Ygduf

spirit of the rules?

Doge

Spirit of rules that don't apply to your race?
I don't get that.

carpediemracing 

If I can meet UCI guidelines without incurring cost just to do so then so be it. If, say, I want to change saddles, I'd consider those that help me meet UCI regs that also work for me in terms of comfort.

On the other hand I'm perfectly fine working within USAC rules that violate UCI rules, like using Cane Creek Speed Bars. If I get lighter and faster again I'll put them on if I think I'll use them.

I guess it's illogical human logic.

Doge

For some riders the UCI saddle position is farther back than they like esp the slammed stem crowd (two teammates).
On TT bikes the bar extensions can be uncomfortably short. Shorter than both my kid and his coach like.
It was no part of the handlebar can be lower than the top of the tire. I think that changed. I have to study up again soon.

Doge

What is your opinion on the spirit of a rule that is regularly broken/ignored/not enforced - say 95%+ of the time.

Ygduf

what rule is broken 95% of the time? theoretically I wouldn't care if no one is bothered by it, but I'd want to know what I was talking about before committing to anything.

Doge

Scope is UCI races, mostly stuff I saw / was aware of.
Some road stuff like sticky bottles, drafting cars - recovering from a mishap. A rider coming back to the pack will always draft.

Taking support from spectators. It is a tradition in Paris-Roubaix for spectators to line the course with spare wheels. Maybe there is a UCI exception for this, but I have not found it. Tyler got a spare bike from a spectator in Auz this year.

Then equipment stuff. Rarely are ROAD bikes weighed in Europe (or not once we know of) and about everyone I saw would be 15# real wet. Tape is normally used to hold things. Wheels are not checked for UCI list, or unlabeled. Fork tabs removed for quick change (not 95%). Blocking out mfg labels. Modification of equipment.

Duke of Kent

I saw a bike check done on most of a dozen bikes at the TDU and most were half a kilo over the limit, if not more. Granted, this was by a member of the media, but still.

Also, I've watched Paris-Roubaix >10 times now, and every dude I've seen holding wheels in his hands was a team rep of some kind. Unless they just randomly handed a set or two of wheels, and a team jersey, to a random fan along the course.

Doge

TDU? Utah? In the USA they tend to weigh the top 10 in UCI races. Had not seen them do it once in about 15 in Europe - too few to say 95%, but the Euro kids say they don't. They do fully check TT bikes.

Duke of Kent

Tour Down Under.

spectastic

Ouch. I sense bitterness. This one has spice. My rationale in going with the partial model is because in order to amplify the small differences between bare shoe and booties, you have to try to keep control variables to a minimum. That means it's probably best to take the rider out of the equation and testing the shoe at different angles. But I'm no scientist. There are pros and cons to each tunnel test methods. Thats what id do. But I guess you are much more well versed with this field of study than I am. I am sorry I insulted your unparalleled expertise.

grolby

In fact I don't have any expertise in aerodynamic testing methods and don't pretend to. This isn't about the pros and cons of different methods for you, it's about being unable to say "oh, I didn't know that, that's surprising" and move on with a better understanding of what's faster and what's not.

spectastic

I don't have a problem with saying i don't know. I have a problem with unfounded derogratory remarks .

grolby

Well then I apologize.

gsteinb

Doge

Just that in many cases the gaps like tire to fork and helmet to shoulder are what you are testing. So it is these interplay of parts you need to get realistic numbers. I never liked the boots for weight and heat and some of these shoes are pretty smooth.

spectastic

Such is the case for helmets, because the rider's streamline consists of the helmet and the back, and rider position affects the helmet drag. However, the shoes are kind of out there away from the rest of the bike, and constantly changing positions such that no steady stream is ever really established. That's why I didn't think about that very much

Doge

Yea, I'm not as emotional about it although that never stopped me beating a topic to death. The interaction with the crank and the open triangle / down tube introduce turbulence that a static model does not capture. I tend to lean light over aero. Still aero, but light and aero over more aero at all costs. So 50mm profile wheels over 650g heavier 60mm profile wheels and slick shoes over heavier booties. My son reluctantly goes with my selection because we have a deal and when he doesn't he can get DQ'd. We are making frame selection now for upcoming races and choosing less aero frames over more aero ones in some and not in others. Some things we no longer have choices for, others we do.

PepeM

Ordered myself a kit, which arrived today. Since I am 5'7'' and 145lbs I ordered a small, supposed to be for people 5'4'' to 5'8'' and 120-145lbs. I think it is too large, bunches up on my belly and a bit on my chest. Will have to send it back to the UK and they don't have XSmalls so either I pay $40 more to get it elsewhere or just don't get anything. Shame because it was a nice one. At least the bibs fit well I guess.

canuckbelle

I'm 6'0" 172lbs and I wear a Women's Sm jersey (men's xs if there's no women-specific).

My advice is never buy kit unless you try it on (or a fit kit) first.

PepeM

Guess you're right. Darn internet!

Doge

My wife and I have had this theory for a long time in soccer and cycling that the best are always 5'10-6'1 - closer to 5'11 - male or female. Then there are the exceptions.

canuckbelle

Huh. I dunno. I don't think that applies to GC riders, because it's hard for us to climb due to the w/kg penalty. But if it's flat...I suspect we make better sprinters.

dz_nuzz

At this point I think this post will be considered "off-topic" but oh well, I am a self proclaimed aero-weenie so I obviously need to include my few cents worth of experience.

Having ridden Aero road bikes for a few years now as my primary bike I think that it boils down to this: If my bike gets me even half a mile an hour extra speed at a constant power then it is worth it. Because at the end of the race if I managed even a quarter of a mile an hour faster in a break than the chase did for just 30 minutes I still win by an eighth of a mile.

Marginal differences mean quite a bit. I actually credit my Bear Mountain win last year to having decided to go all out on the aero gear. After 2 hours by myself I put a good gap into the field, it just added up over time.

canuckbelle

I just put an order in for the Syncros aero bars for my Foil ^_^ Integrated bar/stem ftw.