TT/Tri Bike Question - Aerobar angles
 

I am in the process of building my TT/Tri bike for mixed use in team tri's and TTs (both prolog style short and long (i.e. 40k). The bike shop that is building my bike is saying that the bars should be pointed up at about 15 degrees above horizontal. I can see that that maybe uncomfortable of an angle and that the bars flat would be a better choice. In your opinion what is the best way to have the bars?

BTE I am used to an ultra low posisition on my road bike and this will be no exception. (I am getting easton attack bars)

I run mine with a slight downward tilt (back to front).
Seems to help with control and comfort, and i doubt very much it compromises anything power/speed wise.
Had them flat for a long time, didn't mind that, but this definitely feels better.
I am not an expert of any sort, however, so my input should be considered accordingly.
Good luck with the new bike!

why are they telling you what angle instead of fitting you for them?

I agree: that you should start where you think they should be and then work with your comfort from there...some people like them tilted, some don't. I have mine straight on level...

It is kind of like the LBS telling you which seat you should use!

RT

My aerobars are flat. I like 'em that way better than any other positive I've tried.

You mount them as you please. The bike shop forgets that they are not doing all the riding. Personally, I like them integrated. S-Bends or Straight feels good for me, and I grab short and really tucked in. In the end, it's whatever you are most comfortable with. Once I saw an older guy on a hybrid with the bars tilted up at least 45 degrees! Well... that's a little overboard, but you know what I mean! :D

Chris Carmichael, Armstrong's coach, says wind tunnel testing indicates flat is best w/ 90 deg. bends at shoulder and elbow.
I find better control and comfort with more upward angle, more power on uphills with increasing downward angle. Comfort is a a big deal w/ lower stem position, which tends to tighten up your back and can restrick breathing, especially if you are not thin.

I really question the logic of a LBS that gives you numbers without a fit...doesn't make sence to me.

Thanks guys for all the help... here is how I set them up... comment please on the fit... still tweaking a little. Do you think I can go lower on the bars (i.e. flip the stem)?

The positioning looks right: elbows are about 90 degrees and your left leg looks about 140 to 150 degrees. If you flip the stem, you will be sacrificing comfort for a little aero, and you find that your knees feel like they are pulling because you do this, the seat post may be too high. Also, you may find yourself moving the saddle a little more forward to compensate. It appears you are fine the way you are right now.

Better watch out...there looks to be a lion creeping up behind you in that second picture!!!!!

RT

maybe its just me, but you knee looks like its out there.

if that is comfortable, go for it. if you want to tweak it, your back could be flatter.

Heres a few notes...

1. I would say you should be able to find a comfortable bar position within +/- 10 degrees of flat, any more or less and you are sacrificing aerodynamics, however comfort is always number one.

2. As far as a tri position goes, it looks fairly good. However, if you did want to go lower(which is very possible), move your seat forward and roll your hips forward to keep all of your angles open.

3. As a TT position, I pose a question, is the tip of your saddle 5cm behind your BB? I'm guessing if you're racing TTs for a team, you will be following UCI rules. If this is true then I'd get the seat back and start reexamining your position.

Beautiful bike by the way... and good luck with the fitting

I would leave the stem as is, but I think you could go with a little longer stem. Elbows under ears is what I've read several times.

Well I bought a new stem today... I elected to stay with 110 mm (tried a 120 and did not like the feel) with a zero percent rise. I like the fit quite a bit better with the zero degree rise, much more agressive. Unfortunitly the stack heighth on the new stem is 5 mm smaller (smaller clamp) than the old stem I was trying so I can not ride it until I get a 5 mm spacer :cry:

I will post a few new pics tomarrow.

BTW the seat is all the way forward now. I can flip the seatpost to go with a more agressive angle put I fell most comfortable with the "setback" seatpost.

Post some pics of you in your new position. If I approve of it I'll send you my bill for adjusting your fit :)

Ok here you go...

I will try and get some better ones, my hips are not rotated proporly in the photo so my back is slightly arched... that is what I get for sprintiing at 33 MPH for the photo... :eek: Just imagine my back flatter in the middle, my arm angle slightly forward and my butt a slight farther back on the saddle