Forward position to aero bars - how much is necessary?

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2017-06-06 3:34 PM


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Subject: Forward position to aero bars - how much is necessary?
I have been searching and can't really find a solid answer, at least in one spot, so here goes.

I have a road bike and ride it as a road bike, but have done several sprints and want to go longer and the more I read that adding aero bars does get a little more speed, but longer comfort is a great benefit as well. My biggest question is, can I convert to a "semi forward" position with the bars and moving the seat all the way forward without a forward seat post?

I would like to maintain the road bike functionality due to riding in congested areas that require quick brakes and not really long stretches of consistent speed.

My thinking is that if I move the seat all the way forward I can get closer to 74-75 degree to the cranks rather than the 72-73. Also would this be even better if adding a tri seat such as the ISM style saddles?

LBS have limited to no tri related stock or knowledge, but more than willing to help fit whatever I decide. I know fitting is #1 priority and I really don't want to sacrifice 90% of my riding for 4-5 tris a year, but if I can get more comfortable on longer rides, then it would be worth it.

Any thoughts?

Thanks for the great forum

2017-06-06 5:43 PM
in reply to: Sleepyluke

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Champion
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Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: Forward position to aero bars - how much is necessary?
If you're comfortable with your road position, get a set of shorty aerobars, adjust them (not your position) until you can ride comfortably on the bars in addition to the hoods and drops.

Shane
2017-06-06 7:59 PM
in reply to: gsmacleod

Master
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Northern IL
Subject: RE: Forward position to aero bars - how much is necessary?

With the road bike, best feeling was from the shorty bars in the road position, as was suggested. I fit them to about where I'd be riding in the drops so the only thing that changes is arm position. So natural and great control. 

2017-06-07 8:22 AM
in reply to: Sleepyluke


13

Subject: RE: Forward position to aero bars - how much is necessary?
Well I would not think it was that easy, and exactly why I asked here where people actually participate in tris.

Do you angle the seat down at all, or is a different seat even necessary? It just seems that the horn of the saddle would get even more uncomfortable being down more than in the drops.

Thanks for the advice!!
2017-06-07 9:16 AM
in reply to: Sleepyluke

Master
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Northern IL
Subject: RE: Forward position to aero bars - how much is necessary?

Well, things in tri can be as simple or as complex as you want to make them.

I don't know what's going on with your drop position, but my torso is in pretty much the same position both there and on the aero bars. So there wasn't any movement in the saddle or of the saddle. It wasn't necessary.

When going the shorty bar route, it generally should be just giving another spot for hands/arms in an existing position. Doing more than that sounds like trying to work a tri fit onto a road bike. It is possible that the road positions could use some work too.

2017-06-08 8:20 AM
in reply to: brigby1


13

Subject: RE: Forward position to aero bars - how much is necessary?
Well having never ridden on bars I assumed that you end up a little lower and hips rolled forward more than while in the drops, BUT after playing around a little last night on the bike there is really not a ton of difference in the positioning of your body, only how it is supported, or so it seems.

You guys have answered more in 5 replys than I have learned in 3 bike shops and 3 plus hours of people guessing how to set it all up.

Thanks for all your advice



2017-06-08 11:10 PM
in reply to: Sleepyluke

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Veteran
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South Windsor, CT
Subject: RE: Forward position to aero bars - how much is necessary?
if your road bike fit was good, you want to keep the same angle of your hips/shoulders and body and be more forward/horizontal....usually accomplished by being higher on the saddle and more forward on the front-and into your new clip on aerobars
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