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Adrienne Langelier
Running, United States

Powerblog

Making Over "Tessa"

Ever since I first got my 2011 Scott Contessa Speedster (AKA 'Tessa) late last year I've been doing some slow and cheap modifications to the quick yet entry-level road bike. As I stare down the barrel of my first full tri season that is still a few months away, I'm trying to make the roadie more tri-worthy; a wise RD told me the other day that cycling wins tris. This may be true, but I still will always put a lot or emphasis into my strength of the run. That being said, I do want to be able to hammer some with the big dogs.

One aspect affecting not only your power output, pedal stroke, and comfort level but also your run off the bike is proper fitting. It was brought to my attention during a ride that I have been cruising around wasting energy for a long time with a seat that was too low. Apparently, your hips are not supposed to rock back and forth like you are doing some sort of stationary dance! Cue a professional fitting at Bike Lane ....much more comfortable and efficient. I can actually develop a proper pedal stroke now.

While in the shop, the handlebars were regripped with a more sweat resistant tape to buffer the deluge that is my skin in the SE Texas heat and humidity. The black color is also a nice touch-much more aggressive-looking. Next month's modification will be some Profile Design aerobars to match the new and  more aggressive seat position. I'm not ready to go all out carbon-fiber or anything yet, but I think I can make some progress by training hard and smart on just the basic mods.

Most importantly, however....I have to keep it real:)

Ride Happy!
Off for an easy spin. Stay the course.

Posted By:Adrienne Langelier On 19 Feb 2012 AT 13:16 | 0 COMMENTS
External Url:http://www.adriennelangelier.com/2012/02/making-over-tessa.html
Topics: General

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LOCATION

Texas, United States

NETWORKS

Running, Athletes/Active Lifestyle

ABOUT ME

Athlete. Sport Psychology Consultant. Human being. Texan. Life is good!