How far is too far...?

Triathlon Forum
1

Q for you bike-fit gurus:

I tried a new bike fitting technique: Drop my bars as low as they will go with my current stem (about 6 inches below seat), and move the seat as far forward as my current post will allow (tip 1.5 cm in front of bb). Very scientific, of course. I do think I had all the FIST-approved right angles.

Then, in the race, I sat waaaaaaaay out on the tip of the saddle, barely on it. It felt pretty cool, actually, and was just fine comfort-wise (although only 16.4 miles).

While suffering along, I noticed that my nose (the one on my face) was just forward of the front wheel hub. I thought, “Wow. I’m almost falling off my bike.”

How far forward is too far forward?

(BTW – I went over a mile/hour faster at 20 fewer watts than the last time I rode this course, and passed people that I never pass in these events.)

3

Sounds like you like the really steep bikes. My only worry would be handeling. The fast forward position works well for some, but on the wrong bike can put a lot of the riders weight on the front end. This could compromise steering on the long sweeper downhills. Not such a good thing. Thaty is why it is better to start with a steep frame than to make a 73 degree tube work like an 80. G