General Discussion Triathlon Talk » aero help Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2003-09-05 11:12 AM

User image

Elite Veteran
831
50010010010025
Northern Va/Metro D.C.
Subject: aero help
I will be using my mountain bike for my first mini triathlon next Sunday. My question is, should I crouch down a bit and use the straight arm bar, or extend a bit and use the side handles..a question of aerodynamics. Any help would be very appreciated.


2003-09-05 1:52 PM
in reply to: #672

User image

Champion
13323
5000500020001000100100100
Gold member
Subject: i don't think that...

u will gain any advantage over any of the positions.  IF I AM CORRECT IN THINKING that your mtb is set up the same way as mine, whichever of the two positions i use, my body is at least 45deg from the horizontal.  i am like a flat-nosed semi.  i don't gain much advantage from either postion and still be comfortable. 

i am not sure if its easy to retro-fit some aerobars onto a mtb and still be able to use them if u upgrade to a tri bike, but (i feel) u need them to gain any real aerodynamic advantage.

with the aero bars, i say u can get about 20-30deg from the horizontal - a BIG differance.  u almost have to get your fore-arms and upper-arms close to 90deg to get low.  this is uncomfortable with my setup as i have no elbow support AND I KNOW that my fore-arm and upper arm are about 180deg on either position on my mtb.

good luck on that tri next sunday, we r already looking forward to your race report!



Edited by Ron 2003-09-10 1:17 PM
2003-09-05 9:19 PM
in reply to: #672

User image

Elite Veteran
831
50010010010025
Northern Va/Metro D.C.
Subject: RE: aero help
thanks ron!
2003-09-09 6:52 AM
in reply to: #672

Regular
83
252525
Springfield, Ohio
Subject: So that's why...
during my first tri my triceps were feeling sore on the bike. Just a dull ache. With steerhorn handlebars, I was trying to lean forward for some sort of aero position, but it just didn't seem to be helping. Not sure why I never noticed it during training.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » aero help Rss Feed