Road Bike vs. TT Bike
Comparing a road bike and a TT bike on the Ironman Nice course, a TT bike is approximately 11 minutes faster for a 70 kg rider with an NP of 220 W.
- The road bike weighs 8 kg and the TT bike weighs 10 kg, making it 2 kg heavier,
- yet the TT bike has the advantage in terms of aerodynamic drag.
- The projected race times are 5 hours 23 minutes vs. 5 hours 12 minutes — an 11-minute difference.
However, a proper pacing strategy is essential to gaining that much time.
- On very steep sections, push hard at 252 W,
- on steep sections, ride at 230 W,
- on flat terrain, maintain a steady 205 W or so,
- and on descents, ease off and spin at 150–160 W.
This can save more than 6 minutes compared to mindlessly hammering away at a flat 220 W throughout.