I’m putting some shorty aerobars on my road bike and wondering how far apart they should be spaced. I’ve hear 1.5 inches or more from one person. Any other thoughts? And where should the measurement be from? Right now, there is about 1.5 inches from the edge of the stem to the “middle” of the bar clamp. Should I measure it that way? Or from edge to edge? Please help; I’m a newbie and don’t know squat.
ideally you want your elbows to be as wide as your hips so it creates a smooth flow of air past the arms and hips. if they are too close you could close your chest up and inhibit breathing and the air would have to come in and then go around your hips. to far apart and you create too much drag with the elbows out. hope this helps. enjoy.
if the position of the pads is adjustable, I’d put the bars as close or nearly as close to the stem as possible, then move the pads out. That way your hands are close together and the elbows are as Lee suggested.
I think this is an iterative process as well. After a few rides with my new aerobars, I found my upper foreamrs sliding out to the outside of the pads, requiring adjustment. I think your body settles in to a comfortable position, and you have to listen to it.
nice to see you posting here, nycowl
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