Subject: RE: Limitations of Aero for the Large At 5' 3" and a shade, I was around 200lbs when I first started triathloning. May have been as low as 190ish or somewhat over 200, but thereabouts. I didn't have drop bars. I had a bike 6cm too large outfitted with cruiser bars and I was in a nearly fully upright position. I'd already lost a fair bit of weight here but as you can see, still pretty big. I got my first tri bike when I was probably 160-170, and aero was fine. I will say that I still needed to be a bit angled up, and that I did waste some energy banging the tops of my thighs into my boobs and spare tire. But just the sheer reduction of drag made a big difference to speed. This is where I'm at now (need a better picture but you get the idea). Classic, lots of 90-degree looking angles aero position (my leg isn't actually fully extended though it looks that way). I don't know what I weigh exactly but I'm guessing 140-145. That's still pretty chunky for as short as I am, but the belly is pretty flat, the boobs are smaller, and they squish down nicely with a good sports bra. After a 6-hour ride in that position ... I wouldn't say it's pointless to do clip-ons for you at all. Even a 30-degree further forward position makes a big difference in drag to essentially upright. I will say, especially for heavier riders, get SHORTY aerobars (or the ones that are connected at the end, like a loop) and get a decent bike fit with them. Full-length clip-ons redistribute your weight on a road bike in ways it is not designed for, and compromises handling and safety. |