I can’t believe I’m actually doing this, but here goes…
I’m moving up to 70.3 this year for Vineman, and as such I’ve been working on a position that feels better to me for the longer distance. I did sprints and Oly’s last year with my front end lower, but have been having some lower back issues off the bike when training at longer distances the past few months. Consequently I’ve raised the front end by flipping the stem; trying to get more comfy while still remaining “relatively” aero and maintaining power, etc.
As far as my low-budget set-up goes, this is my used P2K I picked up for cheap from here on ST, with seatpost flipped forward as you can see. Saddle is PD TriStryke pushed all the way forward on the rails. Stem is 110mm; Vision base bar with PD T2+ aero bars.
So while I realize this is not the most aero position out there, I’m thinking it strikes a pretty good balance for me. I’ve worked my way through all Slowman’s fit articles and think my seat is an ok height (I measured approx. 150 degree knee angle), my hip angle is a bit open (I measures at approx. 105 degrees) but still within acceptable range, and arm position and reach seem pretty good. Haven’t measured the drop from seat to armrests; obviously could be lower but hoping this is still decent.
Hey, we can’t all be textbook perfect aero. Sounds and looks like you got it close. Get some rides in and fine tune it as you go, but don’t worry about it too much from here. Good luck at Vineman, the HIM distances is by far and away my very mostest favorite distance to race.
Good question. On my road bike I usually ride on the hoods; when I spend much time on the drops I feel like I generate more power but my lower back tends to get too sore…I’m guessing that could be a combination of fit, flexibility, etc. (Unfort. I have a history or “bulging” disc in lower back)
On this tri bike I could hold a lower position with relatively flat back (basically same setup with spacers removed and stem flipped) for sprint and Oly distance, but longer than that and the back flares up.
So basically I think I’ve traded some aerodynamics for comfort, while *feeling *like I have not lost any power. I realize the loss of aerodynamics will cost some speed, but I think I’m still faster than scrapping the whole thing and riding the road bike. But then again, maybe I’m wrong.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to invest some $$ in professional fit, etc., but as a MOP-er with a kid getting ready to start college in the fall it’s not enough of a priority to justify the $$.
Good question. On my road bike I usually ride on the hoods; when I spend much time on the drops I feel like I generate more power but my lower back tends to get too sore…I’m guessing that could be a combination of fit, flexibility, etc. (Unfort. I have a history or “bulging” disc in lower back)
On this tri bike I could hold a lower position with relatively flat back (basically same setup with spacers removed and stem flipped) for sprint and Oly distance, but longer than that and the back flares up.
So basically I think I’ve traded some aerodynamics for comfort, while *feeling *like I have not lost any power. I realize the loss of aerodynamics will cost some speed, but I think I’m still faster than scrapping the whole thing and riding the road bike. But then again, maybe I’m wrong.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to invest some $$ in professional fit, etc., but as a MOP-er with a kid getting ready to start college in the fall it’s not enough of a priority to justify the $$.
Thanks again,
Jon
Key point in BOLD.
I think that, given the point mentioned above, the one way that you will be able to improve aerodynamics is by switching to a saddle that allows you to rotate your hips more (which, IMHO, you are not doing right now).
By doing so, you should be able to go lower while maintaining a hip:back angle that you currently have which should prevent the back pain you alluded to.
