Seems like almost every team in the TTT was using s-bend aerobars yesterday. I’ve never ridden s-bends, but just sitting here at my desk and putting my arms & hands in the “traditional” (thumbs up) aerobar position vs the knuckles-pointed down s-bend position, I don’t understand the advantage of the s-bend bars. It doesn’t feel like I’d have more power or control with my wrists extended that way. It does seem like your elbows need to be wider than your wrists – is that right? Also seems to me that riding like that for a long time is going to cause wrist/forearm problems, where the traditional position is going to be more comfortable.
Can someone explain what the big deal is with the s-bends?
Lee Silverman
JackRabbit Sports
Park Slope, Brooklyn
I agree. If I hold my hands out in front of me and align arms/shoulders in the 90/90 degree optimal angle for aero bar use, my hands naturally fall into a grip pattern that is the same as the traditional tt or aero bars - turned up at the front at approximatly a 45 degree angle. If I try the s-bend grip pattern, it’s like I am forcing my hands/wrists in to an un-natural position. Perhaps it’s just me and I have unflexible wrists/hands.
there must be something to it. But…they only TT for around and hour…or much less. Comfort probably isn’t as much of a concern as it would be in a 1/2 or full ironman.
My understanding of why s-bends are better for speed is because of air flow around the hands and arms. In the traditional hand position your knuckles and hands are cutting the wind and if you open your fist just a bit you are catching wind. In the s-bend positition the air flows better over the arms and wrists. Also, if you notice the entire body position of the riders using s-bends they usually lower the front end measurably making it so that the forearms actually point downward slightly, improving air flow even more. For the average Joe like most of us, it won’t matter much, but it might shave a few seconds for the pros.
I’ve also noticed that I sometimes tend to grip my standard aero bars in more of a “s-bend like” position lately and therefore don’t use the end of the aero bar all that much–so maybe its also a function of using less material overall.
i have never tried today’s s-bends, but a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, i used a set mavic aerobars that put the hands and arms in exactly the same position as today’s s-bends. now i use another pair of old scott bars that were the first of the s-bends, but about 10 years ago.
it is hard to explain. irrelevent of the aerodynamics, for rides up to, say, 2 hrs., the arm and wrist position offers incredible leverage. past 2 hrs. i cant say how comfortable it would be. you have to try it to fully understand it.
Simple - pushing into the market a product to convince those who already have aero bars that they need a new one. The tour riders will be fast on any configuration s or not s. Many genetically ungifted middle class Americans dream of buying free speed and are likely to copy the heroes from TV. This is why people discuss what wheels Lance have and where to buy them.
The most important factor is adaptation. Use the bars that fits you and train consistently.
If we are happy with what we have, we won’t buy new stuff. Bike companies have done a great job of convincing us we need S-bends to be faster. Plus they look cooler.
They showed the mentality behind the S extensions on last year’s Lance Chronicles…Steve made them because of the L’Alpe Time Trial…Lance needed to be aero and have be able to have leverage on the climb.
Basso used the Vision Tech TT bars for the same reason …plus he need the extra weight to make the limit.
I’ve used both Profile type and now the TT’s. The TT’s make you feel like you can push MUCHO more…the leverage makes all the difference in the world. No they are not comfortable for any length of time…certainly nothing like the regular bars…but you can really pull on them and get some nice leverage out of them.
Bottom line. I love them and they work for me. But any time over 10 minutes and I have to sit up and give my wrists a break.
Yeah, it’s definitely a money-making scheme by the bike companys.
Funny thing, though; most of the aerobar companies don’t have s or straight bend bars to sell, and the riders/teams are modifying their own bars to fit this current paradigm…
Top 5 in the TDF opening TT:
Zabriskie - straight bars (FSA - not available from manufacturer)
LA - S-bend (Bontrager - prototype, not available)
Vinokourov - “standard” bend (Giant, theoretically available, but good luck)
Hincapie - standard bend (Bontrager, s-bend cut off to make a standard bend - go figure…)
Landis - “Preying Mantis”/Hooker position (BMC - not available.)
I just started using them this year. At first on longs rides I noticed that they where very uncomfortable. But when I race I do notice the difference in leverage especially when I need extra power out on hills or out of corners. I am only doing short races this year, if I race long next year I will probably change back to the standard aerobars.
I have a home made set, hacked mtn riser bars.
More comfortable for me than the syntace I had previously. Leverage is there when I want it. But comfort is the main benefit.
Proper length of the extension, or reach, may be key to comfort.
I’ve got my elbows very close to 90degrees, all that skeletal support probably helps.
No clue whether they are faster. And, yes, there is a cool factor.
the “giant” carbon bars are not too tough to get- I got them from R&A cycles- here they are with HED S bends in them- any giant dealer should be able to order them I would imagine.
My roadie bike guy modified the Oval aerobars on my new bike by taking a hacksaw to them and removing one of the bends…not to be cool, they were just too dang long.
There was a couple week adjustment period, but now I am very comfortable in the new straighter bars. Good aggressive postion and plenty of power…long ride is 108 with another 110 scheduled for Sunday.
I am quite impressed to find that I am finally on the cutting edge of something…
I always grabbed at the middle-bend on my standard 2-bend bars. So I tried the s-bends, and it was what I’d been searching for. Just fit right. Still fiddling with rotational angle (which will affect the “rise” of the S and also the general feel) and length, but I love them. Rides over 5 hours, and they still feel good. I love the feeling of being able to “pull” on them when I want to for extra power, but I also like the feel when my hands are just sitting on their relaxed. For me, they just fit better…
