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2012-04-23 7:30 AM

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Subject: Why don't you use your aerobars!
Officiated a race yesterday with significant winds, and I was amazed by the number of age groupers who had aerobars but rode in an upright position. Why do you have them if you're not going to race on them?


2012-04-23 7:32 AM
in reply to: #4166514

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
Because it's one thing to have them, it's something else entirely to be properly fit to them.
2012-04-23 7:36 AM
in reply to: #4166514

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
Every time you don't use your aero bars God kills a kitten...
2012-04-23 7:38 AM
in reply to: #4166514

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Payson, AZ
Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
Some of the big boy, super good triathletes get out of aero when racing in Kona in significant winds.  You mentioned significant winds.  My guess is they were not comfortable in the winds in aero and were playing it safe.  Good on them.

Edited by bzgl40 2012-04-23 7:39 AM
2012-04-23 7:43 AM
in reply to: #4166514

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
Well, I know in high crosswinds I have trouble controlling the bike in the aerobars and have to get up on the pursuit bars, especially if there's a descent. I look at that as more of a reflection on my lack of bike handling skills than anything else though.
2012-04-23 7:44 AM
in reply to: #4166514

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
Does being aero reduce your profile during crosswinds? My limited newb knowledge says your side profile is the same no matter how you contort yourself. In my mind the only benefit would be lowering your center of gravity, but you'd be giving up side-to-side pivot control (being able to counter wind by throwing balance) by being in aero.


2012-04-23 7:48 AM
in reply to: #4166514

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!

See when he said winds I assumed headwinds...

 

The reason I don't use them is because I don't have any and people frown upon you using theirs during a race.  I suppose they would like you to keep your hands on your own bike...

 

2012-04-23 7:50 AM
in reply to: #4166533

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
Danno77 - 2012-04-23 5:44 AMDoes being aero reduce your profile during crosswinds? My limited newb knowledge says your side profile is the same no matter how you contort yourself. In my mind the only benefit would be lowering your center of gravity, but you'd be giving up side-to-side pivot control (being able to counter wind by throwing balance) by being in aero.
Your effective wind direction will pretty much ways be coming somewhere from the front due to the 'headwind' you're creating from riding forward, so unless you're at risk of losing control from the wind you're still faster in the aero position.
2012-04-23 7:52 AM
in reply to: #4166514

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
Being in aero is painful for a lot of us. I can only tolerate aero for so long and try to save it for the headwind.
2012-04-23 7:52 AM
in reply to: #4166540

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
JZig - 2012-04-23 9:50 AM

Your effective wind direction will pretty much ways be coming somewhere from the front due to the 'headwind' you're creating from riding forward, so unless you're at risk of losing control from the wind you're still faster in the aero position.


And if the effective wind is not a headwind, you need to pedal harder!

Shane
2012-04-23 7:56 AM
in reply to: #4166514

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!

By significant I mean ~15mph, not IMHO enough to blow you around side-to-side on the course but certainly enough for you to gain substantial benefit from aerodynamics. And this was everywhere on the course, regardless of the wind coming from the front, side or tail.

I will also say that I have noticed this in prior races regardless of winds. So much that when i see an upright rider I immediately look for aerobars. Most of the time they have them, which is why I ask why?



Edited by the bear 2012-04-23 8:00 AM


2012-04-23 7:58 AM
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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!

I actually feel more in control being in aero when it's windy. Did a duathlon a couple weeks ago and I sat up going over a bridge, and the wind really hit me. Only time I feel I really need to come out of aero is on hills, and I'm going pretty slowly then anyway.

If you're not properly fit it's never going to feel comfortable.

2012-04-23 8:46 AM
in reply to: #4166544

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!

KeriKadi - 2012-04-23 8:52 AM Being in aero is painful for a lot of us. I can only tolerate aero for so long and try to save it for the headwind.

Unless you have a specific health/injury history that causes this, you either need a better fit, or you need to spend more time in aero to give your body a chance to adapt.

I think the reason so many people don't use them is a lack of skills development and confidence.  They have them, because that's what we're "supposed to do", but then they don't put in the time to develop the skills to get their full benefit.

 

2012-04-23 8:49 AM
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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
Because they are just there to look cool.
2012-04-23 8:53 AM
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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!

KeriKadi - 2012-04-23 8:52 AM Being in aero is painful for a lot of us. I can only tolerate aero for so long and try to save it for the headwind.

Since I've never ridden a triathlon bike, if this is the case, would a road bike be more comfortable and/or efficient*?

 

*My apologies if efficient is the incorrect term.

 

 

2012-04-23 8:53 AM
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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
Personal choice? Comfort level? 


2012-04-23 8:59 AM
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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!

eliwashere - 2012-04-23 8:49 AM Because they are just there to look cool.

No, now that's not true!  Every one knows that every dollar spent on your bike removes 0.1 seconds from your 40k time!  Just think $300.00 on fancy carbon aero bars and your down 30 seconds!  Toss in a $250.00 helmet, and a cool $2k on wheels and your talking some real time!  No one said you had to USE them!  In case your wondering, the inverse is true for running.  The less you wear the better! Heck if you can skip the shoes and socks all together you can count on a podium finish!

 

2012-04-23 9:05 AM
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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!

I just put mine on to have a place to put my helmet in transition.

