OK to ride?

[steve]

Hey guys,


I have a friend who would like to come out and do some training with us. One problem - he only has a time trial bike. Is it kosher for him to join as long as he doesn't get into the aero position while riding as part of the group?

Steve

[Rolf]

Geez, Steve. He can't be a crappier draft than you, or John T., or Dave H.

Or perhaps handling and stability in a group may be the concern? I'll defer to the wiser among us in that department.

That's one admirable dedication to aerodynamics. Imagine having one bike and only one bike... and it's designed exclusively for racing alone against the clock on controlled roads!

[Lister Farrar]

Only if he agrees to pull all the sections into the wind.

Skill and approach matter more than the bike. Chris Marshall rode for years with us on a tt bike and had no problems I'm aware of. If he's a long-time tri guy, the idea of riding like you want the group to stay together might be more foreign.

Keeping your line, staying on a wheel (~ one wheel width behind), closing gaps, and short pulls at first so you don't cook yourself (and the corollary, if you're strong, not accelerating too much when pulling), are all more important.

Tell him, welcome!