- 7:30 wheels
- Deeper is faster in conditions with side winds.
- The stronger the side wind, the greater the effect
- Rear disk wheels are an excellent choice! But they are not always allowed
- Buy newer generation toroidal (rounded tip) wheels. Avoid ones that come to a sharp point.
- Michael’s pick for triathlon: 60mm + disk, with a 60mm rear as backup
- Andrew’s pick: 90mm + disk
- There’s negligible aerodynamic performance difference between High end American / European brands and Chinese open mold
- +1 for aluminum brake surface wheels for improved breaking performance
- 28:00 frames
- Most modern triathlon frames offer very similar aerodynamic performance
- Why you should be very skeptical of aerodynamic test data presented by manufacturers
- Optimal fit is the primary factor in selecting the ‘right’ frame
- Storage integration is becoming a design consideration and competitive advantage
- 40:00 nutrition and hydration storage on non-integrated bikes
- Between the arms bottles are both aerodynamic and convenient
- Behind the saddle bottle can also be quite aero, but are harder to access
- Two versions of BTA setups and their pros and cons
- Best storage options for nutrition
- 47:30 helmets
- The optimal helmet choice is heavily influenced by the rider’s preferred head position
- Helmet priorities: safety, comfort, aerodynamics, cooling
- MIPS and similar novel safety features
- Our struggle to pronounce Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
- Helmet fit: front lip of the helmet should not be more than one finger width’s north of the eyebrows
- Aero recommendation: if your head is clearly above the line of your back, and you can hold it there, then a long tailed helmet is a good bet. If you keep your head low, then a short tail or tail-less helmet is the more aerodynamic choice.
- The strong case for aero road helmets: cooling and light weight
For a deeper dive into the aerodynamics of cycling, have a listen to episode 36, where we break it down.