currently, i only have a road bike and plan on riding it this tri season in a normal road set-up, i.e, approx 73-74 degree seat tube, with standard road drop bars and no clip-on aerobars. focusing only on bike speed (not considering the potential run off the bike benefits) how much faster can one expect to be by riding a designated tri-bike or even putting aerobars on my road bike. i should average between 21-23 mph on my current bike this summer in sprint and oly distance races. my question is, how much faster can you expect to be by getting aero?
You’ll go up by 1 mph or more with clip on aero bars. But riding a road geometry do get short bars designed for this geometry or you’ll be too stretched out with longer bars designed for a tri bike. I’d suggest Profile Jammer GT, small size Syntace C2, or an adjustable length bar such as the Profile Aero Lite.
Also read about John Cobb’s “big slam” position on a road bike. Essentially sliding the seat back and lowering it a bit. Seems to work for some people. Described here
i’ve read about the big slam and i don’t think this position would work for me.
i should add that my road bike is a soloist and i have the option of playing with seat tube angle. i’ve explored clip-on aerobars and i’m not sure which ones would be best. shorty ITU bars vs. standard clip-ons.
ultimately, i was just debating with myself about whether or not it would truly be worth it to go through the hassle of getting aerobars and finding a comfortable position with them if it wouldn’t significantly improve my time. i guess i just have to determine what a significant improvement in time would constitute.
The Soloist is a great dual purpose road/TT bike.
Just do it. IMO you’re being a bit stubborn resisting this. Aero bars do make a difference.
alright, alright, i’ll do it. thanks for your input.
any thoughts on aerobars? do you still recommend the shorty’s if i’m going to move the seat forward?
I really like the Profile Aerolite just because it’s adjustable length. Also really like the Syntace C2 but they come in small, medium, large so you’ll have to determine which one is for you. You won’t need shorty’s if the seat is forward.