Trek’s Speed Concept, shown here with a fetching Project One paintjob, was a perfect weapon for a 12-hour time trial thanks to its excellent aerodynamics, adjustable cockpit and integrated storageNick Legan
A long and a short loop are used for the 6-12-24 Hour World Time Trial Championships, with all racers starting on the long loop and only changing to the shorter with 1.5 hours to goNick Legan
Bontrager Aeolus 5 wheels were used front and rear with a Wheelbuilder AeroJacket rear cover. Tubeless Vittoria Corsa Speed Open tires kept rolling resistance to a minimum. Shimano Di2 shifting kept gear changes easy throughout the dayNick Legan
Speedplay’s Zero Aero pedals only engage on one side, with the other side covered in dimples that smooth airflow over the cleat/pedal shapeNick Legan
Profile Design’s Aero HC bottle mounted on the Bontrager mono-extension via a TwoFish adapter.It was easy to refill, even on the fly, and a constant reminder to hydrate. A few zip ties helped steady the computer mount which can move a bit over bumpy surfacesNick Legan
Both 12 and 24-hour racers were required to have lights front and rear and reflective tape on wheels, cranks and frame. Cateye’s Rapid X3 blinked for the entire 12 hours, as per the rules and kept the lines of the Trek sleekNick Legan
A Blackburn Central 350 and a Light & Motion Urban 350 offered plenty of light even for 30mph downhilll sections at nightNick Legan
Trek’s Speed Box makes the Speed Concept faster and holds a spare tube, multi-tool, a tire lever, two CO2 cartridges and an inflator with easeNick Legan
A Cobb Max saddle offered exceptional comfort over the long day. Profile’s RML mount carried two bottles in a convenient, secure locationNick Legan
While the Trek came with a complete Ultegra groupset I installed a personal Dura-Ace crank with a Stages power meter. This helped me both in training and for pacing during the eventNick Legan
Garmin’s Edge 820 easily lasted the 12 hours and displayed vital information throughout the day without taking up a lot of spaceNick Legan
Specialized’s Evade GC skinsuit has a great chamois, a tight aero fit and three pockets that carried a phone (as required by the race rules) and race foodCourtesy Specialized
Giro’s Factor Techlace were comfortable throughout the day. As my feet swelled over the day it was easy to open the shoes incrementally thanks to the BOA closure and Giro’s new Techlace systemNick Legan
Reflective material kept me visible during the dark first hour of racingNick Legan
With its integrated visor, MIPS technology and impressive ventilation, the Giro Aerohead MIPS is a fantastic time trial helmetNick Legan
When the temperatures rose into the 90s ℉, Bontrager’s Ballista MIPS got the nod. It kept things fairly aerodynamic but offered much better cooling than a full-time trial helmet.Nick Legan
With the exception of one lap where I ate too much, I managed my hydration and nutrition wellNatalie Starr
GU’s Stroopwafels, in addition to bananas, were key to my race food plan. They never bothered my stomach and created a foundation for the gels and liquids that followedCourtesy GU
SiS’ GO Isotonic gels have been a revelation for my ultra racing this season. Both the regular and caffeinated versions absorb easily and because they’re isotonic I don’t need to drink additional fluids when taking them. This helps with digestion and hydrationCourtesy SiS
The author would like to thank the Race Across America organization and the City of Borrego Springs for hosting such a great eventNick Legan
The author shown racing in the early hours of the race. For the first 72 miles of racing, a Giro Aerohead MIPS offered maximum efficiency. Later in the day, as the heat rose, it was swapped for a Bontrager Ballista MIPSNatalie Starr
A 12-hour time trial is not something I was ever considering until listening to an episode of The Cycling Time Trial Podcast by Mark Florence. While Michael Broadwith, the two-time British 24-hour time trial champion, recounted his experiences, it occurred to me that much of the training I’d done this year for long gravel and mountain bike races would translate fairly well to a long-format time trial.
I grew up time trialing, racing mostly the 20-kilometer as a junior, but hadn’t raced a TT bike for quite some time. A quick internet search showed that RAAM’s 24-Hour World Time Trial Championships took place in early November in Borrego Springs, California. Also offered were six- and 12-hour options. I signed up after a bit more research (and reading how former BikeRadar editor Jeff Jones smashed the 12-hour record back in 2011).
The course: The desert landscape of Borrego Springs, California plays host to the race. A mostly flat course means that aerodynamics take priority over weight. Racers ride an 18-mile loop until 1.5 hours to go, when they switch to a 5-mile loop. Both are flat and for the most part offer smooth pavement.
The equipment goal: Effectively balance aerodynamics, efficiency and comfort to maximize speed and minimize the need for stops.
The horse: A Trek Speed Concept with Shimano Ultegra Di2, a Stages power meter, Profile Design hydration, Cobb Maxx saddle, Vittoria Corsa Speed Open tires, Wheelbuilder AeroJacket disc cover and Speedplay Zero Aero pedals.
