To close to IMLP for shorty aero bars?

rmiller

I was listening to an old podcast and coach Rich mentioned the idea of getting a set of shorty aero clip-ons as a way to get into more of an aero position on a road bike without overextending the arms from the torso and compromising fit. 

With IMLP coming up in 11 days, is it too close to even bother?  I'd have 1-2 rides worth that I could start to get used to them - a couple hours during race day would be better than nothing, right?

I've thought about putting aero bars on my roadie (thats all I have at the moment) in the past, but convinced myself not to bother due to my current set up being fit for normal roadie position, not an aero one - and I didn't want to alter anything that might result in injury due to improper positioning.  However, if the idea with a shorty set of bars is that one can have a road fit, but still reasonably drop into a more aero position and get some benefit, then I might reconsider.   I suppose you could argue that just because I have them doesn't mean I need to be in them all the time.  I'm just thinking of the benefits it might have on the flats at IMLP, and the turn back from Au Sable Forks, which tends to have a slight headwind.  I'd imagine that on hills I'd sit back up in normal position.

 

 

 

carls10

My opinion we are too close to race day to make that change. Having used aero arts on a roadie, the position is all off. If you are not comfortable in them (most likely would need to change the fit) you are not going to use them. Meaning you are just adding weight to your bike to carry around for 112 miles.

Coach Rich

You should put the bars on the bike. The position isn't that different from you riding in the drops or with your forearms on the tops of the bars, but it's more aero and uses less than energy than either.