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Comfort on aero bars compared to drops
Dukey3d
Posts: 19
in General Chat
It would depend on what you find uncomfortable about drops. Is it a flexibility issue in your back and hamstrings - causing discomfort in your core? Or is it the arm fatigue of supporting more of your body weight?
I personally hate riding on drops. Only on descents would I use them. However, I absolutely love my aerobars and can spend hours on them with very little discomfort. Again, it takes sensible practice it get used to being in this position.
I have worked hard on my flexibility to make this transition from hoods to aero successful but it's been so worthwhile. For me being on the aerobars is worth 3 -4 kph, sure otherwise experience similar gains.
I personally hate riding on drops. Only on descents would I use them. However, I absolutely love my aerobars and can spend hours on them with very little discomfort. Again, it takes sensible practice it get used to being in this position.
I have worked hard on my flexibility to make this transition from hoods to aero successful but it's been so worthwhile. For me being on the aerobars is worth 3 -4 kph, sure otherwise experience similar gains.
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I currently use the drops occassionally, but find it uncomfortable to spend over 10mins or so on them at a time. Does this mean that I'm likely to find aero bars equally uncomfortable?
I've got pretty poor hamstring flexibility, which I guess is a big factor.
It's more a flexibility issue I think. I don't feel excess pressure on my arms, my core is pretty good, but I feel too stretched around my lower back/butt. I guess I need to spend more time stretching.
It's interesting that you find aero bars more comfy as I always thought being in that lower, more extreme position would be more uncomfortable than the drops. Do you feel that your forearms are bearing your upper body weight making it easier on your lower back?
When on aerobars you should be in a relaxed position, that is one reason why I do not like 'S' bars and prefer the 'skis', also see this:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml
If you are using aero bars on a road bike you need to check out the fitting, have a look at this:
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/bikefit.html
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/sbend.shtml