This is a two part post.
In 4 months time I’m entering a 24 hour 320km event. After watching too many adventure videos and reading I’ve got some clip aero bars for a bit of aero gains and a different position. I bought some cheap Chinese unbranded ones from the bay as a test to see if I could even get into them. Well I can and after a few hours today I’m aching in some new places (shoulders and neck).
Q1) Road bikes I’ve got a handle on good bike fit and position but for these I’m not sure what I should be doing. I think it’s too low judging on my aches but not sure so any advice how to check is very welcome. Picture any good?
Q2) Assuming my fit is too low I struggling to find adjustable clip ons so suggestions please! Happy to just get clips and reuse the extensions as so far I’m happy with the shape.
All out aero performance is less relevant (but still nice) compared to the bonus of possible position over the time.
Its really hard to generalise, because fit and comfort is very individual, but… I have a road bike setup, and then added TT bars based on a known long distance TT setup. Both positions were really comfy long-term. When I combined the two (or in other words, added the TT clip-ons) then I found I needed about 60mm between the top of the bar and the elbow pad, and also my elbows needed to be 50mm back from the top of the bar.
To get this with an off-the-shelf clip-on isn’t easy (most clip-ons put you too low/too far forward) , and to make matters worse, I found that I needed really good positive location of my elbows so I didn’t fidget and move around, so I wanted elbow cups with a back to them. In the end, I got a 3T team clip-on (which takes any 22.2mm extension) and some custom carbon elbow cups. The 3T clip on can have spacers to raise the bar, which for me was absolutely necessary.
As a general rule of thumb for this use case, I’d essentially try to get the stack height to the point where your back angle is nearly the same as your position that you would ride in as if you were in the drops, with somewhat straight arms. Granted, if riding in the drops is uncomfortable for you, then try to replicate your back angle to your standard hoods position. Additionally, don’t be afraid to really angle the extensions upwards. This gives you a bit of pushback which will help you from wanting to slide forward on the saddle.
Profile Designs offers tons of adjustability, and a bunch of styles. The standard Sonic brackets offer the highest stack, and can be raised further with spacers. https://profile-design.com/collections/aerobar-brackets
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Thanks both for extra brands to search for.
Think I’ve found an option that has some risers included.
Then can at least get some little risers if need less height.
The issue with the Deda Tri bars (specifically the Parabolica, which I think is shown in that link) is that the extensions are 24mm, so you’re pretty much limited to Deda-only. The standard size for extensions is 22.2mm. So, if you bought the ones listed, you’re going to need to shim some standard extensions or get some Deda ones, I think.
Oops, I think you’re right!
Will have to work out some shims or extensions then.
Balls.
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If you have some images of your fit with the aero bars, it would help us provide some advice as to adjustments.
Some fit / physical adjustments are pretty common…so I wouldn’t make too many changes just yet based on initial soreness. Give it some time to see if you adapt.
The deda clamps are indeed a unique size (proprietary sizes/parts are the bain of cycling tech). A few basic cad tutorials and a 3d printing services and I upgraded the drinks can shim.
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