Marginal Gains: Getting more Aero

Every triathlete looks at ways to improve, it’s why we keep doing this crazy triathlon thing. As triathletes, we spend endless amounts of money trying to get faster, increase our speed and win our age group. Sometimes we just want to finish, but, the amount of money that you can spend on triathlon gear is literally endless.

For example, I bought my triathlon bike a few years ago. I didn’t NEED a tri bike, but when I got a bike fitting I found the position remarkably comfortable and was told that the position would help me to run off the bike. So, I bought the bike. Then there was an issue of finding the right saddle, I think I tried like 20 saddles. Finally committing to one, then changing it again the next season. I’ve then spent money on various hydration systems, power pedals and then wheels.

I didn’t stop there. I decided after last season when racing in Germany and Austria, that my bike was ‘too common’ amongst all the other athletes that had a Canyon.

There was nothing inherently wrong with the bike, but it had raced a lot so there were a few scratches and well…a new paint job would mean a faster bike, right?

While all of those investments are totally valid, let’s be honest, they’re just marginal gains. I also made the wise decision this year to get a bike fit. Your body changes and every few years, it’s really helpful to get fitted and see how your position has changed.

I knew going into this fitting that my saddle was pretty uncomfortable. I noticed I was shuffling my position regularly while in a TT position. I need to be able to sit still, pedal and crush my power. Essentially a more effective pedal stroke which would generate more power, potentially more than just a marginal gain.

I booked an appointment with Matt Bottrill who is known to be one of the best bike fitters in the world. When I arrived, Matt took his time to assess my position and talk through the changes that I would need.

In short, I was sitting up like a kite when in my aero position and struggling in high winds (really anything over 20mph), which in turn was really negatively effecting my power and also having a knock on effect of when I was getting off to the bike in T2 and settling into my run.

Matt put me on a new saddle, doing some pressure mapping and at the same time, completely rebuilt my entire front end. He custom built me a new aero position that helps me tuck into the bike more, promising me that I would be able to handle high winds better on this new setup.

While I’ve only been in this position for a few weeks, it should be entertaining to see how my next 70.3 turns out. I am not expecting miracles, but I’m open to whatever happens. I hope that in a few months I’ll be ready for my A race.

While as a triathlete we can spend lots of money on marginal gains, a bike fit is worth its weight in gold. It will take some time to get used to the new position, I’m looking forward to seeing how it pays off. Watch this space.