Just to cap off the discussion that was up here last week. An explanation of why they chose to use the wider aerobar setup. From cyclingnews.com:
Gerolsteiner is riding with special handlebars today, as DS Christian Henn told us, “We tested the handlebars during training, when we reconnoitred the Tour de France TTT parcours. Two years ago, some of our riders had them already at the Tour. They’re wider in the aero position, which makes steering easier. Clip-ons on the usual TT bars are very narrow. The disadvantage of this special set-up is that when there are many turns, it’s harder to regain speed after the curve, because you lack the width of the usual TT handlebar. But when the course is pretty straight, the team tends to drive more steadily, and another advantage is that the brakes are right within reach - you don’t have to change position to brake. You can ride wide curves flat out on in aero position and ride closer to the wheel in front of you, because you feel safer.”
“Michael Rich especially is very much in favour of these bars. We hope for a good result at the Tour TTT - let’s say top eight.”
The explanation doesn’t make much sense to me. For the 5% of time that a users of a superior TT setup would be on the cowhorns through the tricky sections, the Gerolsteiner team is less aerodynamic for 95%.
They do look a lot more comfortable, so I could understand why the riders would like it, but I would think it cost them time today.
When they crossed the line with Levi in the lead (he’s on normal TT bars), I couldn’t detect any difference in their positions. Their forearms were in the right spot but didn’t have the excess where most bars have brake levers. I could see them not as handy out of corners as you would have very little leverage. I think for the track or a straight TT they would be fine, but not versatile enough.
I’m not buying it either, Tom. Maybe they drew too much conclusion out of their Eindhoven TTT results. Whatever. I’m not buying that this position is in any way advantageous…
Discovery, CSC, and Liberty have the goods: excellent aero positions and plenty of TTT drill.
