Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Mon Dec 19, 2016 3:31 pm
New saddle, seat post, stem and aero bars. Under $200 of mods thanks to ebay and gumtree bargain hunting.
Fits fairly nicely, though I need to do some longer sessions on it. Might need to work on the aero bar extensions/angle of, the forward weight position makes it easy to slide forwards on the S-bend shape.
- Tim
- Posts: 2946
- Joined: Wed Jul 07, 2010 5:02 pm
- Location: Gippsland Lakes
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby Tim » Mon Dec 19, 2016 4:17 pm
Not half as ugly as most purpose built TT/Tri bikes and you can always convert it back to road garb when you like.
You won't be stuck with a design monster if the TT enthusiasm falters.
-
- Posts: 908
- Joined: Mon Sep 09, 2013 5:33 pm
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby koshari » Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:26 pm
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Fri Feb 10, 2017 2:59 pm
Since the pics above I had it back in road made for a while, then back to aero mode, and left one spacer under the stem, so it was 10 mm higher than pictured (no race day photos unfortunately). Used it for commuting for several weeks to get used to the position. I'd say the main benefit of this is getting your neck used to the strain, and learning to turtle or peek over the top of your glasses...
https://www.strava.com/activities/855454026
20.3km in 33:49 (officially 34:16), including 4 hairpin turns and dismount. So above 36 km/h average, closer to 37 km/h if you ignore the run out and last corner/dismount. Kept the pace very even between first and second halves (Flyby shows I dropped a few people on the 2nd lap )
Really happy with how it rode (run is another story - stomach cramps from km 1 to 3). Comfortable, stable, kept up with some (and passed many!) much fancier bikes, which is always satisfying. Easy enough to shift from the aero bars.
Finished 20th of 86 in my age group, happy with that for my first full sprint distance event. Reckon I could have been about 15th if my run wasn't affected (tip - full strength gatorade is not good on the bike; compensated with too much water in T2).
Next steps? I might squeeze the saddle a little further forward (there is about 1cm between the limit mark and the point where the rails bend), as I did slide forward on it a little (easy enough to slide back occasionally), but otherwise the ISM is a really nice place to be.
Some longer aero extensions would be nice as they are too short for me (were cut short as purchased).
If I can find some ABS sheet I might hack up an aero wheel cover. The rims are vaguely aero (30mm) but real eggbeaters with 60 spokes to whirl...
Next event is Corporate Tri (only a 10km bike leg) so I might drop the stem lower again.
And keep working on the engine of course!
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Fri Feb 10, 2017 9:45 pm
- Alex Simmons/RST
- Expert
- Posts: 4997
- Joined: Fri May 02, 2008 3:51 pm
- Contact:
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby Alex Simmons/RST » Sat Feb 11, 2017 6:52 am
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Sat Feb 11, 2017 9:28 am
Bear in mind the seat is an ISM Attack so it is very easy to just move myself back on a bit; I am right on the nose of it in that photo.
- Alex Simmons/RST
- Expert
- Posts: 4997
- Joined: Fri May 02, 2008 3:51 pm
- Contact:
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby Alex Simmons/RST » Sat Feb 11, 2017 2:06 pm
How's the handling? Just looks like head (and overall COM) is a fair way forward to me. But as I said, still photos are usually a poor way to assess such things.MattyK wrote:Thanks Alex. Can you give a reasoning behind that thought? Power generation? Body shape/aero? Comfort? Stability?
Bear in mind the seat is an ISM Attack so it is very easy to just move myself back on a bit; I am right on the nose of it in that photo.
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Sat Feb 11, 2017 9:21 pm
It was a concern about forward weight distribution before I set it up, given TT bikes often have more reach and a longer front-centre, but comparing a few frame geometry numbers, it all seemed pretty marginal. And on the road, as I said, all is good.
-
- Posts: 116
- Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2016 8:12 am
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby Jash Rider » Tue Mar 14, 2017 9:14 pm
I've put some aero bars on it and a new saddle pushed forward, and 70mm stem to bring my elbows closer to my body. I ride with a group of triathlon nuts on Sunday mornings and I'm yet to be left behind by them. We regularly cruise along flat ground above 40kph and I rarely drought them. Usually ride next to the third or fourth rider in the group depending on how many rock up for a ride.
Most of their bikes are running Ultegra or Dura Ace gear, full carbon frames and other good kit, and cost between $3,500 and $8,000 for their actual proper triathlon bikes (Cervelo seems to be the flavour they like).
As much as I'd like a new bike (and I am saving), I really don't need one as I doubt it would make me any faster or more comfortable. I can ride a century and still feel pretty good in the saddle, even though everything on my bike is entry level gear.
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Fri Mar 17, 2017 4:16 pm
Did over 37 kmh average for 10ks at Corporate Tri (when on the bike). 1 kmh faster than last year when I didn't have the dropped stem or forwards saddle. https://www.strava.com/activities/887994819
Next season I'll probably be hunting for a deeper wheel set, or a front wheel and a rear wheel cover. Maybe a cheap aero helmet and I'll call it a day.
