What will my TT bike look like?

When I started this project I was expecting to go really cheap. With that in mind I purchased a Leader 735 TT Aluminum frame. To tell you the truth, when I built it up it seemed to me to be too harsh. At the time I also didn’t know much about fit and I was simply not in good enough shape to ride aero. So it turned out to be a failed experiment.

It also turned out at the same time that I bought two frames from Pedal Force and found out that I love riding on carbon frames. They also sold a good product at reasonable prices so with that in mind and equipped with the knowledge that the Pedal Force Aeroblade was also rebadged by other better know bike manufacturers I ended up purchasing one of these.

Since there are only four sizes available it is simply not possible to take into account every single criteria for frame size. Using my trusty knowledge that you can compare frames by using stack and reach, I set out to find a size that was just a bit smaller than my current road bike.

What I ended up with was a Large (54cm). Along with the matching Pedal Force aero seat post and aero fork. Here is the Pedal Force description of the frame:

The full carbon monocoque Aeroblade triathlon/time trial frame is designed to slice through air like a blade. The frame achieves optimal aerodynamics by having down tube, head tube and seat tube with tear-drop cross-sections. Even the seatstays and chainstays are profiled for efficient airflow. The horizontal rear dropout with tension screw allows the rear wheel to be adjusted as close to the frame as possible. The Aeroblade is built from high modulus Toray T700 carbon fiber, resulting in a frame that is light and stiff with good vibration damping. With a short head tube and 76 degree seat tube angle, the frame geometry is perfect for time trials and triathlons. It allows the rider to race comfortably and efficiently in the aerodynamic position using elbow-rest style aero handlebars.

When it comes to components I am firmly in the Shimano section. Its not that I dislike Campagnolo, I certainly do not. I would someday love to own a Pinarello with full Campy Record. Its just that I have all my tools for Shimano, and all the bikes I own are either Shimano or the compatible SRAM offerings. Its hard to have one oddball in the group.

Since I had experimented before I had a whole box full of parts to choose from. In that box was a nearly complete Ultegra group, only missing a bottom bracket. I also had the Dura-Ace bar end levers from my failed attempt mentioned above. So I had most of the parts too. Besides that I also have a set of training wheels that I can use. 50mm deep carbon tubulars that I purchased last year that I have been sitting in my garage.

In my next installment I am going to post some initial pictures of the build.