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Lauren Jacobsen Blog
The HUB/Bicycle.net
2/11/08
SPEED TEST
So, we have all read the articles and advertisements about having the right equipment on our bikes. The question to me was always whether or not it really made that much difference. I mean let’s face it, for the super pro racers, sure, it counts. They’re pedaling in wind tunnels for god sake. But, what about the rest of us competitors? Are we mere moths attracted the latest, greatest flame in cycling technology? Ok, let’s not answer that.
I am not and will never be a tech head. I can’t even text message very well (where are the damn numbers!)? But I have come to find through my own experience, you can make some significant changes in your performance and or times, with some really cool stuff.
When I started training for the Sydney Masters Track World Championships, Women’s 500TT, I had no idea what that meant, or if I could even be competitive. My coach, Antony Galvan, did. He knew from the start what was going to have to be accomplished in training, as well as in equipment. I think we changed out everything on my bike but the frame, not that it was all bad, but it could be better. When you are talking about winning or losing a race by 1/1000th of a second, you need all the advantage you can get!
I could feel the difference each time we made a change. And the proof was in my times, they just kept dropping. Now some of that was my training program, but some of it was great equipment.
So, what is the number one difference you can make on your bike?
Wheels will do nicely. My coach put a Mavic lo carbon 5 spoke on my front wheel, a Mavic Comete full disk on the rear wheel, and a set of Dugast silk tubulars for tires. I broke the World Record.
Guess he read those articles and ads too.

Lauren Jacobsen
AKA: “Turbo Chicken”