Cervelo s3 with clip on aero bars. Beneficial?
1288
Member
1558 days
PJT posted 8 weeks ago.
1) Aerobars will definitely be beneficial. I find getting aero is usually worth about 1 to 1.5 MPH, assuming proper fit and position. That's more than any frame, wheelset or aero helmet will get you. Even if you don't get 1MPH, if you are in a proper aero position you should be getting the same speed with less power. Less power used on the bike means more gas in the tank for the run. If your current bars are carbon and you don't have access to a torque wrench, you probably want a shop to install the aerobars.
2) If you can afford an S3, you can afford to go in and get properly fit to aerobars. Find a FIST-certified fitter. Cervelo S-bikes are great because they are designed to allow aerobar riding with a flip of the seatpost head. But if you're serious about getting the benefits of aerobars, you do want to make sure your stem is the proper length for riding aero (generally shorter than a road stem), that your seat height is OK, hip angle is correct, etc.
3) Saddle is always a personal choice. I'm not too familiar with the Alliante, but I would see how things feel during your fitting and switch saddles if you hurt too much.
4) If you're only doing tris with this bike, you could consider a full aero cockpit (so a full aerobar plus bullhorn basebar setup with bar end shifters and regular brake levers). This would allow you to stay in the aerobars more consistently.
588
Member
442 days
jnrice posted 8 weeks ago.
+1, but remember that drag is squared realized to speed. Aero anything helps a lot at high speeds, and not at all at low speeds. How much will it help? That depends on how fast you go. If you average 12mph on the bike don't worry about it. if you average 25 mph on the bike then for sure. One thing for sure, it won't hurt anything.
I currently own a Cervelo S3 with a fizik aliante saddle. My bars are FSA (SL-K) I was wondering what the take on putting clip on aerobars would be? Is this beneficial or not? Will it improve the speed and store energy for the run? This is my third year (fall) competing in triathlons and I used to ride in the aero position on my trek bike with clip ons. I didn't know if its ok to put them on my cervelo. I find the aero position more comfortable for the races.
How would I go about the purchases if its beneficial: meaning what brand is good, should I be fit for it, should I change my saddle?