BTW Jash I disagree with your approach of shortening the stem - I reckon you need to get the saddle further forwards instead.
-
- Posts: 116
- Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2016 8:12 am
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby Jash Rider » Fri Mar 17, 2017 8:11 pm
My bike has to be a jack of all trades for now.
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Fri Mar 17, 2017 10:17 pm
-
- Posts: 116
- Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2016 8:12 am
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby Jash Rider » Wed May 31, 2017 8:58 pm
Picked up the stem (Pro LT) for $15 on sale at 99 Bikes MacGregor.
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Fri Jun 02, 2017 4:46 pm
-
- Posts: 116
- Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2016 8:12 am
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby Jash Rider » Sat Jun 03, 2017 9:08 am
Yeah, I'm fairly certain I just had a ripper day the other day. However it did feel a lot better being further forward in the aero position. I could definitely spin a lot easier.
One thing I did that made a big difference was remove all of the original grease from the hubs and replace it with Inox machinery grease. It made an instant difference on the first ride enabling me to glide past everyone on the downhills, which I could never do before. True story.
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Sat Jun 03, 2017 8:09 pm
If it were mine I'd add a proper Tri saddle to alleviate some pressure. Also you've got plenty of room to dump the stem if it suits your flexibility.
-
- Posts: 116
- Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2016 8:12 am
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby Jash Rider » Sun Jun 04, 2017 4:44 pm
I'll be looking at a new saddle some time soon, and dropping the stem lower as my flexibility improves.
I found myself cruising along at 40kph with little effort this morning. Very comfortable. Whereas I almost always was relegated to the back of the group before I really tuned my aero position, I now find myself riding wherever I want even after 70-80km of decent riding.
-
- Posts: 116
- Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2016 8:12 am
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby Jash Rider » Tue May 22, 2018 10:55 am
I don’t have to stretch out quite so far which is more comfortable. On solo rides up to about 70-80km I can average 29-30kph, which is better by 1.5-2kph before I changed my position the first time.
This new position is no quicker or slower, just more comfortable and I can stay on the aero bars indefinitely without any arm or shoulder fatigue.
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Tue May 22, 2018 5:36 pm
I did more work on mine too, found a base bar, brake levers and bar end shifters all fairly cheap and did the cockpit properly. Now the whole cockpit can be swapped over in about 45 minutes (including recabling) - no need to faff about adjusting the clip ons, stem, etc.
- ldrcycles
- Posts: 9594
- Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2010 3:19 pm
- Location: Kin Kin, Queensland
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby ldrcycles » Tue May 22, 2018 7:47 pm
-
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Tue Mar 14, 2017 8:12 pm
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby Deus_Ex_Machina » Sun Dec 23, 2018 11:49 am
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Sun Dec 23, 2018 12:11 pm
I used a Toseek jobbie from eBay out of China. I don’t know if they still do a similar style.Deus_Ex_Machina wrote:What seat post did you use on this setup Mattyk?
- MattyK
- Posts: 3252
- Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:07 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Re: Ugly - but hopefully effective (DIY TT setup)
Postby MattyK » Sun Dec 23, 2018 12:33 pm
Also the clamp needs to be done up quite tight to prevent it from slipping.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Carbon-back ... oXCC3hIHbA
- General Australian Cycling Topics
- Info / announcements
- Buying a bike / parts
- General Cycling Discussion
- The Bike Shed
- Cycling Health
- Cycling Safety and Advocacy
- Women's Cycling
- Bike & Gear Reviews
- Cycling Trade
- Stolen Bikes
- Bicycle FAQs
- The Market Place
- Member to Member Bike and Gear Sales
- Want to Buy, Group Buy, Swap
- My Bikes or Gear Elsewhere
- Serious Biking
- Audax / Randonneuring
- Retro biking
- Commuting
- MTB
- Recumbents
- Fixed Gear/ Single Speed
- Track
- Electric Bicycles
- Cyclocross and Gravel Grinding
- Dragsters / Lowriders / Cruisers
- Children's Bikes
- Cargo Bikes and Utility Cycling
- Road Racing
- Road Biking
- Training
- Time Trial
- Triathlon
- International and National Tours and Events
- Cycle Touring
- Touring Australia
- Touring Overseas
- Touring Bikes and Equipment
- Australia
- Western Australia
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria
- ACT
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Country & Regional
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users
- All times are UTC+11:00
- Top
- Delete cookies
About the Australian Cycling Forums
The Australian Cycling Forums is a welcoming community where you can ask questions and talk about the type of bikes and cycling topics you like.
Bicycles Network Australia
Forum Information
Connect with BNA
This website uses affiliate links to retail platforms including ebay, amazon, proviz and ribble.