Читать книгу The Bonsai Handbook - Adam Dickson - Страница 30

The information given in this section has been geared towards road bikes because if you are new to the sport and have entered a short race to find out if triathlon is for you, then a standard road bike, or indeed any roadworthy two-wheeler, will suffice. But if you intend on competing regularly and can afford to pay extra, then something more specific might be the answer.

When it comes to body position on the bike there is often a trade off between comfort and aerodynamics. At short distances you can sacrifice comfort for the aerodynamic position that generates the most power. Longer distances stretched out over the bars tend to weaken the core muscles, stress the lower back and reduce power output to a significant degree. Choose your bike with these factors in mind.

Road bikes have a seat-tube angle of about 72 to 75 degrees and put you in a more upright position. With the standard geometry, technical skills such as cornering, climbing and drafting are easier and allow for more control, especially at high speed. The design of the handlebars allows for quick switches from brake hoods to drops and facilitates short bursts of power when sprinting. Tri bikes have a seat-tube angle of 78 to 81 degrees and put the rider in a more forward position. This has the dual purpose of increasing aerodynamics and maintaining a position thought to be better for the muscles needed in running section to follow. Although these machines are designed specifically for triathlon, the combined elements of cost and the advanced handling skills needed, may make them a poor choice for a newcomer to triathlon.

You can modify a standard road bike to make it more tri specific by adding bolt-on aerobars. The only problem here, however, is the sharper angle created between the thigh and the upper torso as the rider adopts a more forward position. One solution is to push the saddle forward to relieve the severity of the stretch. Be aware though, that significant changes will alter the overall balance of the bike, making it less easier to control.

Shop around and decide which bike is right for you, based on your own needs and how much you can afford. Buy from a dealer who understands your needs and can give you advice regarding set-up. Every minor adjustment you can make to assist in the areas of power output, aerodynamics and comfort will have a positive and lasting effect on your overall performance.