time trial bars - why not on road bikes?
Discussion
Sarkmeister said:
I dont mean stability as in adding weight high up, I mean it is difficult to control the bike when in that position (in my experience anyway). I wouldn't want to be riding through traffic on Tri-bars.
yeah i know, sorry i should have been clearer....i was referring to the aerodynamics thing.....do they make much of a difference? i know they weigh more (so pushing more mass) but if they help with aero then you'll obviously be quicker.cheers
They can make a huge difference, if you can find a position that you can produce power in, not everyone can and often can end up no better off than just riding on the hoods.
The reason they don't come on roadbikes as standard is because roadbikes are just that, designed for mixed road terrain riding and for most part it would be not only unsafe (going through built up areas and down steep hills etc) but it would be pointless a lot of the time as you'd be in and out of them and it would just be a faff. Also most of the time people find that riding in the drops without a stack of spacers is not comfortable, so I doubt many beginner/semi regular riders would be able to get comfortable enough to make it worthwhile anyway.
With regards to weight, it matters not, as you've already said, they weigh same as a bottle of drink, given that most TT's are fairy flat, if not very flat, the weight makes no odds. Which is why a specific time trial bike will usually always weight more than its equivalent spec road bike, larger aero tubing, disc wheels on their own often weigh the same as 2 light weight clincher road wheels let alone lightweight tubular ones, but its all about the who package put together. So when you couple a TT bike that will have geometry set up to put you into an aero dynamic position with all the other gear, skinsuit, time trial helmet, overshoes, disc wheel, deep front wheel, aero chain-rings and all that, it makes a big difference. But for most people good results can be got from just clip on tt bars and a skinsuit.
The reason they don't come on roadbikes as standard is because roadbikes are just that, designed for mixed road terrain riding and for most part it would be not only unsafe (going through built up areas and down steep hills etc) but it would be pointless a lot of the time as you'd be in and out of them and it would just be a faff. Also most of the time people find that riding in the drops without a stack of spacers is not comfortable, so I doubt many beginner/semi regular riders would be able to get comfortable enough to make it worthwhile anyway.
With regards to weight, it matters not, as you've already said, they weigh same as a bottle of drink, given that most TT's are fairy flat, if not very flat, the weight makes no odds. Which is why a specific time trial bike will usually always weight more than its equivalent spec road bike, larger aero tubing, disc wheels on their own often weigh the same as 2 light weight clincher road wheels let alone lightweight tubular ones, but its all about the who package put together. So when you couple a TT bike that will have geometry set up to put you into an aero dynamic position with all the other gear, skinsuit, time trial helmet, overshoes, disc wheel, deep front wheel, aero chain-rings and all that, it makes a big difference. But for most people good results can be got from just clip on tt bars and a skinsuit.
Lots of 'clip-on' bars are sold for road bikes: aero benefits aside, for long rides on quiet roads they can be very comfortable.
They do put you a long way from the brakes and gears, though, and push your weight forward and utterly compromise the bike's handling and your ability to take much avoiding action in an emergency.
Not the clearest pic, but clip-on aerobars plus a triple - jack-of-all-trades...
Giraffe optional.
They do put you a long way from the brakes and gears, though, and push your weight forward and utterly compromise the bike's handling and your ability to take much avoiding action in an emergency.
Not the clearest pic, but clip-on aerobars plus a triple - jack-of-all-trades...
Giraffe optional.
Edited by IroningMan on Monday 14th January 12:50
If you are riding with a group you might also be politely told not to use the aero bars. I was in a circuit race last year and there was a t
t who insisted on settling into the tt bars on the straights. No one else seemed to be bothered (I guess these were his mates) but I had a word with him during the race and had him formally disqualified at the end for good measure 
t who insisted on settling into the tt bars on the straights. No one else seemed to be bothered (I guess these were his mates) but I had a word with him during the race and had him formally disqualified at the end for good measure I use them for road use and they certainly help aerodynamically, especially when in a headwind. Its highlighted a few issues with the bike though as the new riding position really requires a smaller frame. I also want some bull horn style bars so I am nearer the brake. I need a front fork with a greater rake for stability now as well. Not so much a bolt on modification then as you really need the bike set up right for using them.
Will be getting a nice planet x track frame and tt front forks in the summer to replace my current bike.
Will be getting a nice planet x track frame and tt front forks in the summer to replace my current bike.
Batfink said:
I use them for road use and they certainly help aerodynamically, especially when in a headwind. Its highlighted a few issues with the bike though as the new riding position really requires a smaller frame. I also want some bull horn style bars so I am nearer the brake. I need a front fork with a greater rake for stability now as well. Not so much a bolt on modification then as you really need the bike set up right for using them.
Will be getting a nice planet x track frame and tt front forks in the summer to replace my current bike.
The geo of TT bars is completely different, as you have alluded to. Bolt on bars are a compromise but you'll never get as good a position as you would on a designated TT bike. What are you using the track bike for - I highly doubt that it will be suitable for a road setup unless you're going single speed because the rear dropout is horizontal...Will be getting a nice planet x track frame and tt front forks in the summer to replace my current bike.
Disastrous said:
"Triathlodorks®" 
(from the comments below that video, as in "If you ride a pace line with Triathlodorks®, you deserve whatever happens to you.")
That word SOOOOOOOOOO needs an 'urban dictionary' entry all of it's own. Nothing personal against triathlonists myself, it just tickles me as a word in itself. Absitively, posolutely awesome.
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