| Author |
Topic: Newbie Question Amnesty |
mbannon
Cool Runner |
 posted Apr-30-2007 06:07 PM
   
quote:
Originally posted by kristine25:
I am no good at physics at all. Can someone explain to me why the smaller chain up front the easier the pedaling and why the smaller chain the back for harder pedaling. The mechanics make no sense to me.
It was all started by the French. Just another Metric thing. Don't worry about it. (In other words, I can't explain it).
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Winston
Member |
posted Apr-30-2007 06:14 PM
Typical list of transition area stuff? (Swim to Bike) and (Bike to Swim)How many of you have "real" triathlon bikes? Are they really better than road bikes? Can you get one for less than $1k? Since triathlon bikes allow you to reduce drag more than regular road bikes, why doesnt everyone use a triathlon bike? What do you use to prevent wet suit chaffing?
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triandstopme
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 06:25 PM
quote:
Originally posted by kristine25:
I am no good at physics at all. Can someone explain to me why the smaller chain up front the easier the pedaling and why the smaller chain the back for harder pedaling. The mechanics make no sense to me.
Okay, I’ll take a shot. Turning the front gear (your pedals) one full rotation moves the chain the number of teeth on that chain ring. In other words, 54 teeth = 54 links. On the back wheel, the teeth on the cogs relate to a full turn of the rear wheel. So when the chain moves 54 links from that one rotation of the front crank, the number of teeth on the rear cog determine how many times the rear wheel rotates. Say you’re on a 54 up front... now imagine you had a 54 in the back, too. (Not a real – or at least -- normal option.) In this case, with 54 up front 54 in back, every tooth on the front crank is responsible for turning a corresponding tooth on the rear cog. Your gear ratio (crank teeth/cog teeth) would be 1/1. So with every full rotation of the pedals, you’d get one rotation of the rear wheel. Now, you switch to a very real 27 in the back, you move the chain 54 links. Which translates to two full rotations of the back cog. Your gear ratio is 2 (54/27). Now, every time you rotate the pedals, you power your bike forward twice the distance (two rotations of the rear wheel) as with the 54/54 combo. Keeping that same 54 up front, when you go down to the 11 cog, one rotation of the pedal will move 54 links... which will make the back wheel turn 4.9 times. So you power your bike forward 4.9 times the circumference of the rear wheel. (4.9 rotations of the rear wheel.) If you’re on the smaller cog up front... say a 39, then you’re only moving the chain 39 links with each rotation of the pedals. If you’ve got a 27 on the back, you’ve rotate the rear wheel 1.44 (39/27) times. Gear Inches is number representing the distance you’re powering the bike forward with one rotation of pedals. It’s not the actual distance, since the equation used to calculate it doesn’t include Pi. But it still tells you which gear combination will drive the bike further (and therefore, feel harder). The bottom line is that the closer the front gear is in size to the back gear, the easier it will be to pedal. PH, JR, and anyone else, please jump in to correct if I’ve got this wrong.
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melonella
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 06:30 PM
quote:
Originally posted by kristine25:
I am no good at physics at all. Can someone explain to me why the smaller chain up front the easier the pedaling and why the smaller chain the back for harder pedaling. The mechanics make no sense to me.
The smaller the circle, the smaller the diameter. The smaller the diameter, the fewer links in your chain are required to go one full rotation. When you're talking about the front chain ring, smaller = easier because it requires less force to drive the chain just 10 links than it is to drive it 20. When you're talking about the rear cassette, however, smaller = harder because it requires less force to rotate the wheel only half way around as compared to rotating it one complete time.
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DawnT
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 06:37 PM
Typical list of transition area stuff? (Swim to Bike) and (Bike to Swim)
Swim to Bike: water bottle to wash off feet, towel to dry feet, socks, bike shoes, helmet, sunglasses, race beltBike to Swim: running shoes, running hat How many of you have "real" triathlon bikes? Are they really better than road bikes? Can you get one for less than $1k?
