Anyone know the approximate difference in power output ability when on the aero bars on a TT bike vs sitting up on a TT bike? I am wondering if there is more of an advantage to sit up while going uphill since the aero concerns are mostly minimal at low speed.
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Re: Power Difference: Aero Position vs On the Bars? [SPL Tech]
[ In reply to ]
...find a hill and try it yourself? How much of a hill? small rise? rollers? Alp D'Huez? I also think this varies depending on the rider, what may be comfortable for me may not be for you
Re: Power Difference: Aero Position vs On the Bars? [SPL Tech]
[ In reply to ]
i normally sit up when going uphill and my speed drops below 14mph. as a guess reckon i get an extra 15/20 watts from sitting up and that outweighs the aero benefit at low speeds. although i have absolutely nothing scientific to back that up!
Re: Power Difference: Aero Position vs On the Bars? [SPL Tech]
[ In reply to ]
If I remember correctly; many years ago---late 1980's/early 1990s---Chester Kyle of the Specialized brand stated the aero benefit from being in aero bars compared to the standard road bars ended somewhere at and below 16 mph. I believe this information was stated in one of the old Bicycling or similar magazine separate specialized technical publications that only lasted a few years. Good luck to all in finding this.
As for another old look at the various aero benefits found in cycling for some one riding 40km in 1 hour 5 minutes, try this link: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/...ero/aerodynamics.htm
As for another old look at the various aero benefits found in cycling for some one riding 40km in 1 hour 5 minutes, try this link: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/...ero/aerodynamics.htm
Re: Power Difference: Aero Position vs On the Bars? [SPL Tech]
[ In reply to ]
I sit up when my speed drops below 12 mph.
I have no scientific data to support my cut off speed. That is the point where working hard going up hill being on the aero bars becomes uncomfortable. I figure at that point the lack of aerodynamics is an acceptable trade off for the increase in power and being able to keep my heart rate lower.
I have no scientific data to support my cut off speed. That is the point where working hard going up hill being on the aero bars becomes uncomfortable. I figure at that point the lack of aerodynamics is an acceptable trade off for the increase in power and being able to keep my heart rate lower.
Re: Power Difference: Aero Position vs On the Bars? [Billyk24]
[ In reply to ]
Billyk24 wrote:
If I remember correctly; many years ago---late 1980's/early 1990s---Chester Kyle of the Specialized brand stated the aero benefit from being in aero bars compared to the standard road bars ended somewhere at and below 16 mph. I believe this information was stated in one of the old Bicycling or similar magazine separate specialized technical publications that only lasted a few years. Good luck to all in finding this. As for another old look at the various aero benefits found in cycling for some one riding 40km in 1 hour 5 minutes, try this link: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/...ero/aerodynamics.htm
ha, interesting they say shaved legs makes a difference of 5 seconds, but this article says it helps by 70s:
http://www.outsideonline.com/...-to-Ride-Faster.html
Re: Power Difference: Aero Position vs On the Bars? [SPL Tech]
[ In reply to ]
0 watts difference for me.
Specialized tested shaved legs many times and got big savings results every time.
Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter
Specialized tested shaved legs many times and got big savings results every time.
Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter
Re: Power Difference: Aero Position vs On the Bars? [jackmott]
[ In reply to ]
jackmott wrote:
0 watts difference for me. Specialized tested shaved legs many times and got big savings results every time.
0 watts here too.
Maybe my first few rides of the season, my watts will be a little lower on the TT bike, but I get used to it pretty quickly.
ALL of my best hill climbing results on Strava have come on a TT bike.
(this is largely in part to the fact that I'm in better shape come summertime, when I'm riding the TT vs roadie, but also because it's a faster bike - period.)
You can be in the aero position down to maybe 12-13 mph and still benefit, or even 'slower'; if there's a headwind you're trying to cut thru.
I can't speak to the shaved legs thing, since I never shave them, and I usually wear compression sleeves for racing, so pretty much only my knees are showing, and they're not all that hairy.
float , hammer , and jog
Re: Power Difference: Aero Position vs On the Bars? [Murphy'sLaw]
[ In reply to ]
I've never felt any real difference. But I'm also on 165mm cranks, and aggressive, but not super aggressive position. I don't feel restricted in breathing or hip angle aero.
TrainingBible Coaching
http://www.trainingbible.com
TrainingBible Coaching
http://www.trainingbible.com
jackmott wrote:
0 watts difference for me. Specialized tested shaved legs many times and got big savings results every time.
Interesting. Maybe they need to run a test with both shaved legs and shaved arms. Surprised they limited themselves to just shaved legs if it makes that much of a difference. Also curious how much of a difference it makes on the swim as I know Olympic swimmers shave everything.