Trying to decide how to get my 5900 ready for TT season. I like to ride low, is the headtube generally too high? Does it pay to put 1 piece aerobars on, or just go with clipons? I can get steep enough with the saddle all the way foward, I think at least. I have a 54 cm 5900. Inseam of 32 if it helps. Has anyone else put 1 piece bars on their road bike for tris or TT’s. I have a disc and deep front, wondering if it pays to invest in a TT frame.
Hmmm, well, not to be a wet blanket, but if the TT’s are important to you you may want to think about a dedicated TT frame.
I know, but trek only allows one EP a year. arghh. So, what do you think would be the best alternative. An aero frame, I have been told, is only worth 20 seconds over 40k. Can most get a pretty good position with tri bars on a road bike?
If you are having trouble getting low enough, one of these might help.
Without knowing your measurements, I would guess that your biggest problem isn’t going to be headtube length (height) but top tube length. At least it was for me when I tried setting up my 5200 for tri’s. You can try a short pair of aero bars like the Jammer GT’s or some size small Syntace’s, but even with short aero bars and the saddle all the way forward on a zero setback seatpost I couldn’t get the right reach. The top tube is just too long for a decent tri position for me. Depending on your body dimensions your results may vary. If you have a long torso you might be able to get a decent tri position, but my gut feel is that if you were properly fitted in a road position on the bike when you bought it, it’s probably too long in the top tube for a tri position. Just my $0.02.
don’t do it…
read my post on the guy who wanted to justify the cost of a steep framed bike.
i converted my 5200 this last weekend. it absolutely SUCKED.
I just did the same thing, have been riding my old road bikes as tt bikes for years and always have been competitive. I did however get my hands on a 50cm 5900 instead of a 52cm(my road bike size). With clip ons I still wasn’t low enough due to the clipons as well as the arm rest raised the position 2 - 3 inches. I purchased a hi rise stem with an angle of 150 degrees length of 120mm and this lowered me about 3 inches. I am quite happy with the turn out and feel quite comforable in the position. I have no idea how fast I will be until the snow melts however.
Bob
A negative rise stem is a great idea, but for starters, nuke any thought of Syntace ClipOns. They have an outrageously huge “stack height”. It continues to amaze me that manufacturers make all that effort for a short head tube and the aerobar guys just take it away. The Profile carbon strike is almost a full inch lower than syntace if that helps. Beyond that I guess you can go with the Cinelli Angels or the Vision Techs. Another “heavy” option is the Look ergo stem, that offers infinite adjustability ! You can drop it as low as you like and you can bring the bars “in” and shorten your effective top tube length substantially ! Finally, I am amazed why all the “modern” manufacturers use positive rise stems on the OEM specs. All the quill headset guys always had ~17-20 degree drop stems (i.e. pretty well level to the ground)
I agree 100%. I just bought a set of Oval R700 integrated bars (the aluminium ones) They have a nice low stack height, quite nice actually. I haven’t ridden with them yet, as I’m still tweaking my position. Need to get out the tubing cutters!!
Only problem with the look ergo stem is it is extremely expensive. I am also told it has quite abit of flex to it.
Bob
Assuming I can reach, what aerobars are good for little drop besides shorties? Cinelli angel, what about ITM, deda aeroblue, and perhaps even the heds as I am planning on a TT bike sometime sooner or later?
Thanks
jared