I just got mine installed and only got to ride once before my tri, and I have another tri in two weeks in which I probably won't use them either.  I will be training until October with them and will use them in my Half.  My bike skills have greatly improved but they are no match for new aerobars



Edited by GatorDeb 2012-04-23 9:06 AM
2012-04-23 9:10 AM
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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
TriMyBest - 2012-04-23 9:46 AM

KeriKadi - 2012-04-23 8:52 AM Being in aero is painful for a lot of us. I can only tolerate aero for so long and try to save it for the headwind.

Unless you have a specific health/injury history that causes this, you either need a better fit, or you need to spend more time in aero to give your body a chance to adapt.

I think the reason so many people don't use them is a lack of skills development and confidence.  They have them, because that's what we're "supposed to do", but then they don't put in the time to develop the skills to get their full benefit.

 

I will agree here.  If the aero position is painful for you, barring something extreme, you do not have a proper fit.  The bars should be the uncomfortable position.  With a good fit you are being supported by your skeletal system, not your muscular system so it should be comfortable.

Being on the bars should put undue pressure on your, not the aerobars.

I tell my athletes that they should always be in aero.  During W/U, CD, MS...always. 

2012-04-23 9:19 AM
in reply to: #4166739

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
Marvarnett - 2012-04-23 9:10 AM
TriMyBest - 2012-04-23 9:46 AM

KeriKadi - 2012-04-23 8:52 AM Being in aero is painful for a lot of us. I can only tolerate aero for so long and try to save it for the headwind.

Unless you have a specific health/injury history that causes this, you either need a better fit, or you need to spend more time in aero to give your body a chance to adapt.

I think the reason so many people don't use them is a lack of skills development and confidence.  They have them, because that's what we're "supposed to do", but then they don't put in the time to develop the skills to get their full benefit.

 

I will agree here.  If the aero position is painful for you, barring something extreme, you do not have a proper fit.  The bars should be the uncomfortable position.  With a good fit you are being supported by your skeletal system, not your muscular system so it should be comfortable.

Being on the bars should put undue pressure on your, not the aerobars.

I tell my athletes that they should always be in aero.  During W/U, CD, MS...always. 

Even if it compromises their safety?

It took me a few seasons to feel any level of comfort in my aerobars. Not because it was painful, but because I simply wasn't used to how it changed my handling and confidence. I would get down in aero and swerve across the road. Not safe for me at the time. I had to slowly build up my confidence and handling skills. 

Not all of us came out of the womb in aero position - some it takes more time than others to get used to. Especially... beginners. 

2012-04-23 9:23 AM
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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!

oh! We are supposed to hold on to them?

 

I thought that they were just there to hold my helmet in transition.



2012-04-23 9:23 AM
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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!

When I got my tri bike (no, I didn't drop $2k on it - bought it used from a friend), I was terrified to ride in aero in traffic situations. All of my riding options from my house were on relatively high-traffic roads. My ring and pinkie fingers started going numb on rides. I had a cycling friend swap out the bullhorns for drop handlebars. I rode with those while I slowly adjusted to having aero bars. Once I was confident, I swapped my original handlebars back in.

Like others have said, it takes time to build the skills and confidence needed to ride in aero.

2012-04-23 9:26 AM
in reply to: #4166764

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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
lisac957 - 2012-04-23 10:19 AM
Marvarnett - 2012-04-23 9:10 AM
TriMyBest - 2012-04-23 9:46 AM

KeriKadi - 2012-04-23 8:52 AM Being in aero is painful for a lot of us. I can only tolerate aero for so long and try to save it for the headwind.

Unless you have a specific health/injury history that causes this, you either need a better fit, or you need to spend more time in aero to give your body a chance to adapt.

I think the reason so many people don't use them is a lack of skills development and confidence.  They have them, because that's what we're "supposed to do", but then they don't put in the time to develop the skills to get their full benefit.

 

I will agree here.  If the aero position is painful for you, barring something extreme, you do not have a proper fit.  The bars should be the uncomfortable position.  With a good fit you are being supported by your skeletal system, not your muscular system so it should be comfortable.

Being on the bars should put undue pressure on your, not the aerobars.

I tell my athletes that they should always be in aero.  During W/U, CD, MS...always. 

Even if it compromises their safety?

It took me a few seasons to feel any level of comfort in my aerobars. Not because it was painful, but because I simply wasn't used to how it changed my handling and confidence. I would get down in aero and swerve across the road. Not safe for me at the time. I had to slowly build up my confidence and handling skills. 

Not all of us came out of the womb in aero position - some it takes more time than others to get used to. Especially... beginners. 

I think Dan's point was that if you don't practice it every chance you get, you won't achieve those skills and confidence, not that you should throw good judgement out the window.

 

2012-04-23 9:45 AM
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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
I get scared in aero position with deep wheels in cross/side winds.
2012-04-23 9:46 AM
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Subject: RE: Why don't you use your aerobars!
I just started biking in January, on a tri bike, and have made an effort to ride in aero as close to 100% as possible.  I knew that unless I was in aero, I would have been better off on a road bike, so I really pushed myself to stay in aero.  A little tough on the trainer, but I'm getting pretty good out on the road.  My bike fit isn't perfect, but on my 56 mile ride last week I was in aero almost the whole ride.  Every now and then I'll pop out of aero to attack the last 1/3 or 1/2 of a hill.  That's always a nice break.
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