TheStroBro wrote:
DFW_Tri wrote:
ericMPro wrote:
TheStroBro wrote:
ericMPro wrote:
TheStroBro wrote:
ericMPro wrote:
Titanflexr wrote:
However, the main advantage is comfort (and thus ability to stay in aero) because the weight is distributed along more of the forearm. There is also more surface contact/friction, reducing the forward saddle slide for many riders.
I'd be interested in testing this claim... I couldn't possibly imagine it being any easier to stay aero.
Also, if weight is distributed wouldn't friction net out the same?
E
Having greater surface area to stay on from large pads has helped me stay in aero for a longer duration of time than the previous stock pads/pad holders I had.
So what, your elbows and hands would fail?
E
Fail? No. But make no mistake the speedbar with additional support for the forearm expands the load bearing surface area beyond just your elbows and this creates additional comfort in the position.
Right I get that but I don't understand how it "helps you stay aero" *longer*, like, what was so bad before that you couldn't stay aero? The only thing I can't stay on my TT bike is sitting up on the hoods.
E
Lucky you. You aren’t the target audience then. This statement is akin to those that say their _______ brand Trisuit (I don’t mean to pick on Kiwami here but their Trisuit comes to mind) doesn’t overheat them. And my response to them is they don’t relay have an overheating problem then. Because that suit is an oven for me in warm weather.
I’m sure you may argue that maybe the rider has bigger fit issues if a typical pad isn’t sufficient. And, maybe I/we do. But, make no mistake, the larger pads are more comfy, assuming the provide for more contact. I don’t understand the point of certain brands that have additional surface area but won’t even produce additional contact area.
For me, currently I'm 213. I haven't been below 180 since I was a freshman in high school. I carry a lot of weight up top from years and year of strength training. Even when I had months where I didn't move a barbell I didn't lose much if any muscle in my chest or arms. So having more surface area to displace that weight is very helpful. I don't think you can fix that via "fit" and use traditional pads. I may be wrong, but you probably get what I'm putting down.
As an extreme example, back in the '80s I got one of the very first Scott DH bars, and the armrests on those were basically mountain bike grips. Just a tapered foam tube that slide over the bar. Supporting all of my upper body weight on less than 2 square inches just forward of my elbows was pretty damn uncomfortable, although my position was otherwise very comfortable. After about an hour, it got really uncomfortable putting *ANY* weight on the armrests. I'd sometimes get bruises from having all my weight concentrated on such a small area of support.
About a year or so later, Flite Controls came out with aftermarket armrests that were about twice the length of most available today (probably about 7" long). The difference was night and day. Without any change in my position, I could now comfortably ride all day in aero...
"I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 10, and I don't know why!"
