Is there a formula/guideline for determining the proper placement of elbow pads? I suspect it is more of an “art”, rather than a science, but there has to be some sort of expected range based on the width of the rider’s shoulders. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Ferris Bueller?
The most intelligent comment on this subject I have heard is to position the pads sufficiently narrowly such that the arms shield the thighs from the wind. Supposedly, if you get more narrow than this you not only cramp your breathing, but you get less aero.
FWIW
Place them as narrow as possible so that you have “unresrtained” breathing, and totally relaxed upper body. There is no point being aero and losing oxygen and having a tense set of shoulders and neck. If your upper body is tense, your whole body will be. I know this is not track and field, but just watch the end of a 100, 200 or 400 m sprint. The winner always has a totally relaxed upper body (almost loose), while the “losers” all tense up starting with the jaw, then neck and shoulders and before you know it the stride is choppy. I apply the same theory to riding. Keep the upper body relaxed and the legs will follow. If your pads are too narrow, you’ll be tense and slow.
For a perfect illustration of how you want to feel, have a look at Natasha Badmann’s form riding into a headwind !
“The most intelligent comment on this subject I have heard is to position the pads sufficiently narrowly such that the arms shield the thighs from the wind. Supposedly, if you get more narrow than this you not only cramp your breathing, but you get less aero.”
Art, you took the words right out of my mouth.