Dean V

Casco could still be a good option. Especially if you think you can't hold your head consistently in a good position for a regular aero helmet.

g.r.e.g.

disclaimer: I have not read all or even most of the posts but about the aero helmet, I recently read a study that said that your helmet has 4x the amount of drag that your wheels do so an aero helmet will make a lot larger difference than pretty much any single component, position on the bike excluded

aicabsolut

Did the TT on Sunday. Used the aero helmet. I found that I could get the best helmet position using the deep elbow bend in the drops position. For some climbs, I moved to the hoods. I was having trouble going as fast on the short downhills as last year, but overall, I was faster. I used one stretch of steady grade false flat road with a bit of a headwind to test out my position after sitting up a little bit for a few seconds to deal with some exertion-induced reflux. If I got my chin as low towards the stem as it is in the drops position with my hands on the tops near the stem, it was a *little* bit faster. This still required some deep elbow bend, and my triceps started to scream pretty quickly. I also needed to be nearer the rear shifter for most of the rest of the course, so I moved back to the drops.

I had tested out the IAB position again on the trainer. My power is just not there with that. I guess my hip flexors are just too constricted? It also again has the problem of being away from the shifters.

I don't know if anyone took a picture of the race for me to compare. There were guys with cameras out there, but I dunno where the pictures go.

echappist

OP, how did you fare in the time trial and what did you end up doing for position?

edit: haha, got ninja'ed by the OP

Nate552

Pics? I know you have some shoulder issues but have you experimented with getting a slammed stem just for TT's

aicabsolut

I guess I should say I was 2nd....again! Dang!

I haven't experimented with moving the stem for TTs, but maybe I should. I probably can't put it all the way down, though. The shoulder seems to be handling the 0.5cm drop I made late last summer, but that took some getting used to. I might have an easier time modifying my other bike which has less aggressive geometry. I could drop the stem there and probably reach ok.

In other news, today's ride revealed that my neck and back are more sore from this TT than my legs/glutes. That helmet was heavy! And, I need more practice.

echappist

not a bad showing at all. Cheers

aicabsolut

This TT is my nemesis. I've been 3rd and now 2nd twice. Finally ending my professional student career this May, so I won't get to do it again. Really wanted the W this time!

I hope my club doesn't have to cancel our race weekend in a couple of weeks (we lost our crit venue). I could go for some payback at that TT, though the course isn't as suited to my strengths.

ridethecliche

You can still race after graduamacation.

aicabsolut

Not on that course, though.

RChung

What were the time gaps between 1st, you, and 3rd? And the total distance?

aicabsolut

Approx 16.7mi (last year was 14.7mi...they moved the U-turn).
1st place was 1:38 ahead of me (I beat this woman by 1:21 last year! Grr)
3rd place was 0:50 behind me.

My avg speed went up this year by only 0.5mph.

Forgot to mention that someone spray painted "SHUT UP LEGS" on the road about 2km from the finish. Made my day.

RChung

So you went faster and that other woman still gained 7 sec/km? Yow. Look for a Gruber Assist.

waterrockets 

aicabsolut

Yeah, I think it was the first time she'd beaten me in a TT. I am pretty bummed about it, because it wasn't even close.

I couldn't hear too well with the TT helmet on, but I'm pretty sure she said, "Nice try," to me after she crossed the line (I started first).

aicabsolut

One picture has surfaced of my finish. Nothing from side view.

waterrockets 

That looks pretty compact

echappist

Btw, do i see spacers under your non -17 stem?

aicabsolut

My stem is set at -16, but yeah, there are a couple of spacers. My neck was plenty cramped up the day after this race.