Originally Posted by
thdave
Is there data out there to back up what people are saying? I got to think there is, but it reads as if people are just giving their personal experience, and it might or might not be scientific. The nice post by Poulin appears scientific enough, but you can't make conclusions from it given his reversed stem and cut handlebars.
I wonder what the wind tunnel data say about the effect of the wider bars on drag? I wonder what effect stem angle has with a person on the bike for the flat bar, bullhorn, and dropbar configurations?
For me, the appeal of working less than the next guy does to go the same speed is huge! But, that's offset by the discomfort of the drop bar bike.
If I could know that at 20mph I can work 10% less on the drop bar bike, I might suck it up and make the switch. If I reverse my stem and reduce the work by 15%, I want to know that. If I cut down my handlebars saves me 20%, I'm taking my hacksaw off its hook tonight.
But if these changes net a 2% difference, I wouldn't do a thing.
Not a study per say, but an
interview with a guy that does wind tunnel tests for amateur triathletes.
It's all about reducing frontal area. This isn't the only the video in the series. The prior ones deal improving the biomechanics by changing rider position, etc. There is a point at which they conflict. Better biomechanics may detract from aerodynamics. A more aerodynamic position may detract from comfort (as you indicated) and ultimately decrease power output.
If you really want a faster bike, get a recumbent or a velomobile. Short of that, you need to get your head down and your arms in. Drops aren't really the best for that. Aerobars are better. They are very comfortable to ride on too, once you get used to them. The problem with stock flat-bar road bikes is that the bar is too high and too wide. Putting aerobars on a bike not designed for them isn't ideal either. The top tube is usually too long. You want your elbows bent at approximately a 90 degree angle.
A drop bar represents a compromise. It's not as aero as an aerobar but gives you better control. It doesn't give you as much control as a wide flat bar but lets you vary your position to enhance comfort and aerodynamics.