TRIATHLON AND SCIENCE IV

We encounter the problem of how to apply knowledge to triathlon; how to think clearly; or as Einstein says: “How to refine our thinking.”

The whole of science is nothing but the refinement of everyday thinking.

Einstein

We have instruments that could help us to see something else.  An analogy would be the eyes; the only way to see depth is by using the two eyes at the same time:

Depth perception arises from a variety of depth cues. These are typically classified into binocular cues that are based on the receipt of sensory information in three dimensions from both eyes and monocular cues that can be represented in just two dimensions and observed with just one eye.^[2][3] Binocular cues include stereopsis, eye convergence, disparity, and yielding depth from binocular vision through exploitation of parallax. Monocular cues include size: distant objects subtend smaller visual angles than near objects, grain, size, and Parallax.^[4]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_perception

The instruments are something as simple as a watch or a power meter.  In the last Melbourne Ironman, there were two competitors that measured their power during the bike.  One increased his weight 17 pounds competing in this race; but interestingly, he was able to create a little less amount of power compared to the other competitor that measured his power biking.  HE WENT THREE MINUTES FASTER!

1)   Was he cheating and drafting?  It is a possibility.

2)   Was he better positioned biking?  It is a possibility.

3)   His average cadence was higher by 13 rpm (77-90).  There is phenomenon of freewheeling when going fast as in the case of gym bikes; but also exist with different wheels after they go above 40k/hr.  There is the same phenomenon when you increase you cadence; phenomenon acting on the chain ring.  Riding a high RPM requires less power to accomplish a work on the bike.

There are not studies dealing with the subject of high RPM effect on the chain ring.  But this simple comparison gives information to guide us.  This is what it means to think clearly.

I found an interesting bike that exemplifies what I said.

http://www.gizmag.com/flywheel-bicycle-regenerative-braking/19532/