Professional Cycling - how come TDF cyclists don't use triathalon style bikes?

Wasn't sure where to post this.

But, exactly as the title implies, how come TDF cyclists don't use aero bars and bar end shifters etc etc?

They do but only in the time trail stages. The TTs are most like the bike leg of a triathlon. For the other stages and types of riding-- mountains, pack riding on he flats, sprints-- a TT-specific bike is not the best choice.

They're illegal in mass-start events (i.e.: Tour de France). Only during Time Trial races.

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-260029.html

I remember vaguely that there was an ergonomics issue, but I googled a bit and couldn't find it. Maybe it was an outdated style. I think the aero bars were putting bad pressure on riders' wrists. Anyone remember this?

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-260029.html

I remember vaguely that there was an ergonomics issue, but I googled a bit and couldn't find it. Maybe it was an outdated style. I think the aero bars were putting bad pressure on riders' wrists. Anyone remember this?


I remember that the ban on aero bar for mass start stages of the TdF was motivated by safety concerns. At least that's what the TdF officials said at the time, me thinks.

I remember that the ban on aero bar for mass start stages of the TdF was motivated by safety concerns. At least that's what the TdF officials said at the time, me thinks.

correct

and not just the TDF, but any sanctioned mass start bicycle race.

What follows is personal opinion and not offered as "fact" - please bear in mind Forum etiquette ... you can't yell at people for opinions ... ;)


When riding for 5 - 70 KM and 'racing the clock' the sole focus of a rider is speed and power - minimizing wind friction becomes paramount and a TT position does that best. TT bikes normally are not the lightest bikes but the trade off of aerodynamics and power generation (different leg/arse muscles recruited via the position on the bars and steeper seat tube angle) are desirable.

When riding for 190 - 275 km and racing not the clock but 'everyone around you' your only goal it to get there first. Power and speed are secondary to this task - energy conservation is paramount. The more retained during the race, the more for the possible sprint and the easier the recovery for the next day's slog. TT bikes are detrimental to these goals.

Therein lies the reason pro's don't use aero setups/bikes in road races. True that bar extensions or bullhorn TT setups are banned in mass start races - steering is too responsive to be riding cms away from eight other people. But riders could put normal bars on a TT bike and race in ProTour events. Point being, the bike (not the bars) itself isn't the right tool for the purpose.

Case in point - single day races. Speed is more a factor (nothing to save "for tomorrow", except possibly during the heat of the Spring Classics) as people want to 'punish' other riders and force them to stay with it. But even still the goal is to conserve energy and be comfortable over hundreds of kms (and many of them on pave).

All comes down to the right tool for the right job.

Again - opinion

have you never watched a time trial stage on the tours?

ooh..sorry, that sounded very rude. i did not mean it to come out that way at all! but yes, previous posters have pointed out the illegality of aero bars in grouped rides.

Also, even though the TT and Tri bikes have similar frames, bars and brakes they typically have different gearing and rear wheels. A tri bike has to accomodate a larger variety of terrain changes and so will typically have standard road bike gearing. A TDF TT bike will have taller gearing for higher speeds over a shorter distance and typically a fully enclosed rear wheel. The fully enclosed rear wheel can be dangerous on longer courses and is not often used on longer tri races where side winds can be a problem.

Again - opinion

And it's wrong...on many levels.

And it's wrong...on many levels.

such as?

such as?

I'm just not sure that it ever even gets to that point, considering a TT bike isn't allowed on a regular stage.

Rule 1M D &G

And i'd like to see how this would have gone if they were riding triathlon bikes


Just sayin

I'm just not sure that it ever even gets to that point, considering a TT bike isn't allowed on a regular stage.

Rule 1M D &G


TT setups are banned in mass start races

You're in agreement so far.



And i'd like to see how this would have gone if they were riding triathlon bikes


Just sayin

It would have looked like this:


Don't say someone is wrong on multiple levels if you actually agree with them.

Don't say someone is wrong on multiple levels if you actually agree with them.

It sounds so much more powerful though.

It sounds so much more powerful though.

Your mom sounds powerful.

Your mom sounds powerful.

Menopause has that effect on women

What follows is personal opinion and not offered as "fact" - please bear in mind Forum etiquette ... you can't yell at people for opinions ... ;)


When riding for 5 - 70 KM and 'racing the clock' the sole focus of a rider is speed and power - minimizing wind friction becomes paramount and a TT position does that best. TT bikes normally are not the lightest bikes but the trade off of aerodynamics and power generation (different leg/arse muscles recruited via the position on the bars and steeper seat tube angle) are desirable.

When riding for 190 - 275 km and racing not the clock but 'everyone around you' your only goal it to get there first. Power and speed are secondary to this task - energy conservation is paramount. The more retained during the race, the more for the possible sprint and the easier the recovery for the next day's slog. TT bikes are detrimental to these goals.

Therein lies the reason pro's don't use aero setups/bikes in road races. True that bar extensions or bullhorn TT setups are banned in mass start races - steering is too responsive to be riding cms away from eight other people. But riders could put normal bars on a TT bike and race in ProTour events. Point being, the bike (not the bars) itself isn't the right tool for the purpose.

Case in point - single day races. Speed is more a factor (nothing to save "for tomorrow", except possibly during the heat of the Spring Classics) as people want to 'punish' other riders and force them to stay with it. But even still the goal is to conserve energy and be comfortable over hundreds of kms (and many of them on pave).

All comes down to the right tool for the right job.

Again - opinion

Sounds like a good Preacher. Take an hour & 20 min. to say what is best said in 2 min.

Oh man...

and what many have said but not directry the time trial do not handle as well as the regular road bikes, someone had said the stearing is not as responsive as well

From the UCI rules...

1.3.022 Provided that they comply with the criteria mentioned in this article, handlebars known as “delta”, “cowhorn”, “triathlete”, which have short handlebar extensions may be used exclusively in the following events:

Track:
- Individual and Team Pursuit
- Kilometre / 500 m Time Trial
- Record Attempt

Road:
- Time Trials

A forearm or elbow-rest shall be permitted.

In other races, the handlebar type shall be "classic" and no part of the handlebar may protrude forward of a vertical line passing through the front wheel axle
It's a matter of safety. When using triathlon bar extensions the hands are too far away from the brake levers which makes riding in massed groups dangerous (as was proven during the 1997 season after which they banned Cinelli "Spinacci" styled extensions).

It is written in the book of Jobst that triathlon bikes are "An abomination unto the world, wrought from Reynolds 666 tubes of satan or carbon fibers of beast."