The first 40k time trial of the year was held in March in northern Kentucky. Its a flat to rolling course along the river, pretty typical terrain and similar to Cleves. Prior to the event, I took my position on the bike to as low in the front as possible and raised my saddle to open my hips. I took some pictures and this is about as flat as I’ve ever had my back. I rode several times in this position and changed my Cycle-Ops Indoor 400 to a position pretty close to this. After seeing the extra power it took on the indoor tt’s to just a little faster I really thought going more aero would be the answer to going faster.
About 5 miles into it, I realized I had made a huge mistake. First of all, my neck was killing me. If I looked down at the road, I was fine but given the potholes and just general riding safety this isn’t a great way to ride. I was also finding that I just wasn’t generating the power I usually do. I was also extremely uncomfortable. For the first time ever in a tt, I was coming out of the saddle just to use some different muscles and take some of the pressure off my neck. Lesson learned—back to the old position. In fact, I’m even experimenting with bring the bars up a little higher and moving back on the saddle. I was pushing big power at the indoor tt’s in that position. As long as I stay as narrow as possible, take advantage of the equipment (tires, tire pressure, helmet, etc), I may gain some speed in a position that allows a little more power even if a little less aero.
