Race Recap & Cycling Tips w/ Troy (

#cycling #cyclingrace #strava
In this video, I have a discussion with Troy (‪@OhioMTBTrails‬) about my 200 mile race, my recent 100 mile PB, gear, and training for things to come! Troy is a good friend and fellow KZbinr. Check out his channel and enjoy our discussion!
I also answer some questions asked by fellow riders and viewers of the channel. Have any other questions for Troy or myself?
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[@DyeProto1234]

Another thing to bring up about aero bars. I believe you mentioned a sore back in one of your videos, that's really common in long distance triathlon rides, especially coming off the swim that heavily uses your back muscles. Laying out on the bars and being able to stretch out really takes the pressure off the back and honestly in my 70.3 I used them more as a recovery tool than a speed tool. I'm with you with looking into tubeless, I am absolutely terrified of getting a flat on race day. Something I have been meaning to look more into.

[@gearmonger8616]

good point or aero bars for general positioning. Tubeless would have helped the back issue, too. There is a reason why 150 pound tour riders are on 28-32mm tires now. Compliance is key. For 175-190 pound riders, a 32 is the faster width. 35mm is going to be better for this over 190 and this is road riding not gravel.

[@ericbarnettcycling]

I’m interested to see how much a bike fitter wants to change things before aero bars even come into play. I’ve been wondering for awhile if I’m in the best position, or if I’ve just gotten used to how I’m set up. Always a work in progress!

[@ericbarnettcycling]

I’ve got some 36s on my Trek Crossrip, and though I don’t ride fast they’re sooo comfortable. It’s like having suspension.

[@JMower]

This was surprisingly interesting! Could definitely get behind this as a series/podcast. It's very refreshing to hear opinions from regular guys!

[@ericbarnettcycling]

Thanks Jarrod - it was fun to make! I'd like to do these occasionally and talk to other KZbinrs, too. Congrats on your marathon - my feet & knees hurt just seeing your Strava!

[@gearmonger8616]

This was different. The winner of the Trail Divide and Silk Mountain Race uses a power meter for ultra endurance events. It helps gauge effort and is not always a speed oriented device. The discussion was good but incomplete regarding the subject of rider specific attributes in regard to relevant upgrades and base equipment.

[@ericbarnettcycling]

I agree that it’s not the best advice for everyone. For the 200 mile race where drafting was allowed and future drafting races, I’d probably get more advantage from aero wheels than a power meter if I can only afford one. Non-drafting, solo endurance? Different story, for sure. Eventually, I would like to have both, as well as a more endurance geometry bike.

[@gearmonger8616]

@@ericbarnettcycling Sure, there are way cheaper and more effective aero gains over wheels. Lowering the rider CDA and an aero helmet equal more. Wheels are sexier for sure and they get a lot of attention. The most aerodynamic wheels also decrease ride comfort. That part of the story rarely shows up in the glitz reviews. 200 miles for the pros is one thing. They are young and flexible and gifted. 200 miles for mortals is a balancing act, probably 38mm deep wheels with a 25 internal and a 32 external to match the profile of a 30mm tire is the BEST balance, especially if the system weight is low. Recent findings show far more laminar flow when the air doesn't get highly disturbed in the transition zone. 50mm deepies have very limited useful applications. Shouldn't every longer event be predicted as a "solo" ride? It only takes one mechanical or drop to be out there alone.

[@ericbarnettcycling]

@@gearmonger8616 absolutely- it’s a balancing act. Comfort definitely plays a huge role. Before I got my Tarmac, I had a LBC suggest 36 Gravel Kings for my Trek Crossrip when I told them I was riding centuries. Their argument is that comfort is king when doing that kind of distance, and they’re certainly not wrong. I’d be interested in a wheel that hits the Goldilocks zone - lighter & more aero than the stock wheel, but allowing to ride a larger tire, thus bringing smoothness and comfort back into the equation. I’m very interested in the Redshift Switch Aero system that allows for different saddle positioning for the aero bars. If (when) the day comes that I try anything longer than 200 that has zero draft, it’s time to think about a more relaxed bike geometry. I’m interested in what a bike fitter has to say about how I’ve been riding. I’m 100% still learning and experimenting. I know that no setup is going to be the magic bullet, and I need to be able to adjust to whatever a ride has to throw at me.