I'm sure this question has been asked before but I couldn't find a good answer in the search results:
I have a 2003 Litespeed Ultimate that I want to convert into as aggresive and aero a position as possible for a single race. I am renting Aero wheels, I bought an Aero helmet, and I'm going to add Aero bars ... my question ... how Aero can I get my position, and what am I sacrificing versus a proper Tri bike? I plan to go to the local tri shop for a proper fitting of the bars and seat and possibly get a forward tilting seatpost.
I should add that I ran only aero bars last year, bike about 7-10 hrs a week, and hardly ever get out of the bottom of the drops.
Quick thoughts on some of the sacrifices:
1. Balance & handling. (I've never noticed the difference, but I also haven't raced my road bike on a technical course in the aerobars or had to do any sudden turning).
2. Head tube and top tube lengths and the corresponding effect on your ability to get low in front.
3. Aero tubing, wheel cutouts, etc.
If you can safely set up the bike to get low in front and still maintain good body angles to not lose power, only #3 will really unavoidably impact your speed, and reportedly not by very much.
I have a road bike a TREK 5200 - added areo bars and a forward seat post - then had a FIST fitting to dial in the position. It has worked pretty well for me. I've had no issues with technical courses with handling etc.