I was looking at the new Corsair base bar and was wondering what is the benefit of having a bar that drops down as opposed to a flat bar? I think that it looks very cool but I would think that if you took two bar with the same effective width that the flat one would have less surface area and less drag.
it is like riding in the drops of a road bike → more power for starts and climbing
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So I guess one would see more of these at sprints and olys than at HIMs and IMs?
IMHO, the original integrated bars were well designed with a drop to the base bar. Look at the older Vision, Deda and others. I believe the understanding was that you can’t/don’t spend all your time in the aero position especially in longer events. Be it to make turns, climb, go thru water stations, deal with traffic (other racers or cars) or obstacles, change positions for comfort - people will come out of the aero bars at times and for some time.
So, if the bar is flat and the cockpit short then when you come out of the aero bars you are practically upright. This is a very un-aero position and not necessary (often not better for climbing, maneuvering or comfort).
So, a base bar with a hand position lower than the elbow pads, a little forward and similar to the drops (but maybe not as low) can be a good/better alternative. Using this set up one could maximize efficiency, control, comfort and safety-especially in longer events. But, somewhere along the development line the ‘aero-ness’ (or look of it) trumped practicality and bars were made flat.
If you look at the number of people in an IM who spend considerable time on the base bar i think it would be worthwhile for them to examine this option. 75% of the race on the aero bars and 25% on a dropped base bar may be better than 100% of the time at a less aggressive base bar drop that can be held for the full distance. Also safer (have you seen how much crap get droped on the road in an IM - OMG) and more comfortable by allowing a small change in position for brief periods.
From my experience doing some sprints and watching a bunch there is no need for aero bars. You accelerate, turn, pass, maneuver - you are all over the place. No ‘need’ for aero bars. (of course many riders don’t take the time to learn to ride the drops which is a separate issue). However, it may be worthwhile to have a ‘tri’ bike so you may as well leave them on.
Olys and Time Trials are probably the place for a flat bar. Hopefully the race conditions permit you to stay in the bars for the duration and hopefully you have set them up in a position you can hold for the duration.
HIM and IM, best place for a reasonable drop in the base bar. The minor cost in aero-ness of the bars can be gained many fold if you need to use them during the race.
I’d be interested to hear other opinions on this.
Regards