Aero Bars vs Drop Bars

planeetx
planeetx Posts: 9
edited April 2011 in Road beginners
In a rash moment last November I entered an ironman triathlon (July 2011). This includes a 112-mile bike ride on a flat(ish) course.

I've now tried two different types of clip-on aero/TT bars, but despite trying more positions than a double jointed contortionist I just can't get comfortable. :?

I've no doubt I could eventually get something set-up comfortably, but was wondering just how much difference being in the aero-position has over being 'on the drops'.

I'm seriously tempted to just give up on the clip-on's and go with a traditional road riding position. Any advice? :?:

Comments

  • danowat
    danowat Posts: 2,877
    Clip on aero bars are one of the most effective ways of decreasing drag, according to various data, going from drops to clip ons can save around 2-4mins on a 40k TT.

    So its worth trying to adjust your position and get comfortable and used to it.
  • c0ugars
    c0ugars Posts: 202
    I don triathlons and i would use aero bars over drops any day, just for the time saved on the bike, once you have them set up they can be very comfortable, you might have to adjust your stem or seat postion to.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    A decent aero TT position is very different from a road position - if you are just fitting some clip-ons to your road position, then it is likely that you are too high and stretched-out to be comfortable. Try fitting a shorter adjustable stem to reduce reach and to reduce the bar height. You may want to slide the saddle forward on the rails too. Plenty of advice available online.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • TommyEss
    TommyEss Posts: 1,855
    Make sure if you do go for the aero position, that you get it sorted a long time before the race - 112 miles is a long ride in any position - if you can't get comfy in an aero position, then you should go back to drops to give you any chance of completing the marathon waiting at the end of the bike leg!
    Cannondale Synapse 105, Giant Defy 3, Giant Omnium, Giant Trance X2, EMC R1.0, Ridgeback Platinum, On One Il Pompino...
  • smithaay
    smithaay Posts: 114
    112 miles sounds like a long long time to be in a aero position :D

    best of luck :lol:
    Eat.Ride.Sleep.
  • smithaay
    smithaay Posts: 114
    112 miles sounds like a long long time to be in a aero position :D

    best of luck :lol:
    Eat.Ride.Sleep.
  • danowat
    danowat Posts: 2,877
    I don't think you'd want to be in the hunch much longer, although there are riders who ride aero on 12 and 24hr TT's.....
  • Chinley Churner
    Chinley Churner Posts: 313
    Another factor to consider with a run to do at the end of the bike is making sure you keep your hip angle open... again, sliding the saddle forward can help with this.
  • iainvr46
    iainvr46 Posts: 5
    Good luck with the race, I've converted my road bike to a tri bike, bought a forward seat post & tri seat & obviously tri bars. The seat post made the big difference as it puts you in the correct position to open up the hips.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    What IM is it ?

    Tri bars will be faster - only if you use them though. Lots have them but dont use them.

    Ive used mine for a flattish IM leg and my time was about 20 mins faster than another time when I didnt bother with them. Not very scientific though.

    Dont forget you have to run off the bike.

    I used my lo pro once for a half IM distance race. Kicked ass on the bike ride and then couldnt run for the first mile as my back was in spasm from the ultra low position.

    I'd think of using them for a mix of slightly more speed but being comfy with it.
    Go too low or too narrow and you'll probably not use them as much as you should.

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