I only have a road bike. Lots of people ride on road bikes in tris. I'm very comfortable on my road bike with aerobars. I can't justify another bike at this point, so I'll be riding this one for a while. If you're only going to have one bike, then get a road bike. More versatile. A tri bike is only better for getting you more aero and possibly for comfort in aerobars (IMO). At this point in my development, being more aero is not what's slowing me down. Not enough miles in my legs is the problem. Since triathlon bikes allow you to reduce drag more than regular road bikes, why doesnt everyone use a triathlon bike?
I think this is debatable. I think you can get into a very aero position on a road bike. I don't use a tri bike for the reason I said above - I only have one bike and I want to use it for more than just tri racing. What do you use to prevent wet suit chaffing?
Body Glide - lots of it. It also helps with getting the thing off. I use Body Glide on my feet up and over my knees and on my wrists up and over my elbows.
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Winston
Member |
posted Apr-30-2007 06:38 PM
quote:
Originally posted by kristine25:
I am no good at physics at all. Can someone explain to me why the smaller chain up front the easier the pedaling and why the smaller chain the back for harder pedaling. The mechanics make no sense to me.
Work = Force x Distance. The force is the pressure on the pedal. The Distance is the circle you pump your leg through. The Work is total effort required to get down the block. Oh, never mind....
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Silly Sally
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 08:12 PM
kids & racingI had my kids do a 1k while I did a HM. They had a blast and got finishing ribbons. Then we did a family 5k walk together (during another marathon event) and they kept taking off on me and running, though I had just sprained my ankle and had to run after them like Terry Fox. They got a cool finisher's medal. Then I asked them if they'd like to run a 5k with me, not walk, but run. They said yes. We took it easy breezy, I paced them and we finished the hilly course in about 37 min. I WAS SO PROUD! They got another cool finisher's medal. They were 7 and 9 at the time, no training, nada. Would they do another one? I'm pretty sure they would cause it was a lot of fun. At one point, I got my hands on some Asics and Saucony's for them ... amazingly light and durable compared to regular sneakers and they weren't that much more expensive. The kids loved them. IM & clothing
Swim - wore my bathing suit
Bike - wore tri top and BIKE shorts, though they weren't super cushioned, just comfortable, didn't have that stupid rubber elastic on the legs
Run - changed into running shorts My trainer, who's done 22 IM, changes from bike to running shorts too. Says that if he's going to do that kind of distance, he'd rather be comfortable. I know he's finished sub-10. Used to train with the European Elite cyclists ... fastest run on marathon portion of IM was about 3:20 ... So I guess he knows what he's talking about. bike for IM
My trainer says it's the motor, not the bike that counts the most. I rode on an old steel frame that he put solid basic components on and then I added aerobars. Though I wasn't incredibly fast (only 4 months bike under my belt), I held my own climbing two mountains with only 12 gears. Felt good to pass all those expensive bikes. Will I ever buy a tri bike? Not against it, but my pockets say differently. Gomie
I stalk you here on CR just to laugh at your jokes, especially about PH. Please keep them up. In fact, this applies to all you MS folks, thanks for the good laughs ... and please continue to do what you do PH  Sally ------------------
"Follow your bliss"
My Ironwoman Inklings
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Nhogue21
Member |
posted Apr-30-2007 08:26 PM
What can you do to improve your times? Should i do fartleks for the run, and maybe ride hills to strengthen my legs on the bike? I'm more nervous about he swim? What is a good time to shoot for ? Im doing a sprint triathlon in July, my first one. its a .62 swim.
How do you avoid getting beaten to death by other swimmers without hanging back?
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TriBob
Moderator of Multisport Training |
posted Apr-30-2007 09:02 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Nhogue21:
What can you do to improve your times? Should i do fartleks for the run, and maybe ride hills to strengthen my legs on the bike? train hard, eat right, read Triathlon 101 for all the basics. I'm more nervous about he swim? What is a good time to shoot for ? What ever your time in the pool is. Im doing a sprint triathlon in July, my first one. its a .62 swim.
How do you avoid getting beaten to death by other swimmers without hanging back? lead the pack. Or, start on the outside. the pack will spread out
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Takes Q's, Kicks A's
CR Map
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mbannon
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 09:05 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Nhogue21:
How do you avoid getting beaten to death by other swimmers without hanging back?
