Triathlon - Measurable advantage of forward seating?

Hello there,

First time poster here at the Triathlon forum. I tried my best to search for this topic, but am coming up empty. Therefore, please bear with my inept search abilities.

In any case, I'm wondering about whether if there is any measurable cost-benefit of putting on a forward seat-post. For example, I came across the Profile Design Fast Forward the other day (the day after my Wildflower long-course) and wondered aloud if this (and similar others from different manufacturers) would have helped in lessening the muscle fatigue in my quads (never mind my dire need to train more, especially bricks) after I unclip off my road bike. I imagine it would add to the aero position if I were to couple it with an aero-bar, but that's for a separate discussion.

Therefore, if you've seen a similar thread in the past, would you direct me there? If not, I'd appreciate greatly feedback on this topic. Anecdotal discussion is great, but studied conclusions would also be appreciated.

Cheers,

Jack

Hello there,

First time poster here at the Triathlon forum. I tried my best to search for this topic, but am coming up empty. Therefore, please bear with my inept search abilities.

In any case, I'm wondering about whether if there is any measurable cost-benefit of putting on a forward seat-post. For example, I came across the Profile Design Fast Forward the other day (the day after my Wildflower long-course) and wondered aloud if this (and similar others from different manufacturers) would have helped in lessening the muscle fatigue in my quads (never mind my dire need to train more, especially bricks) after I unclip off my road bike. I imagine it would add to the aero position if I were to couple it with an aero-bar, but that's for a separate discussion.

Therefore, if you've seen a similar thread in the past, would you direct me there? If not, I'd appreciate greatly feedback on this topic. Anecdotal discussion is great, but studied conclusions would also be appreciated.

Cheers,

Jack

If you have already had a bike fit for the aero position then you are set in the best position for you.
By best for you means your flexability and core strength (which relates to your tolerance to keep your head and neck in a forward aero position and to stay in the position...many have issues with their lower back in long course events), ability to have a position that allows you to have open breathing and Power (to generate watts...more aggressive more watts but at a point it takes away from your ability to run strong).
Moving the seat more fwd accesses the running muscle group. This may help on the bike if you are in a pure TT event - but as I noted above you compromise your ability to run. If you have a road fit it is very differnt than a TT/TRI fit. It's hard to compare to what the Pro's do as

Hi Jack650

Results from a quick google search...

http://www.jssm.org/vol5/n1/3/v5n1-3text.php

Check the references in the Journal article for a start on searching further.

Also from the bikesportmichigan article linked below is a comment about a June 2000 study referred to as 'The Garside Study' published in The Journal of Sports Sciences which is also referenced in the above Journal article.

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml

Unfortunately a forward seat post is a quick fix for trying to transform a road bike into a steeper seat tube angled ride, as it can impact weight distribution and therefore handling versus a specific Tri frame.

Note those which discount the forward seat position tends to be those from a Road Cycling background, where UCI rules limit a forward seat position as used in Triathlons.


Ciao Martin

If you have already had a bike fit for the aero position then you are set in the best position for you.
By best for you means your flexability and core strength (which relates to your tolerance to keep your head and neck in a forward aero position and to stay in the position...many have issues with their lower back in long course events), ability to have a position that allows you to have open breathing and Power (to generate watts...more aggressive more watts but at a point it takes away from your ability to run strong).
Moving the seat more fwd accesses the running muscle group. This may help on the bike if you are in a pure TT event - but as I noted above you compromise your ability to run. If you have a road fit it is very differnt than a TT/TRI fit. It's hard to compare to what the Pro's do as

Thanks, MHR.

My bike fit was most likely done for comfort, rather than for aero. I'll start looking for a fit specialist this summer. In any case, I was surprised to learn that moving the seat forward will actually involve my running muscle group MORE. I'd always thought it was the opposite.

Hi Jack650

Results from a quick google search...

http://www.jssm.org/vol5/n1/3/v5n1-3text.php

Check the references in the Journal article for a start on searching further.

Also from the bikesportmichigan article linked below is a comment about a June 2000 study referred to as 'The Garside Study' published in The Journal of Sports Sciences which is also referenced in the above Journal article.

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml

Unfortunately a forward seat post is a quick fix for trying to transform a road bike into a steeper seat tube angled ride, as it can impact weight distribution and therefore handling versus a specific Tri frame.

Note those which discount the forward seat position tends to be those from a Road Cycling background, where UCI rules limit a forward seat position as used in Triathlons.


Ciao Martin


Martin,

Thanks very much for the links! Great studies. So, my conclusion is as follows: I don't need a forward seat position, nor would I need the aero bar set-up, as I do not anticipate myself to race furiously and always be watching out for time (although I wish I can come in middle of the pack, rather than at the top end of the bottom quadrant) if I've done enough training. Further, after reading these two articles, and correct me please if I'm drawing the wrong conclusion, it appears that the "discomfort" of transitioning from bike to run due to the use of road bikes really last for the first 1-2 miles. I anticipate myself doing more half-Irons than Olympics, and I will probably do one Iron, so the discomfort really is not a major factor.

Again, much thanks.

Cheers,

jack