Originally Posted by
c_mack9
Wow so much wrong information in this thread. First off the Foil is not really an aero road frame. It's a standard road frame with a few little aero benefits added to it, much like all these other new "aero" frames like the Madone. I love the Foil and I considered one myself, they're light, stiff and fast, but compared to a true aero road frame such as a Felt AR or Cervelo S5 (I say that because these 2 are monsters in the wind tunnel) it may as well be a round tube steel bike. Second, where on earth did the myth of aero bikes being uncomfortable come from? Read any review on the Felt AR series bikes and everyone raves about how comfortable it is. I rode one for 2 years and I agree with them. I rode MANY long rides and 2 centuries on mine and comfort was always outstanding. If you like the idea, looks, and benefits from the aero road bikes and would like to get one go for it. Just make sure you get it properly fitted and it will be just as comfortable as any other bike. When I decided to buy my AR5 I was like you, I mostly rode solo, considered triathlons in my future, and was more concerned about carrying a higher average speed over the distance of the ride. That bike was excellent for that. What it wasn't good at was quick stabs at accelerations, and being super lightweight. You can shave all you want, sit on the tops all you want, wear a regular kit all you want, and you will still get the aero benefits from the FRAME. If you were to aero up all that crap dude up there listed, that still wouldn't add any aero benefits to the frame so forget that noise.
All you say is true, and much of it is to the point. The problem is what is the use of having an aero frame if you squander the gained time to drag from other sources. No, employing a wide variety of aero techniques won't make the frame better, but it will complement it. If you are gong to throw away the time you could save due to aero by wearing an open jacket flapping in the wind, IMO having the aero bike is foolish. If aero bikes were so comfortable and light and just as good to ride as non-aero under all conditions, why wouldn't all frames be aero. After all it is just design characteristics that are difference, not construction material or methods. Since the aero bike isn't so perfect for general riding, it stands to reason one should avoid it unless one expects to need and use to the fullest extent all of its benefits.