Training for Time Trials

[RoadRaven]

Hey there DH Diva!
Most excellent to hear you are going to give this type of racing a go.
Some people love TTs (erm... me for example?) and some people just don't want to even try.
I look forward to reading your first race report on your TTs this spring (that seems funny to write - its autumn here!) and I am anticipating that you will find it interesting and fun

[CR400]

Ok, help me with this I read somewhere that it is pointless to buy a TT bike unless you can go fast enough to use it. In the case I read it was 25mph. How true is this statement?

[SheFly]

Ok, help me with this I read somewhere that it is pointless to buy a TT bike unless you can go fast enough to use it. In the case I read it was 25mph. How true is this statement?

This is a personal choice! There are certain elements of a TT bike that will actually increase your speed. Of course, you DO need to have some power to do that. You're not going to jump from 20 - 25 mph just by going to a TT bike, for example.

I definitely increased my speed when I moved to a TT-specific bike, and added other aero-dynamic components. I am now on my SECOND TT bike (see the new beauty at: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=14378). I also race on this bike WEEKLY through the season...

You haven't stated what your goals are, so it is difficult to say if this would help or hurt you moving forward. Sorry to seem disjointed, but I really do think the correct answer to your question is "It depends".

SheFly

[Eden]

Ok, help me with this I read somewhere that it is pointless to buy a TT bike unless you can go fast enough to use it. In the case I read it was 25mph. How true is this statement?

I doubt that is true.... I looked at the some of the TT results from around here and the winners in the 1/2 women's fields are generally doing right around 24/25 mph.

Of course a TT bike is not going to suddenly turn you into a speed demon right away either. Everything you change (areo bars, aero helmet, bike, disc wheel, etc.) will likely shave off seconds in a short tt (10 -12 mile) maybe minutes if you are doing long tt's or tri's, so really what to look at is how far back from placing you are. If you are 10 min back from the winner, then work on your fitness. If you are right up there and you are missing out by 30 seconds then equipment just might put you up on the podium. (and practice at the turn around and finish - two places where it is easy to lose precious seconds)
First thing to get - aerobars - this will give you the biggest boost out of any piece equipment you can buy. I'm pretty sure the aero helmet is next. Other things get more tricky. I've heard you can reduce your drag by not wearing gloves as much as putting a disc rear wheel on will do - so pick and choose carefully.
I chose to get a dedicated TT bike more for convenience. I do a fair amount of stage racing in the summer and having to change over the bike (put on aerobars, change the saddle position) to do the TT, then change it back for the crit can be a stress that you just don't need on race day. (Plus I got mine used and it was a really good deal).