Get Fit
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Photo/Greg Kaplan
One of the best things you can do for your cycling is get a bike fit. A bike fit will put you in an optimal position on your bike and set you up for comfort. Plus, you're most likely to ride injury-free after a proper fitting.
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Your Next RaceCockpit
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Photo courtesy of Profile Design
Using clip-on bar extensions will put you into an aero position. A shorter stem will offer more control and keep you comfortable. When you get a bike fit, ask you fitter to set up your bar extensions. You'll want to have the pads set to a comfortable width and find a stem that's the proper length as well.
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Photo/Greg Kaplan
An optimal, aerodynamic position on your bike is one where your center of work is over the bottom bracket—the mechanical assembly that allows your cranks to spin. Ask your bike fitter about seatpost options for less saddle setback—the distance your bike saddle is set behind the bottom bracket. Note that some seatposts can be flipped around to accommodate a more aggressive triathlon position.
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Photo/Greg Kaplan
A more aggressive and aerodynamic position on your bike means a different contact point on your bike saddle. You may want to explore saddle options that offer additional padding on the nose or are split along the horizontal axis to provide perineal nerve relief.
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Photo/Greg Kaplan
Those deep-profile race wheels you've seen around actually make a difference in your speed. Deeper and wider wheels are more aerodynamic than shallower, box-rim wheels. General-use bike tires are a great option to prevent flats, but they may not be the fastest tire. Race tires are lighter, will decrease rolling resistance and often will be more comfortable than heavier rubber.
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Photo courtesy of Topeak
You're putting your body in an aerodynamic position to decrease drag. So, naturally you'd want to do the same thing for your water bottles, saving additional watts and time. Mounting your bottles behind your saddle is the most aerodynamic option. However, if you're not sure about reaching behind you while at speed, there are also aerodynamic water bottle options that will keep you hydrated, confident and fast.
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Photo courtesy of Topeak
If you'll be on the bike for a few hours, you'll need to bring snacks. Mounting a "bento box" on your bike's top tube is a useful way to carry nutrition.
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