I'm doing a duathlon on Sunday around a flat 1.5 mile race track. 1.5 / 6 / 1.5 / 6 / 1.5.. what I'm wondering is should I use clipless pedals and waste valuable time changing shoes and getting clipped in, or replace my clipless with platforms and lose a little time on the bike legs. 4 transitions gives potential to lose a lot of time. I won't be using straps on the pedals just because I don't like them..
My opinion right now is just stick with platforms as it will be faster and something different!
Comments
4 transitions does sound messy !
Have you seen this article, the video is useful too.
http://www.freebirdevents.co.uk/blog/2014/07/11/speeding-up-triathlon-transitions/
Hopefully it will help!
I do know some duathletes have 2 pairs of running shoes to avoid this.
You'd need 3 pairs Bkins !
Cheers Charlie. Not too worried about tips to speed up transitions. More just wondering about how much cycling with platform pedals will slow me down vs losing 15-30s in each transition.
cougie - I guess once you've got your feet into the clips they are worth having. I could bring them along on the day and try them out beforehand.. do you think they make much difference to speed?
3 pairs? Now you see the benefit of wearing one pair throughout the race!!
I've been using a fixed gear bike with grippy platforms and haven't slipped off yet (except at 150rpm.. thankfully I've got brakes on the bike! ) I'd be happy enough to go without unless there was significant speed to be gained.
OK - I think you'll be OK. (just don't come crawling to me if you put your foot through the front wheel)
I'd definitely be using flats and trainers for that many transitions.
Doubt you'll lose much time over the cycling course with that combination in comparison to attempting to change into shoes you've already kicked off.
Sounds good. Think that's my decision made.
Stuck with the flats and definitely the right choice. Transitions were a breeze. Must have saved at least 90 seconds. Not sure the flats made much difference to my cycling anyway. Average speed with flats, normal helmet and trainers was 37kph @ 260W which is in around what I would expect in full aero kit! Makes me wonder if its worth doing the same for a sprint tri??
I somehow managed to 'squeeze in' an extra lap on the first bike section but ran back into 2nd place anyway. It wasn't a big turnout.. Don't think I would have caught the winner had I been able to count.
Excellent result well done.