In the two tris I've done (both sprints, both relatively small) I found it really wasn't that bad. I got bumped a little, but nothing serious, and certainly nothing that had me worried about my safety.------------------
Running To My Future
Me and My Log
The Newbie Wiki
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Dougie Fresh
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 09:14 PM
quote:
Originally posted by kristine25:
I am no good at physics at all. Can someone explain to me why the smaller chain up front the easier the pedaling and why the smaller chain the back for harder pedaling. The mechanics make no sense to me.
How gears work
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Dougie Fresh
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 09:25 PM
quote:
I'm more nervous about he swim? What is a good time to shoot for ? Im doing a sprint triathlon in July, my first one. its a .62 swim.
Whatever time gets you to the beach without a volunteer bringing you there. At this point you can make up more time by practicing your transitions.
quote:
How do you avoid getting beaten to death by other swimmers without hanging back?
Lead, follow or get out of the way. Literally. If you think you're a fast swimmer start in front and leave the pack behind. If you think you are slow start in the back and everyone will move ahead of you. Otherwise, start off to the side and out of the way but don't do too much that will make the swim further for you.I am the worst swimmer in the world. Rocks get to shore faster than me. I start on the inside back so I follow but take the shortest distance to where I am going. It also helps me sight off the kayakers and buoys by being close to them (not to mention the comfort factor in my head). ------------------
fka Stardog34
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jwcrew99
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-30-2007 10:15 PM
quote:
Originally posted by DawnT:
[b]How many of you have "real" triathlon bikes? Are they really better than road bikes? Can you get one for less than $1k?
I only have a road bike. Lots of people ride on road bikes in tris. I'm very comfortable on my road bike with aerobars. I can't justify another bike at this point, so I'll be riding this one for a while. If you're only going to have one bike, then get a road bike. More versatile. A tri bike is only better for getting you more aero and possibly for comfort in aerobars (IMO). At this point in my development, being more aero is not what's slowing me down. Not enough miles in my legs is the problem.Since triathlon bikes allow you to reduce drag more than regular road bikes, why doesnt everyone use a triathlon bike?
I think this is debatable. I think you can get into a very aero position on a road bike. I don't use a tri bike for the reason I said above - I only have one bike and I want to use it for more than just tri racing. [/B]
A tri bike set-up has different geometry which forces the rider into a more forward position on the bike, this results in the rider using a different set of muscles which helps to save the legs for the run, hamstrings vs quads Yes putting aerobars on a road bike enables the rider to get into a more streamline position which reduces the amount of work required to accomplish the bike portion of the race and do it faster, but you will hit your running muscles more on the bike which will be detrimental on the run. You can get closer to the tri bike setup by getting a modified seatpost which enables you to move the seat into a forward position. Jon
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picchk
Cool Runner |
posted May-01-2007 09:29 AM
quote:
Originally posted by IMgomie:
Beware of papercuts!!
I'll do my best.....
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Ella
Cool Runner |
posted May-01-2007 09:36 AM
quote:
Originally posted by mbannon:
It was all started by the French. Just another Metric thing. Don't worry about it.(In other words, I can't explain it).
If it was a metric thing it would be perfectly clear how it all worked. It's that weird imperial stuff you have to worry about  Ella 
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jroden
Cool Runner |
posted May-01-2007 09:43 AM
In New York, our local Amish are allowed to use engines to power equipment, but it seems like they have to have some sort of pulley involved, so they have an old buick out back spinning a shaft with all sorts of belts and pulleys driving their Craftsman drill press with the motor removed. I think bicycles use the same cutting edge agricultural technology popular during the age of sweatshop labor.Next time you get lost on some dirt road without powelines in evidence, stop in at the local Amish school for an explanation of the whole bicycle driveline, and maybe a slice of pie.
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Winston
Member |
posted May-01-2007 10:52 AM
A Ha! Tri bikes use different muscles than a road bike. Now I get it! That makes sense now. Thanks for the explanation jwcrew.
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Winston
Member |
posted May-01-2007 11:00 AM
Do many of you race with a Heart Rate Monitor? If so, what zone do you shoot for when biking and running?
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TriBob
Moderator of Multisport Training |
posted May-01-2007 11:16 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Winston:
Do many of you race with a Heart Rate Monitor? If so, what zone do you shoot for when biking and running?
