Training Update 7-14-08 - It's all about the Bearings

Last week was a taper week for the Triple Bypass. It's a good thing I wasn't trying to ride because all 3 of my bikes were down for some type of maintenance. It took me 3 days to get them all caught up. I test rode the Superfly Friday up the Link Trail followed by 2 short laps around Betasso for a total time of 1:30. Saturday I rode 125 miles in 8:49 riding time on the Triple Bypass. Even though I only rode 2 days, I think I got a weeks worth of riding in! I should have the post done soon, sorry for the delay.

Of all the bike maintenance I did last week the road bike needed the most. It got a complete tear down and cleaning, rear wheel free hub body overhaul, the chain and cassette got a dip in de-greaser, new brake pads, new tires, new bar tape, and a rear derailer adjustment.



As I was rebuilding the bike I couldn't help but notice how smooth my bottom bracket bearings and rear wheel bearings were. In human powered sports, it really is all about efficiency and bearings are a huge part of that. The crankset is an old Shimano Dura Ace with a ton of miles on it, I wouldn't be surprised if it has over 5000. The bearings are still smooth as glass, check out the video below.




The rear wheel is a Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL. It's one of Mavic's highest end wheel sets and ridden by a few different teams on the Tour De France. How did I end up with such a nice wheel set you ask? Craigslist! I got them for 1/4 of the retail price - Brand New! They came off a professional triathlete's bike because he was sponsored by different wheel company. He hooked me up with an amazing deal.

Here the wheel is just spinning on the axle along with the cassette, there is no drag from the hub paws. It is a true representation of good bearings. It spun for 2 minutes and 32 seconds off a light pull.




Here it is spinning with the cassette being held by the chain so the hub paws are creating some drag, but it still spun for 1 minute and 28 seconds.

It was all ready for the Triple Bypass, too bad I rode the Superfly!