how to get lower on the bike?

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2012-10-03 3:23 PM

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Subject: how to get lower on the bike?

Finally got a decent race pic on the bike and noticed that I'm a little more upright than I had thought.  I'm very comfortable in this position and can stay aero for very long periods of time.  I have removed all spacers below my stem and my stock stem is flipped downwards (I think it's 10 degrees, not sure though). 

Is it possible to get lower in the front on this bike frame?  I think there are small spacers under the elbow pads that can be removed.  Is it reasonable to get a different stem with a steeper drop?

I have a good bit of room to move the saddle fore or aft, but I'm hesitant to raise it any for fear of the dreaded "your seat's too high".

Here's the pic:

2012-10-03 3:38 PM
in reply to: #4439431

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Subject: RE: how to get lower on the bike?
Your body position is fine (at least from the side shot) -- get your HEAD lower.
2012-10-03 8:02 PM
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Subject: RE: how to get lower on the bike?

nice bike...is that a Soloist?

2012-10-03 8:07 PM
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Subject: RE: how to get lower on the bike?
Running Q - 2012-10-03 8:02 PM

nice bike...is that a Soloist?

It's a 2011 Cervelo P1. Aluminum bike. Got her for $1300 brand new last November. Love the bike. Gonna add some aero wheels over the winter for next season.
2012-10-04 4:18 AM
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Subject: RE: how to get lower on the bike?
Your position looks good... no need to get lower... Keep in mind that lower doesn't automatically mean faster for a few reasons; it can reduce your power, it can restrict your breathing, it can reduce your comfort level and make it difficult to hold the aero position so you sit up more often which causes you to slow, and finally lower will not always mean lower CdA, so you may actually increase your profile you present to the wind when lower...

This article written by FitWerx Ian Buchanan explains this well:
http://www.fitwerx.com/how-low-should-your-aerobars-be
2012-10-04 8:07 AM
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Subject: RE: how to get lower on the bike?
Looks pretty good IMO. Remember you have to run after you bike, so most of us triathletes needn't be in a full TT setup like we see the pure cyclists in. The way I look at it is if I'm fresher coming off the bike because I've been able to breathe easier and get more oxygen to my system, the better. If I got lower and was able to shave another 2-3min off my 40k or 56mi in a race, but crash on the run, it's not worth it IMO.

2012-10-04 8:08 AM
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Subject: RE: how to get lower on the bike?

This guy's pretty fast on the bike I've heard. Checkout his position:

I don't think it's that he's lower per say than you, but his seat may be a bit higher in relation to his shoulder position. And that may just be flexibility, or simply the fact that he has long @ss legs.



Edited by djrigby9 2012-10-04 8:10 AM
2012-10-04 9:58 AM
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Subject: RE: how to get lower on the bike?

Shorter crankarms, an adjustable stem and a long time in the saddle holding it is how I got my position lower.

 

As Audiojan said though, it's not for everybody or every body.

2012-10-04 10:03 AM
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Subject: RE: how to get lower on the bike?
Leegoocrap - 2012-10-04 9:58 AM

Shorter crankarms, an adjustable stem and a long time in the saddle holding it is how I got my position lower.

 

As Audiojan said though, it's not for everybody or every body.

 

Just out of curiosity, how short did you go on the crankarms? I had a discussion about this the other day with my LBS. He said he wouldn't recommend going any less than 172.5 on a tri bike and he thought 175 was good because you start to lose power as you go shorter.

2012-10-04 10:29 AM
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Subject: RE: how to get lower on the bike?

I ride 170's right now but would really have rather had 167.5's

I ride 165's on my road bike and I've never had an issue with power (albeit I'm not pumping out massive watts anyways)

2012-10-04 10:32 AM
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Subject: RE: how to get lower on the bike?
phishintrip007 - 2012-10-04 12:03 PM

I had a discussion about this the other day with my LBS. He said he wouldn't recommend going any less than 172.5 on a tri bike and he thought 175 was good because you start to lose power as you go shorter.



This would be a concern on a fixed or single speed bike; not an issue for a geared bicycle (unless you are always spinning out your biggest gear).

Shane

2012-10-04 10:34 AM
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Subject: RE: how to get lower on the bike?
michael_runs - 2012-10-03 5:23 PM

Here's the pic:



It's really hard to tell in this picture but I *think* your seat might be a little too low.

What percentage is your seat height of your great trochanter height?

Shane
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