aerobars and seat configuration - ever heard of this...
16
Member
1429 days
justinmbaxter posted 3 years ago.
I don't agree. Lance Armstrong's TT saddle is only a centimeter or two forward of his road saddle in relationship to his road bike.
There is an article floating around on the web somewhere about loss of power from switching setups. Either John Cobb or Steve Hed showed that they can make you very aero in the wind tunnel, but if you don't practice on your race bike at least three times a week, you're going to have a net loss of power. This is why stage race riders' bikes are only marginally different than their road setup. It would be impossible to switch back and forth during a stage race.
Do a search for "Scott Daubert" and "time trial".
806
Member
1380 days
thehitman posted 3 years ago.
Cervelo actually makes a reversible post for their bikes.
There's a good discussion of the whole concept in Bikesport's Review of the Cervelo Dual:
bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/dual.shtml
If I keep plugging the Dual, Cervelo's bound to give me one as a reward!!!
thehitman
thehitman
“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” Mark Twain
[/SIZE]
2332
Member
2416 days
Tribro posted 3 years ago.
I agree with Justin. It is proven that you will lose power if you switch your position around. Unless you're a cyclist riding 5x times per week, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for the average athlete to have two position (road and tri). As well, trying to dial in your position by switching your saddle every other day is a bad practice. Even a slight 1/8 inch change can make an impact.
That said, people do have two different setups. Those that road and TT. Like Lance, though it sounds as though it's pretty miniscule. As well, these guys have several bikes setup for each, not switching out posts and saddles.
If a more traditional road setup is an option you want, consider doing it seasonally. So ride the Tri version in season and train in the winter on a road ride giving yourself ample time coming into season to make adjustment. As well, try to have each option dialed in so your seated position is as close as possible. The distance between the pedals and your saddle, and try to just play with the lateral movement of the saddle or better yet the handlebars/stem.
Anyway, my .02 cents from reading I've done and friends. i don't know anyone who swaps out seat/saddle, and those who ride tri/road have 2 separate bikes and get them fitted to as close to each other as possible.
82
Member
1863 days
trianimal posted 3 years ago.
Here's the deal, ya gotta understand that Lance ain't gunna run a 10k or marathon off the bike. Tri-specific setups are idealy suited to get you to the run start relaxed and with somewhat fresh legs. If your position is too extreme, you will expend too much precious energy. Sprint distances you can hammer in a low tight position, but try it after a 56 or 112 mile training ride...big difference. That is unless you're like Steve Larsen or Jurgen Zack.
232
Member
1313 days
ironmike12 posted 3 years ago.
I just got my bike and I'm doing a lot of changes to my seat position just to find what works for me. I don't have 5 different seats and posts. I just use a lil red touch up paint and make small marks on my seat rails. This lets me change the seat and move back exactly where I had it if I don't like the new position. My seat posts has hashes painted on it to begin with and I just write down the numbers so I can look back. That's just how I do it. Good luck with everything.
127
Member
1566 days
Geo posted 3 years ago.
all this lance talk, dont forget lance started off in triathlon and said background may very well play a role in his present riding techniques(at the very least way deep in his brain). hopefully when he retires he will come back into the fold.
"As long as theres water...Chilly, Wet, Water!"
491
Member
1681 days
trainDaBrain posted 3 years ago.
One other point to consider (for us guys at least), is that some will have a tri/aero position for their seat because of the way the tri position compresses the groin region when your seat is otherwise set-up for road.
It's just a tad more comfortable. :)
In making my appointment with the local bike guru to fit me with my bike and new aerobars...he recommended that I get a second seat post and saddle. The thought behind this is that there is a different riding position for aerobar riding and non-aerobar riding. Just because you put bars on your bike, doesn't mean you'll use them for every ride, thus you need to have a way to easily switch between the two riding positions. The easy way of switching being two seat post and saddle assemblies that you swap out depending on the type of riding you plan on doing.
The logic makes sense to me...I've just never seen anyone do it before. Anyone out there practice this thought????