New Kit, how much improvement?

atduk92

I am currently considering a return to track sprinting after an eleven year break from the sport, out of interest what kind of improvement in times can be expected from the use of modern composite frames, disc wheels and tri-spokes over a 200m time trial when compared to the bike I would have been riding back in the 80's and early 90's. Rear disc wheels were fairly common but I assume advances in design have made a difference since then.

I know that no amount of fancy kit will make any difference if I can't get into shape first but am interested in what is considered to be the most valuable investment in equipment for improving 200 times.

gruppo

I don't think there is a right answer to your question. It is an endless debate both in forums and in books. This is probably because so much of it has to do with both physical and physiological affects.

For example, a few months ago I moved from one 16 pound bike to a 16.5 pound bike. Both bikes are the same size with the same component groups and fitted identically. But guess what, my average speed went up and my times went down. And I found on the new bike I could consistently stay in the big ring longer.

The new bike just feels better and more responsive -- I feel at home on this bike, whereas on the other bike, it always seemed like more work when I rode. It's an elusive quality, but based on my experience, is one of the most important aspects of selecting a bike.

I realize I didn't answer your question, but hopefully offered some food for thought.

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Budarz

Without question wheels make the most difference. Since aero bars are not used in the 200tt they are not worth mentioning in spite of their huge aero advantage for the kilo and other longer tt races. In my estimation based only on experience, I'd say wheels can buy you 3-5 tenths depending on what training wheels they are being compared with. In my case I train in the slowest possible wheels- 32 regualr spokes on box section rims. A front trispoke and rear disk take off around a half second in comparison.

The aero frame advantage clearly depends on the frame. There are certain aspects to consider besides aerodynamics when talking modern aero frames. Stiffness is crucial for a sprint frame - perhaps even moreso than aerodynamics. Certain frames such as Cervelos are aero, but not stiff. Not many people sprint on them. They do make fine pursuit frames, however. Even if you find a good aero frame that is stiff enough to sprint on it will buy you less time than the wheels. My guesstimation is around a tenth of a second if you find a good frame.

Hope this helps.
DrT

Zac

Personally I would think it would be better to get a stiff frame rather than an aero frame for the 200. What about stiff AND aero you say? Well that cost mucho denaro my friend! Get the wheels. You can find an older Zipp disc for around $300US and a trispoke for a little less. That and a skinsuit (duh!) would be the best.

ed073

Agree with this. Stiffness is the key for sprint events as power transfer is paramount. Worry about aero when you can afford a BT or Look PKV track frame and Io wheels!

Steel bars, reinforced frame lugs, double straps and a rear disc should see you attack the 200m, keirin etc after your layoff.

Zac

Agreed. Unless you do buy a corima, BT, or Look not much has changed in the sprint. Although, Easton now has some thermo plastis and Carbon sprinters bars that look outragiously cool!

ed073

Yeah...the French national team are now using carbon sprint bars. Very tasty kit.

Zac

So are most of the US guys. I also got a chance to see them in a bike shop yesterday... cant talk now...need a tissue!

ed073

Ha! I know what you mean!

I just saw Robbie McEwen's new 2005 Lotto-Davitamon Ridley and I'm in the same boat.....