Originally Posted by
beng1
And you also missed that I am down on the drops and the Tour riders are not
It doesn't matter. Hoods or drops, your hands are nowhere near where a pro places their hands.
Originally Posted by
beng1
And besides I am riding a fifty-year old steel frame, so that I am getting it as close as I am, and able to go as fast as I do on this bike, is proof that I am doing it right.
That is not proof that you managed a correct bike fit. The photo is evidence that the human body can still perform fairly well in an awkward and far-from-optimal bike position.
Originally Posted by
beng1
This year I am throwing some Continental tires on this bike along with some 180mm cranks, and if the bad valve to my aorta does not get any leakier I will be going just as as fast or faster than last year.
Longer cranks will make your hip angle even more closed, which will make it harder to produce power.
Some unsolicited advice: Rather than try to invent a bike position, pay attention to what professional bike fitters have to say. Since you seem to be focused on achieving an extreme aero position, something approximating a
time trial position might suit you well.