Reducing weight of TT bike for London 2012

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Dalai
Posts: 1491
Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:54 am
Location: Melbourne, Australia

by Dalai

Nice offer by Machinenoise :beerchug:

Pokerface07 wrote:Have seen the Tri-Rig brake and watched it evolve over time with interest. The front end on my Felt is 'problematic' so not sure if that brake would work, although they claim it will. Will check again. Means adding a center-pull hanger somehow.


Brake has optional cable hanger. acoggans testing has shown minimal if any difference using this hanger of bare cable and hanger at the headset. http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/ind ... ntry969758" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Pokerface07
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by Pokerface07

Machinenoise wrote:Have you looked at these brakes for the front brake?? http://www.tririg.com/articles.php?id=2 ... Production" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
They aren't released yet, but I have one on pre order due for shipping by the end of the month. I would be willing to ship it to you to use for the paralympics if you wanted? (PM me if interested)

And most of all GOOD LUCK!


I totally glossed over your offer there! I'm going to seriously consider it and if I can't buy my own, may come back to you on that! The front end of the bike could definitely use some lightening up!
Twitter: @FormerTTchamp https://twitter.com/FormerTTchamp

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Kasparz
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Location: Latvia

by Kasparz

Vittoria Crono tubs are fastest. You can't get anything faster that can be used on road.
I doubt removing seals from ceramic bearing would make any difference other than placebo.

I don't think you should put any efforts on decreasing weight, as you already have top notch bike. Many pro's are using bigger pulleys on rd, but then again, on paper the advantage gained from decreased drivetrain resistance would be 0.01w at the best.


You already have best wheelset for tt available. I don't think rebuilding to lighter hub/spokes would matter. Remember, than a proper finger placement can save 1-3w. Loosing 3w from drivetrain friction unless you have a completely dry chain with rusty sprockets is impossible. I'd say better try to find aero gains than loose weight on bike. Maybe a camelbak fairing on your back could do something, then again you shoud test that in windtunnel or if you have SRM, you can try to find gains on calm day on good roads.

Good luck in the Olympics :thumbup:

Phill P
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by Phill P

Kasparz wrote:I doubt removing seals from ceramic bearing would make any difference other than placebo.


Why do you doubt it? Its been commonly known on the track for a loong time and more recent years by Pros for TTs. Doesn't need to be ceramics, removing seals from steel bearings will reduce friction and give you a l;ittle more to use against aero resistance. Hybrid bearings are just going to be more tolerant of no seals
Technical Director at www.TUFFcycle.com

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Pokerface07
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by Pokerface07

I'll put things into perspective for you.

I once lost a World Cup TT (over 12.5 miles), by 0.4 of a second.

Now tell go back and tell me that even .1 of a watt won't make a difference. Or a few grams on a hilly course.

It's all about adding up those few grams here and few grams there, and reducing friction, etc wherever possible to ensure best possible performance. I obviously will concentrate on developing my power over the next three months, but don't want to give any time back because I didn't look at every aspect of the bike to make sure it was operating optimally.

I really DO need to get into a wind tunnel at some point. But it's a massive cost and there may only be a limited number of things I can check for aerodynamics.

I also ride the track (and won the World title in the Pursuit). I also have to prepare for that event - but that's all about power and aerodynamics and not weight.


Kasparz wrote:Vittoria Crono tubs are fastest. You can't get anything faster that can be used on road.
I doubt removing seals from ceramic bearing would make any difference other than placebo.

I don't think you should put any efforts on decreasing weight, as you already have top notch bike. Many pro's are using bigger pulleys on rd, but then again, on paper the advantage gained from decreased drivetrain resistance would be 0.01w at the best.


You already have best wheelset for tt available. I don't think rebuilding to lighter hub/spokes would matter. Remember, than a proper finger placement can save 1-3w. Loosing 3w from drivetrain friction unless you have a completely dry chain with rusty sprockets is impossible. I'd say better try to find aero gains than loose weight on bike. Maybe a camelbak fairing on your back could do something, then again you shoud test that in windtunnel or if you have SRM, you can try to find gains on calm day on good roads.

Good luck in the Olympics :thumbup:
Twitter: @FormerTTchamp https://twitter.com/FormerTTchamp

Machinenoise
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Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:39 pm

by Machinenoise

@ Dalai and Pokerface07

Its no trouble, I've had my season targets already this year with the UK Student TT champs (not a lot of luck with puncture/weather/dodgy timekeeping) but PB power output by >10w.

Was hoping it'd arrive earlier than it will, so no issues with sending it along and not using it until next season if it can help someone do the best they can, esp with such an awe inspiring target.

Might struggle to get tickets to watch the TT though, with the ticketing farce! I don't suppose your doing the individual pursuit as well are you cos I've got tickets to that!

bikewithnoname
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Location: Paris

by bikewithnoname

Firstly, good luck with your training for the games!

I know v little about TT, but some suggestions would be:

1) swapping the crank for a Hollowgram or THM SRM model,
2) tune the RD with a Berner set up (http://shop.berner-bikes.com/drupalprod/node/44 ),
3) replace QR’s with titanium bolts (something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/J-L-Titanium- ... 43aa9f68ea) ,
4) Add an internal seat post lightweight Di2 battery (must be a weight saving to be made if you just need enough charge for a few races vs a few months if you speak to Calfee or Madcow at Fairwheel they can probably sort out something custom for you)
"We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities." Oscar Wilde

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Pokerface07
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by Pokerface07

I'm riding the Pursuit on August 31. It's actually my 'official' target of the Games. But TT is my favourite!