No. You should be able to guess what your zones are. A few people do. It is annoying to hear the out of range beep incessantly during the race. ------------------
Takes Q's, Kicks A's
CR Map
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mbannon
Cool Runner |
posted May-01-2007 11:16 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Winston:
A Ha! Tri bikes use different muscles than a road bike. Now I get it! That makes sense now. Thanks for the explanation jwcrew.
Well...I mean, they're both bikes, so it's still all about the legs. But the tri bike's geometry moves you forward a bit, utilizing a slightly different muscle set. Little more here, little less there, that kind of thing. Supposed to help out on the run, although I personally only have a tri bike, so I can't tell you from experience whether it works or not.
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Running To My Future
Me and My Log
The Newbie Wiki
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nepbug
Cool Runner |
posted May-01-2007 11:35 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Tamster:
Why does my bike wobble when I get up to 27 mph going downhill?Do you guys ever have bad training days mentally? Where you go home after and think "What in the world am I doing" or worse? Tam
TriBob already responded to this, but I'll add my knowledge too.
This is refered to as high-speed shimmy, it is sometimes believed to be a result of the rake or trail of your fork. Changing out forks to try to get rid of shimmy is expensive. A lot of the times the shimmy won't go away with fork changes, it's inherent in the frame design. That being said, the larger the frame the more likely you will have "shimmy" (larger frames tend to be more flexible thus having lower resonant frequencies).
27 mph seems to be pretty low speed for a shimmy, but it could be the culprit. I would first make sure you headset is properly tightened, take it to your LBS if you don't feel comfortable checking this. I had a bike that had bad shimmy before and the knees clamped on the top tube helps (plus I feel more aero in that position), but I would say the biggest help was weighting the front end. This was odd to me at first coming from mt. biking, but getting my weight over my front end made me go from shimmy at 37 mph to smooth all the way up to 49 mph (haven't broke the 50 mph mark yet). The shifting of weight is similar to TriBob's suggestion of standing up, but when my bike shimmies I want as many points of contact as possible to try and maintain control. Lastly, if you get into a shimmy use only your rear brake at first to bring your speed down and then bring on your front brake as the shimmy subsides. Have fun, just lean forward and clamp on.
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nepbug
Cool Runner |
posted May-01-2007 11:38 AM
quote:
Originally posted by purple hayes:
90 RPMs with a 53/12 will have you riding @ 31 MPH. 53/11 will have you at 34 MPH at 90 RPM.120 RPM with a 53/12 will have you riding @ 45 MPH. You should be able to hold 120 RPM for at least 30 seconds. Not too many hills around here that are steep enough to keep me at 45 MPH for more than a couple of seconds.
Those speeds are not necessarily so if he's running 650c wheels, but I agree it sounds like you just need to improve your RPMs.
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4boysmom
Cool Runner |
posted May-01-2007 12:00 PM
HRM--I always use it for running. My coach has me training/racing in zones. Bicycling... I just do touring, so it doesn't really matter. If I've done a run and have the HRM on, I'll go ahead and use it for the ride. Never get good data from it though.Next question--how to get good HR data while bicycling? Data shows HR bouncing all around. Pace/elevation doesn't change, so I don't get how HR can bounce around so much.
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tecdad
Cool Runner |
posted May-01-2007 12:32 PM
Special Needs BagWhat is this and how is it different from the "normal" transisiton bag. What should go into the special needs bag and where will it be on the course. I'm assuming somewhere different than T1/T2? Thanks,
------------------
Kevin
(aka TecDad)
My home page "Every morning in Africa, an antelope wakes up. It knows it must outrun the lion, or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the antelope, or it will starve.
It doesn't mater whether you're a lion or an antelope - when the sun comes up, you'd better be running."
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TriBob
Moderator of Multisport Training |
posted May-01-2007 01:42 PM
quote:
Originally posted by tecdad:
Special Needs BagWhat is this and how is it different from the "normal" transisiton bag. What should go into the special needs bag and where will it be on the course. I'm assuming somewhere different than T1/T2? Thanks,
Special needs bags are different the T1/T2 bags and are at aid stations along the course. You can put custom drinks, nutrition, shirts etc. ------------------
Takes Q's, Kicks A's
CR Map
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