What's my best option to improve my last place speed on a hybrid with regular pedals in a triathlon race?

Question

Should I get clipless pedals, race tires, make other adjustments, or just practice more short of buying a road bike? I was the only hybrid in the race. I finished a hilly(for me)12 mile race in 55 minutes. Most everyone was at least ten minutes faster. I wasn't planning on buying a road bike until next year. What one step will make the most difference in speed?

Answer 1

If you're going to keep the same bike try the following.
Get the handlebars as low as practical/comfortable to lower your wind resistance. If your handlebars have a rise you could get flat bars. For a flatter course you could add some clip-on aerobars to get you in a better position on the bike.
Find a tire with little or no tread, lightweight, that can be pumped up to a higher pressure to lower rolling resistance. Several companies sell these as commuter tires for on-road use only. Pump them up to the maximum allowable pressure before every ride.
Make sure your riding position is optimized for power delivery. Your knees should be slightly bent at the bottom of the stroke.
Remove anything that's not absolutely necessary so going up hills you are lighter. You don't need a horn, lights, reflectors, fenders, etc. in a triathlon. Carry only the hydration you will need.
Your average speed was about 13mph. Others were doing 16mph or more. Hilliness doesn't factor that much unless you are on a heavy (or ill-handling) bike. Going uphill will be slow but going downhill will be faster. Don't just coast down the hills. Pedal down and maximize your speed. Just because you're going downhill doesn't mean it's time to rest.
If your pedal cadence is very high down the hills you may need to consider different gearing to maximize your speed but that shouldn't be an issue unless you're going over 25 mph or so.
Clipless pedals will help. They will probably be lighter and more efficient but you need to consider the transition time and added cost. You'll be able to pedal faster also. If the shoes take 30 seconds to put on and remove but save you 3 minutes on the bike they are worth it.
Make sure your bike is tuned up and lubed well. A poorly lubed chain or wobbly wheels can eat up a lot of power.
Of course the bike is only part of the equation but a smooth running bike can motivate you to train and compete at a higher level (in my opinion).

Answer 2

Hey Joe,
Unfortunately, a hybrid bike is always going to be somewhat at a disadvantage to a road bike in a triathlon. With that said, there are a few things that I would recommend trying prior to dropping some serious coin on a new road bike......

First, I don't know what kind of handlebars your bike has, but having a set of roadbars(drops) on it would certainly help. Bear in mind that you will most likely have to change the shifters/brake levers in doing so, but it's certainly cheaper than buying an entire bike!

Second, clipless pedals will also add to your increased performance. Clipless pedals allow you to apply power to 85% of your pedal stroke-essentially, you can pull up on the pedals as well as push down, making your pedal stroke much more efficient.

Third, by changing the tires to those that have a lower "rolling resistance," you'll increase your efficiency, thereby increasing your speed and decreasing your effort. You might want to consider purchasing the tires complete with rims. That way, you can still use your hybrid for anything else and save your "good" tires for raceday.

Finally, have your bike tuned up by a qualified mechanic. This will also increase your efficiency while decreasing your effort. Be sure and take care of your drivetrain, and it will take care of you!!.......

Good luck!!

Answer 3

Joe, make sure the bike is fit for you. Take it to your local bike shop and have them adjust everything so you are getting optimal efficiency out of your bike. You coule try riding with cages on your pedals rather than clipless at this point, putting clipless on a hybrid when you want to get a roadbike in the near future is almost a waste of money. The cages will give you more efficiency without the cost of clipless and shoes. Also, practice practice practice! You know the more you train the better you race!!!

Good luck!

Answer 4

NO! just keep running and you will git bitter at it.