Machinenoise wrote:@ Dalai and Pokerface07

Its no trouble, I've had my season targets already this year with the UK Student TT champs (not a lot of luck with puncture/weather/dodgy timekeeping) but PB power output by >10w.

Was hoping it'd arrive earlier than it will, so no issues with sending it along and not using it until next season if it can help someone do the best they can, esp with such an awe inspiring target.

Might struggle to get tickets to watch the TT though, with the ticketing farce! I don't suppose your doing the individual pursuit as well are you cos I've got tickets to that!
Twitter: @FormerTTchamp https://twitter.com/FormerTTchamp

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Pokerface07
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by Pokerface07

1. Changing the Crankset isn't possible. And wouldn't save too much weight anyway. Just far too costly to swap it.
2. I like it
3. You have to have a QR - just in case you need to swap a wheel mid-event. You get a following team car.
4. Looking into it.

Thanks!!

bikewithnoname wrote:Firstly, good luck with your training for the games!

I know v little about TT, but some suggestions would be:

1) swapping the crank for a Hollowgram or THM SRM model,
2) tune the RD with a Berner set up (http://shop.berner-bikes.com/drupalprod/node/44" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ),
3) replace QR’s with titanium bolts (something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/J-L-Titanium- ... 43aa9f68ea" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) ,
4) Add an internal seat post lightweight Di2 battery (must be a weight saving to be made if you just need enough charge for a few races vs a few months if you speak to Calfee or Madcow at Fairwheel they can probably sort out something custom for you)
Twitter: @FormerTTchamp https://twitter.com/FormerTTchamp

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Pokerface07
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Joined: Wed Jun 06, 2012 11:43 pm

by Pokerface07

bikewithnoname wrote:Firstly, good luck with your training for the games!

I know v little about TT, but some suggestions would be:

2) tune the RD with a Berner set up (http://shop.berner-bikes.com/drupalprod/node/44" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ),



Well - I tried to order a Berner cage, but their site only seems to ship to USA, Canada and Germany. Go figure. :noidea:
Twitter: @FormerTTchamp https://twitter.com/FormerTTchamp

Kasparz
Posts: 566
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:17 am
Location: Latvia

by Kasparz

Phill P wrote:
Kasparz wrote:I doubt removing seals from ceramic bearing would make any difference other than placebo.


Why do you doubt it? Its been commonly known on the track for a loong time and more recent years by Pros for TTs. Doesn't need to be ceramics, removing seals from steel bearings will reduce friction and give you a l;ittle more to use against aero resistance. Hybrid bearings are just going to be more tolerant of no seals

On brand new steel bearings might be. But ceramic bearings after few hundred Km would not gain anything from removed seals. Unless these bearings are really low quality and seals are causing artificial drag.

Ypsylon
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by Ypsylon

Pokerface07 wrote:Well - I tried to order a Berner cage, but their site only seems to ship to USA, Canada and Germany. Go figure. :noidea:


I believe they are just not one of those internet start ups with a super fancy homepage and might be willing to work something out.

Maybe it would be easier to try and shoot fibre-lyte an e-mail? AFAIK they make more or less the same thing and there's no language barrier.

http://www.fibre-lyte.co.uk
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasures of a bike ride," said John F. Kennedy, a man who had the pleasure of Marilyn Monroe.

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Pokerface07
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by Pokerface07

Fibre-Lyte don't do cage and jockeys for Di2 (not on their site). I've been in touch with Berner though and have it sorted. Berner have been around for ages - just not a big commercial business. They will ship to me no problem.


Ypsylon wrote:
Pokerface07 wrote:Well - I tried to order a Berner cage, but their site only seems to ship to USA, Canada and Germany. Go figure. :noidea:


I believe they are just not one of those internet start ups with a super fancy homepage and might be willing to work something out.

Maybe it would be easier to try and shoot fibre-lyte an e-mail? AFAIK they make more or less the same thing and there's no language barrier.

http://www.fibre-lyte.co.uk
Twitter: @FormerTTchamp https://twitter.com/FormerTTchamp

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LiveFastRideHard
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Location: Long Beach, CA

by LiveFastRideHard

A custom geared set of aero rings from Fiber-Lyte would do the trick. I find gearing to be just as important as tyres. I use the Vittoria Evo-Tri and it has a much better puncture resistance than the chrono. The first generations of the Evo-tri were under 200 grams and very fast. I still have a couple sets I use for races. I also used the aero Fiber-lyte rings and was pleased with their performance. I used the Felt DA through three different models and found tapered ti bolts, shortened seat post, stem face plate swap, ceramic bearings(headset hard to find) brake pad holders, arm cups and pad swaps and housing were the best ways to deal with the integrated frameset. Good luck with the training and preparation.
Felt DA(RIP), Look 595, Merlin CR Works, Calfee Tetra Pro, Moots Vamoots

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Pokerface07
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by Pokerface07

Thanks! (Sticking with my Rotor Q-Rings though. No matter what. They perfectly smooth out my pedal stroke and dead spot from the artificial leg).


LiveFastRideHard wrote:A custom geared set of aero rings from Fiber-Lyte would do the trick. I find gearing to be just as important as tyres. I use the Vittoria Evo-Tri and it has a much better puncture resistance than the chrono. The first generations of the Evo-tri were under 200 grams and very fast. I still have a couple sets I use for races. I also used the aero Fiber-lyte rings and was pleased with their performance. I used the Felt DA through three different models and found tapered ti bolts, shortened seat post, stem face plate swap, ceramic bearings(headset hard to find) brake pad holders, arm cups and pad swaps and housing were the best ways to deal with the integrated frameset. Good luck with the training and preparation.
Twitter: @FormerTTchamp https://twitter.com/FormerTTchamp

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