good race to pick for my first. Anyone else feel completely out of place at their first race. Finished 11th of 13:oWell, good on you. You were not last.

And remember, no matter how nice their gear, that counts for about 0.0000000001% of their performance. Ergo, more legs on your part will mean that you can spank the guy with the Zipps.

That simple. Enjoy!

I just rode my first TT this week; 22 miles in 18 degree weather with 20+ mph crosswind. If that wasn't bad enough, I pull out my new Trek 1600 with clip-on aerobars as 4 guys warming up roll by on Cervelo P3 carbons with Zipp 909 wheelsets and full Campy Record setups. After seeing some more rediculously expensive toys, I was told that at least 3 riders, of 13, were top 10 in the state championships, including the winner. Needless to say, this was not a good race to pick for my first. Anyone else feel completely out of place at their first race. Finished 11th of 13:o

I think most of us started out the same way.

Just remember that a time trial is a personal effort and you should only judge your performance against your former self. Set goals and as you achieve them then look to upgrading your equipments. A good time trial bike that is well fit does make a fair amount of difference, but not as much as you might think. For example, everyone thinks that "aero" wheels are a must. Wasn't it MIT that did a wind study and concluded that the difference between "aero" wheels and "regular" wheels was minimal, while at the same time a time trial helmet vs a regular helmet would make a 14% difference in drag! (My numbers may be off - but you get the idea)