General Discussion Triathlon Talk » More Aggressive Bike Position Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2007-09-10 3:57 PM

User image

Extreme Veteran
563
5002525
Pekin, IL
Subject: More Aggressive Bike Position
My tri season is done and I was thinking about trying a new more aggressive bike position for next year. I figure I could work on the flexibility over the winter. I've been professionally fitted on my bike and it seems that my handlebars and seat are about the same height. Can I just lower my handlebars to get more aero? I used to get a sore neck and shoulders until the fitter raised the bars. I was thinking about lowering it in small increments throughout the winter. Good idea? or leave well enough alone?

Thanks,

Chris


2007-09-10 4:02 PM
in reply to: #958744

User image

Cycling Guru
15134
50005000500010025
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: More Aggressive Bike Position

It really depends on where you generate the most effective power levels and how that translates to your comfort and ability ot run off of the bike.

I tend to have a fairly aggressive position because of my road racing/time trialing background, but that does not suit everyone else.

And unless you take the position out on the road in real world situations it will be hard to tell if changes in position result in faster speeds.  You'll be able to tell if you maintain the position on the trainer, but the real world is totally different.

Edit:  Here is the way my bike was set up back in May and June.  I'm actually a bit more aggressive now in that I moved the spacer from under the stem to on top which brought me down a hair more.  But as you can see, I've got about a 3 or 4" drop from the seat to the bars.



Edited by Daremo 2007-09-10 4:05 PM




(Rick at VA Run.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Rick at VA Run.jpg (91KB - 16 downloads)
2007-09-10 4:28 PM
in reply to: #958744

User image

Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: More Aggressive Bike Position

As long as you can do it and maintain your power and comfort (meaning keeping your head up enough to see the road), go for it. Make small changes and allow your body to adjust.

I've worked myself to a 6.25" drop, which is pretty aggressive, and I can ride that with no issues for 3 hours or so. But I also have no ambitions to do even a half-IM. So keep your goals in mind when you're cehcking that comfort level.

2007-09-10 4:31 PM
in reply to: #958757

User image

Pro
4481
20002000100100100100252525
Reston
Subject: RE: More Aggressive Bike Position
Daremo - 2007-09-10 5:02 PM

 I'm actually a bit more aggressive now in that I moved the spacer from under the stem to on top which brought me down a hair more.  But as you can see, I've got about a 3 or 4" drop from the seat to the bars.

There you go with that pic again! 

2007-09-10 5:19 PM
in reply to: #958831

User image

Cycling Guru
15134
50005000500010025
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: More Aggressive Bike Position
It's all I've got right now to show the drop I've got on the bike and I'm just making sure Ernie gets his money's worth out of his camera!
2007-09-11 10:47 PM
in reply to: #958757

User image

Extreme Veteran
662
5001002525
Sunny San Diego
Subject: RE: More Aggressive Bike Position




Rick, you'd ride even faster if you didn't race in jeans, a loose fitting t-shirt and a ball cap. Just my $.02






2007-09-15 5:14 AM
in reply to: #958744

User image

Expert
755
5001001002525
Subject: RE: More Aggressive Bike Position
Ckinsey...When you were fit did the fitter take various measurements regarding hip angles and range of motion when you had the fit. A good fitter will do these measurements and share with you as to where you fall in the flexibilty area.

Everyone thinks it is cool to be more aero, ie drop the front end lower so I am faster. Well, the fact is that in many cases a lack of flexibility or fear of going down hill at high speeds in that position make a low front end not practical for many of us.

When thinking about bike fit there are 3 things I consider. Comfort, performance and safety. Bottom line if you are comfortable on your bike you will ride more and will perform better.

If you are comfortable now why would you like to lower the front end?

I highly encourge yoga or pilates which will not only help felxibilty but will build core strength which is also a key compenent in assesing the athletes ability to lower the front end.

Good luck
2007-09-15 10:33 AM
in reply to: #958744

User image

Master
1938
100050010010010010025
La Crosse
Subject: RE: More Aggressive Bike Position
That photo makes my ding-ding hurt, just looking at it.
2007-09-15 12:04 PM
in reply to: #958744

User image

Cycling Guru
15134
50005000500010025
Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: More Aggressive Bike Position
Hehehehe .... that's what the big padded nose of the seat is for, as well as the padding in the shorts. :P
2007-09-15 12:19 PM
in reply to: #958821

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2007-09-15 4:44 PM
in reply to: #961048

Veteran
236
10010025
Reston
Subject: RE: More Aggressive Bike Position
And I think those are loafers, aren't they?!

Edited by Queen K 2007-09-15 4:44 PM


2007-09-16 1:33 AM
in reply to: #958744

Extreme Veteran
474
1001001001002525
Sydney
Subject: RE: More Aggressive Bike Position
Took one spacer out and lost 3mins in a 40km TT... Not smart, went straight back. I had a 12cm drop and went to 13.5cm.

Sure that wasn't the only think but I definitely felt less powerful and my shoulders got tired towards the end seeing me coming out of aero for roundabouts etc as an excuse.

Sure there were other things going on as well but just seemed to go past a tipping point. Be v careful.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » More Aggressive Bike Position Rss Feed