Triathlon Bike Position vs. Time Trial Bike Position: Discuss Please

Shouldn't his mouth be closed to reduce wind resistance???

As always, I'm interested to see the discussion.

Crickiets.

OK, I'll start.

Zabriskie is on a UCI legal time trial bike here, compliant with UCI Rule Section 2:, 1.3.006, Page 59, "Definition of a Bicycle".

However, he has slid very far forward on the saddle in this photo.

Why has he slid forward?

What about his position is good? Bad?

What is different about this bike set-up (as opposed the rider's position) that is different than a triathlon bike?

To conform to UCI rules?  Seat mounted on the rear bolt position and P4 water bottle swapped out.

He is faster with the mustache. 

He should loose the bottle on the frame and use a torpedo mount.  Free speed!

I'm gonna guess there isn't room between his arms for a bottle.

All I know is that it's a better position than the USAT ad we critiqued earlier this week. 

Ok, I'll play based on what little I know.  Maybe I'll learn something here.  Answers in bold blue.

It's likely all the anatomical landmarks are "off".

That being established, what might they represent or suggest?

"Why has he slid forward? To have a steeper actual seat angle, so he can have a more aerodynamic position than UCI's rulings would normally allow (the 5cm behind BB regulation)

What about his position is good? Bad? He seems to do rather well with it, but if I were to try that, I would lose a lot of power not by not having my rear stable at all.

What is different about this bike set-up (as opposed the rider's position) that is different than a triathlon bike? Saddle is level and (I assume) set 5cm behind the BB."

We have a winner! All EXCELLENT observations.   Your insights are so good Katy Perry wants to sing you a song:

"All I know is that it's a better position than the USAT ad we critiqued earlier this week.  "

Absolutely agreed.

You're right. You're hooked up:

Seat position can only be in certain relationship to crank or bottom bracket due to UCI rules.

By sitting farther forward he in effect rides a steeper angle which opens his hip angle. Many TT/tri bikes have two different positions on seat posts in order to have the bike be legal for UCI races and also be positioned differently for TT. I would venture to guess high end TT bikes are sold more to triathletes than bike racers, so the dual position allows one seat post for two different markets and sets of rules...ie tris don't have one.

I'm guessing he has been wind tunnel tested so this position is best to reduce drag and that he can hold for the length of time of the TT.

Also he sort of rolls his shoulders and gets his elbows very close together.  You can see it in other photos:

I'll take two of those, please!

Also he sort of rolls his shoulders and gets his elbows very close together.  You can see it in other photos:

-You're right. And his knees remain close to the top tube, a potential aerodynamic benefit in some circumstances.

If the photo in your avatar-thingy is you, your position at least appears pretty good also.

Seat position can only be in certain relationship to crank or bottom bracket due to UCI rules.

"By sitting farther forward he in effect rides a steeper angle which opens his hip angle. Many TT/tri bikes have two different positions on seat posts in order to have the bike be legal for UCI races and also be positioned differently for TT. I would venture to guess high end TT bikes are sold more to triathletes than bike racers, so the dual position allows one seat post for two different markets and sets of rules...ie tris don't have one.

I'm guessing he has been wind tunnel tested so this position is best to reduce drag and that he can hold for the length of time of the TT."

Kathy G is absolutely right. She gets the weird cat-rabbit thing:

Zabriskie runs a special "cut off" seat that allows him to sit on the absolute tip to get as much over the BB as he can while still complying with the 5cm rule

Everything

nothing

Nothing other than maybe a triathlete may need more hydration for longer rides.

Triathletes thinking they need a "special" position is what most often leads to a chitty position. Granted, some cyclists ride so aggressive for short TT's that their position would not be possible for longer races....Zabriskie's position is not one of those....

Not sure why he slides forward but I do it cos I feel I get more power that way. Sort of like a rugby scrum position. Pressing down and back as opposed to front and forward like a 3 year-old on a trike (or an idiot on a recumbent).

Yes and thanks