By Adam Baskin
Oct. 17, 2007 -- It’s no coincidence
that the end of the competitive season usually happens at about the same time as
the major bicycle industry trade shows. After a year of banging out the
miles, saddles break down, cables rust, chains stretch, shoes fall apart, and
bearings wear out. At this point of the year, many athletes reflect back
upon their training and priority races, assessing whether or not goals were met,
and pondering what they can do (or buy) to improve their performance in the
coming season. Athletes new to the sport may realize that their level of
commitment is deserving of equipment slightly more cutting edge than what they
begged, borrowed and cobbled together to make it through their first sprint
triathlon. The multi-sport crowd has the reputation of being willing to
pay for speed, and that’s what manufacturers are banking on.
The
off-season is the perfect time to make equipment changes. Just like in the
automobile industry, manufacturers and shops discount lasts year’s equipment to
make room for new inventory. In many cases, the previous year’s equipment
may be the same or only slightly different than the new version, so end of the
season sale pricing may present a good opportunity to save a little cash if you
don’t necessarily need to have the ‘08 edition.
It’s almost always recommended that a reduction in training volume
accompany any equipment change that will affect your position or pedaling
mechanics. The longer you’ve been in the sport, and the more miles you’ve
logged, the more sensitive you’ll be to even minute changes to your
position. Adaptation time may also take longer with more experienced
athletes. Therefore shoe, saddle, pedal, handlebar, shoe insert, aerobar
and other bike fit changes should be made during periods of reduced training
volume. If financially feasible, try to make most or all your equipment
changes at the same time to help avoid multiple training interruptions.
Reductions in training volume during the competitive season can be inconvenient
and frustrating, making the off-season the ideal time to make these changes
without significantly affecting ones training schedule.
After
you’ve installed the new equipment, conservatively ramp your volume back up to
where it was before the change, allowing your body sufficient time to
adapt. Ramping back up too quickly can result in overuse injury. A
good rule of thumb is to try four or five shorter rides before attempting
anything over two hours. Depending on the magnitude of the changes, some
soreness from adaptation is almost always inevitable.
The
off-season is a great time to drop off your bike at the bike shop for all the
preventative maintenance you’ve been putting off. Now’s the ideal time to
replace cables/housing, change out the cassette/chain, swap out chain-rings,
replace your brake pads, get new tires, and replace any other worn out items
that could potentially leave you stranded or cause you to miss training
days down the road.
Baskin
holds a degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology and he is a USA Cycling Elite
Coach. He works at the National Training Center in Clermont, Florida,
conducting sports science tests including LT, VO2 max and bike fits.
Baskin is also a Category 1 rider on the road and track. He was named one
of the country’s top bike fitters by Triathlete Magazine (2007 Road to Kona
issue).
Adam Baskin(352) 241-7144, ext.
4296National Training Center1099 Citrus Tower
Blvd.Clermont, FL 34711adam.baskin@orhs.orgwww.usantc.com