Inpd

Hi,

I recently got aero bars and have noticed the following and wondered what it tells me about my fit.

In the drops everything feels great and I ride 1-2 mph faster than on my aerobars where everything feels a bit cramped but is otherwise very comfortable on my hands. Interestingly I can also ride faster in the drops into a strong wind.

mikiek

Your arms, shoulders and chest are opened up more in the drops - it is easier to breathe. You may well be cramped with the aero bars particularly if you just got them. Breathing will be harder. Try spreading the aero bars out a bit for a while until you learn to work with them. Then start moving them closer.

Inpd

I should be more specific my legs in particular feel cramped on the upstroke. I've got a bit of a gut but not much. I've put my aero bars parallel to the ground to get the best aero position. Is that the problem?

Carbonfiberboy 

I'd need photos of you in the drops in the position where you're "1-2 mph faster" and on the aerobars. Something's not right here. Makes no sense at all. Another data point would be coasting performance. On a long even descent, after attaining a steady speed in the drops in your usual position, try moving to the aerobars and see if the speed changes. Descending with my aerobar setup, I'm faster on the aerobars than I am in full tuck on the drops with my chin on the stem. Pedaling, I, like most riders, am 1-2 mph faster on the aerobars.