Comfort v aero for reducing times on TT's

[Celtic Dragon]

After last weeks Club 10, I've borrowed a set of clip ons for a trial in comfort.

I've had a bike fit so the bike does fit me, but the TT showed me my back doesn't like riding on the drops. I had back ache for 2 days afterwards, yet the legs were fine the following day.

So the question for those that do TT's, how much do you need to be comfortable to give a good base to push yourself? I can understand that you can be to aero that you deminish your ability to make power.

Basically I don't want to look like a newbie twit thyat slapped horns on his bike for no reason.

Yes I have ridden on them today and the new position is infinitaly more comfortable than on the drops, but deffianly more sketchy, but I was having to think more about staying upright.

[okgo]

My TT bike is probably OK for about 1 hour in position before it's very uncomfortable. My body knows all about it when I've done even a short TT.

It doesn't need to be comfortable really, you just need to adapt to it.

[Oscar the Grouch]

It does take a while to get comfortable riding for any period on TT bars as your shoulders, neck and back will be in an unfamiliar position and just steering it straight can be hard. I would imagine your bike fit set you up for normal riding where most riders on TT bars sit slightly further forward.

But it is quicker once you master it and can hold a good aero position.

Edited by Oscar the Grouch on Monday 27th April 02:16

[upsidedownmark]

Unfortunately if you just added clip on bars to your existing fit, the bike most definitely did NOT fit you with them on!

Aerobars put your hands a lot further forward, and the rest of the fit needs to change to accommodate - shorter stem, and usually slam the saddle forward on its rails / up a bit to compensate. Without adjustment you'll be over stretched and your hip angle very closed. You're not alone, I reckon most people with clipons have failed to make any adjustment too.

In terms of long distance comfort it does take a while to condition the shoulders, and with time you'll probably get more flexible and able to go lower at the front, but for 10 or 25 mile TT's comfort isn't really an issue.

Edit - I completely misread the question! Would definitely rather ride on aerobars than drops. Far easier on the back as your body is supported much more at the front. You may want to take the above into consideration when you try the aerobars tho

Edited by upsidedownmark on Monday 27th April 09:28

[louiebaby]

As I start to think about doing some low level time trialling, partly brought on by your other thread, as I am severely budget limited, I find myself drawn to this sort of kit, to make the most of my current bike:

http://www.redshiftsports.com/switch-aero-system/

[okgo]

The seatpost thing is potentially a sticker, but 220 quid for the two things is a bit expensive. Aero bars cost bugger all, and I think if you have a fair bit of adjustability on the seatpost you already have you can get it fairly good.

Skinsuit always a good investment.

[louiebaby]

okgo said:

The seatpost thing is potentially a sticker, but 220 quid for the two things is a bit expensive. Aero bars cost bugger all, and I think if you have a fair bit of adjustability on the seatpost you already have you can get it fairly good.

Skinsuit always a good investment.

It's the ability to easily switch, even for the ride home. Good to hear your thoughts though!